STARTUP POINT

DPIIT × Zepto Launch “Make-for-India” Manufacturing Innovation Push

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New Delhi, 2024 – In a strategic move to boost domestic tech manufacturing, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has partnered with 10-minute delivery unicorn Zepto to create a ₹500 crore accelerator program targeting hardware and sustainable manufacturing startups.The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has partnered with rapid grocery delivery unicorn Zepto to launch the “Make-for-India” initiative, a strategic program aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing and innovation in India’s fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector. The program focuses on developing homegrown solutions for supply chain efficiency, packaging, and sustainable manufacturing practices, aligning with the government’s broader “Make in India” vision.

The initiative encourages startups, SMEs, and technology providers to co-create innovative products, manufacturing techniques, and distribution models tailored to the Indian market. Zepto, which has built one of India’s fastest last-mile delivery networks, will leverage its hyperlocal fulfillment infrastructure to pilot and scale solutions developed under the program.

“This partnership is a unique opportunity to bridge technology, manufacturing, and consumer needs,” said Aadit Palicha, Co-Founder & CEO of Zepto. “Make-for-India will not only foster innovation but also accelerate the adoption of locally developed technologies across our supply chain and warehouses.”

The program will focus on three key pillars:

  1. Smart Manufacturing: Implementing IoT-enabled production systems, AI-driven quality control, and modular packaging solutions.
  2. Sustainable Practices: Encouraging eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient processes, and waste reduction strategies.
  3. Supply Chain Innovation: Enhancing last-mile delivery, inventory management, and predictive demand analytics.

Industry experts highlight that India’s FMCG sector is primed for innovation, with growing consumer demand, rapid digital adoption, and expanding e-commerce channels. Programs like Make-for-India are expected to create a pipeline of homegrown technologies and startups that can enhance competitiveness while reducing dependence on imported solutions.

The DPIIT-Zepto collaboration will also include mentorship, funding support, and access to testing and pilot facilities, ensuring that promising innovations can move from concept to commercial deployment rapidly.

By combining government backing with Zepto’s operational expertise, the initiative is poised to accelerate India’s manufacturing capabilities, promote local entrepreneurship, and set new benchmarks in FMCG innovation, further strengthening the country’s Make-in-India ecosystem.The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has partnered with rapid grocery delivery unicorn Zepto to launch the “Make-for-India” initiative, a strategic program aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing and innovation in India’s fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector. The program focuses on developing homegrown solutions for supply chain efficiency, packaging, and sustainable manufacturing practices, aligning with the government’s broader “Make in India” vision.

The initiative encourages startups, SMEs, and technology providers to co-create innovative products, manufacturing techniques, and distribution models tailored to the Indian market. Zepto, which has built one of India’s fastest last-mile delivery networks, will leverage its hyperlocal fulfillment infrastructure to pilot and scale solutions developed under the program.

“This partnership is a unique opportunity to bridge technology, manufacturing, and consumer needs,” said Aadit Palicha, Co-Founder & CEO of Zepto. “Make-for-India will not only foster innovation but also accelerate the adoption of locally developed technologies across our supply chain and warehouses.”

The program will focus on three key pillars:

  1. Smart Manufacturing: Implementing IoT-enabled production systems, AI-driven quality control, and modular packaging solutions.
  2. Sustainable Practices: Encouraging eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient processes, and waste reduction strategies.
  3. Supply Chain Innovation: Enhancing last-mile delivery, inventory management, and predictive demand analytics.

Industry experts highlight that India’s FMCG sector is primed for innovation, with growing consumer demand, rapid digital adoption, and expanding e-commerce channels. Programs like Make-for-India are expected to create a pipeline of homegrown technologies and startups that can enhance competitiveness while reducing dependence on imported solutions.

The DPIIT-Zepto collaboration will also include mentorship, funding support, and access to testing and pilot facilities, ensuring that promising innovations can move from concept to commercial deployment rapidly.

By combining government backing with Zepto’s operational expertise, the initiative is poised to accelerate India’s manufacturing capabilities, promote local entrepreneurship, and set new benchmarks in FMCG innovation, further strengthening the country’s Make-in-India ecosystem.

🔍 Partnership Highlights

✅ Focus Areas:

✅ Unique Value Proposition:

📊 By the Numbers

SegmentTarget StartupsFunding Range
Hardware/IoT15-20₹5-10Cr
Green Packaging10-12₹2-5Cr
Manufacturing AI8-10₹7-15Cr

🌱 Why This Matters

1️⃣ Fills Critical Gaps: 72% of Zepto’s hardware currently imported (barcode scanners, shelf-bots)
2️⃣ Sustainability Mandate: Aims to cut delivery packaging waste by 50% by 2027
3️⃣ Make-in-India 2.0: Shifts focus from assembly to IP-led manufacturing

💡 Startup Success Pathways

📅 Roadmap

📢 The Big Picture: This public-private model could become the blueprint for bridging India’s $180B tech trade deficit in electronics manufacturing.

Which manufacturing sub-sector needs most attention?
#MakeInIndia #Industry4_0 #SustainableTech #Zepto #DPIIT #HardwareStartups

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