India’s DPIIT on August 12, 2025 signed MoUs in New Delhi with Hero MotoCorp and Zepto to support early-stage startups, targeting mobility, clean tech, deep tech, and manufacturing through access to R&D, mentorship, and market exposure, including paid PoCs; the initiatives prioritize Tier II/III and women-led ventures via Hero For Startups and Zepto Nova programmes.

DPIIT inks MoUs to turbocharge startup scaling

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) announced partnerships with Hero MotoCorp and Zepto to accelerate product-focused startups with structured access to testing facilities, expert guidance, and supply-chain integration opportunities. Under the pact with Hero MotoCorp, startups working on the future of mobility, clean technology, and deep technology will gain exclusive access to the company’s R&D facilities in Germany and India, dealer and supplier networks, and mentorship via the Hero For Startups accelerator. Selected ventures can also execute paid Proofs of Concept (PoCs) to validate solutions and secure early revenue.

The MoU with Zepto focuses on manufacturing through the Zepto Nova innovation challenge, supporting startups in hardware, IoT, packaging, and sustainable manufacturing with six-month mentorship, expert-led workshops, and Startup India support. The Commerce Ministry said Zepto will integrate 100+ startups into its supply chain, offering market access and a direct platform to showcase products. The programme prioritizes women-led founders and those from Tier II/III cities to broaden participation in India’s production economy.

Officials underscored that engagement from leading unicorns and manufacturers can compress the timeline “from idea to impact” for early-stage companies by combining public policy enablers with private-sector infrastructure. The MoUs were signed by DPIIT Director Sumeet Jarangal and, respectively, Utkarsh Mishra, Global Innovation Portfolio Lead at Hero MotoCorp, and Kaivalya Vohra, Zepto co-founder. Zepto’s Vohra said the partnership will help build “the future of manufacturing” in India, while Hero MotoCorp’s leadership emphasized startup-led innovation as vital to self-reliance and global competitiveness.

What startups get

R&D access: Hero’s labs in Germany and India for testing and development.
Market linkages: Hero’s dealer-supplier networks; Zepto’s platform and supply chain with 100+ integrations planned.
Mentorship: Structured guidance via Hero For Startups and a six-month Zepto Nova cohort with expert workshops.
Paid PoCs: Opportunities to run funded pilots with Hero MotoCorp.
Inclusion focus: Priority for Tier II/III and women-led startups in manufacturing tracks.

Focus areas and program design

Programme	Lead Partner	Core Focus	Key Benefits
Hero For Startups	Hero MotoCorp	Future mobility, clean tech, deep tech	R&D access (Germany/India), dealer network, paid PoCs, mentorship
Zepto Nova	Zepto	Hardware, IoT, packaging, sustainable manufacturing	6-month mentorship, expert workshops, 100+ supply-chain onboardings, market access

Background and significance

According to DPIIT, pairing government-led startup enablement with private-sector infrastructure and distribution can reduce friction in prototyping, certification, and commercialization—particularly for hardware and mobility where capital and validation cycles are longer. By tapping Hero’s international R&D and Zepto’s national logistics footprint, the MoUs aim to convert innovation into procurement at speed, especially beyond metros.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will applications open for each programme?
Exact application windows weren’t disclosed; founders should monitor DPIIT, Hero, and Zepto channels for timelines and criteria.
Are equity stakes involved in these pilots?
Terms weren’t specified; PoCs may be contractual. Founders should review MoU-linked programme agreements before committing.
Will startups receive grants or only in-kind support?
The announcements mention paid PoCs and mentorship; any grants or equity funding were not detailed.
Can non-Indian startups apply?
Eligibility wasn’t clarified; programmes likely prioritize India-registered entities given DPIIT and domestic supply-chain aims.

Key Takeaways

DPIIT’s twin MoUs mobilize industry-grade labs, logistics, and mentorship to unlock commercialization for mobility and manufacturing startups, with a strong inclusion lens. Founders seeking R&D access, pilots, or distribution should prepare applications and proof-of-readiness while tracking official channels for detailed eligibility and deadlines.