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Zepto, DPIIT shortlist 8 startups in first cohort of Zepto Nova innovation challenge

EntrackrEntrackr · 1m ago
Zepto, DPIIT shortlist 8 startups in first cohort of Zepto Nova innovation challenge
Medial

Zepto, DPIIT shortlist 8 startups in first cohort of Zepto Nova innovation challenge Zepto has announced the first cohort of eight startups selected under Zepto Nova, an innovation initiative launched in partnership with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The programme is designed to help promising Indian startups scale by enabling market access, discoverability, and logistics support through Zepto’s hyperlocal quick-commerce network. The inaugural edition attracted 49 applications from across India, with 25 startups shortlisted for the final pitch round. Following a two-day evaluation process, eight startups were selected for onboarding. The cohort spans sectors such as food and beverages, sustainable energy, toys and learning, and consumer brands. The selected startups include Milleto Nutto, Aloe Ecell, Flavours of Calicut, Thy Chocolate, No Cap Foods, Nesta Toys, Watch Out, and Makerverse. Several of the selected startups are women-led and first-generation ventures, highlighting the depth and diversity of India’s startup ecosystem. Notably, Aloe Ecell is developing an aloe-vera-based battery, Flavours of Calicut is building a national Kerala snack brand, and Thy Chocolate focuses on artisanal bean-to-bar chocolates. Highlighting the significance of the initiative, Sanjiv Singh, Joint Secretary, DPIIT, said, “As we mark a decade of Startup India, initiatives like Zepto Nova showcase the maturity of India’s startup ecosystem, where startups actively enable the growth of other startups.” Co-founded in 2020 by Aadit Palicha and Kaivalya Vohra, Zepto is a quick-commerce platform operating in India. The company uses technology and a network of delivery hubs to enable fast local delivery. Zepto offers products across categories such as groceries, household electronics, beauty, apparel, toys, and everyday essentials. Zepto Café is the company’s food offering, providing freshly prepared items through the Zepto app.

JITO Incubation Centre concludes Cohort 11, invites applications for Cohort 12

EntrackrEntrackr · 1y ago
JITO Incubation Centre concludes Cohort 11, invites applications for Cohort 12
Medial

JITO Incubation Centre concludes Cohort 11, invites applications for Cohort 12 JITO Incubation Centre (JIC) has concluded Cohort 11, furthering its mission to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in India. The program has significantly impacted participating startups by providing strategic mentorship, funding opportunities, and networking avenues, enabling them to scale and refine their business models. According to JIIF, JIC has played an instrumental role in helping startups transform challenges into opportunities. The recently concluded Cohort 11 Bootcamp Program received over 120 applications from diverse sectors, including API, e-commerce, fashion and beauty, defense, healthcare and fitness, financial services, and FMCG. Through an intensive selection process, eight promising startups were chosen to embark on a transformative 12-week journey. The selected startups for Cohort 11 included 11ZA, DefenceForge, SellerSetu, Inkriti, DiagnoPro, Milletto & Nutto, ShopIQ, and Dagriya Fintech. With the successful conclusion of Cohort 11, JIC is now inviting applications for Cohort 12. Aspiring entrepreneurs with disruptive business ideas are encouraged to apply. The 12-week Incubation Program offers a wide range of benefits, including incubation and co-working facilities, technology and business mentorship, marketing support, networking opportunities, access to national and international events for global exposure, and collaboration with government grants and schemes. JIC will invest up to Rs 1 crore in shortlisted startups for Cohort 12. JITO Incubation Centre is a startup incubator dedicated to empowering visionary entrepreneurs through strategic guidance, mentorship, and funding opportunities. With a value-driven approach and an extensive support ecosystem, JIC plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of Indian startups.

Nikhil Kamath and Kishore Biyani launch The Foundery to build early-stage startups in 90 days

EntrackrEntrackr · 2m ago
Nikhil Kamath and Kishore Biyani launch The Foundery to build early-stage startups in 90 days
Medial

Nikhil Kamath and Kishore Biyani have jointly launched The Foundery, a residential business launchpad aimed at identifying and building early-stage Indian startups. Positioned as a co-founder factory, The Foundery operates a 90-day residential programme where participants work on taking ideas from concept to an investible business. The model combines elements of a school, accelerator, and venture studio, with a strong focus on hands-on execution rather than classroom learning. Participants work closely with operators, investors, and domain experts to validate ideas, build products, test market fit, and structure companies. Those selected retain up to 25% equity in the ventures they help create. Startups that clear internal milestones can receive seed funding of up to Rs 4 crore, along with continued strategic support after the programme. The Foundery is open to aspiring founders, early-stage entrepreneurs, and mid-career professionals. The selection process prioritises problem-solving ability, creativity, and founder mindset over formal credentials or polished pitches. Applicants go through multiple evaluation rounds focused on idea clarity, execution thinking, and resilience. Mentors associated with The Foundery include Vijay Shekhar Sharma, Kunal Bahl, Mithun Sacheti, Varun Berry, Rama Bijapurkar, and Aakrit Vaish, among others. Each cohort concludes with a demo day where startups pitch to a curated investor group. Alongside venture building, the programme also includes a “School of Life” track focused on decision-making, resilience, and founder psychology. The Foundery will operate as a residential campus-based programme and plans to run multiple cohorts annually.

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