Q: Can MSMEs without DPIIT recognition apply?

A: DPIIT recognition is mandatory for all applicants. However, MSMEs can apply for recognition first, which typically takes 1–2 working days, and then proceed with their application to the challenge.

Q: Is there any participation fee?

A: No, there is absolutely no participation fee for the Zepto Nova - Food Safety Innovation Challenge. This program is free of cost to ensure maximum accessibility for all eligible startups and MSMEs.

Q: Can I present a solution even if it doesn't perfectly fit the listed themes?

A: Yes, Zepto welcomes any innovative and scalable technology-driven solution that contributes to enhancing food safety, compliance, traceability, and operational excellence across the quick commerce supply chain, provided it meets all other eligibility criteria.

Q: Do applicants need to have a ready product or is an idea stage acceptable?

A: Both working prototypes and idea-stage innovations are welcome. The key is to demonstrate a clear roadmap for implementation and scalability of your proposed solution.

Q: Will Zepto provide access to data or facilities for pilots?

A: Shortlisted participants may be granted the opportunity to test their solutions within Zepto's ecosystem, including its warehouses, dark stores, and supply chain nodes. This is subject to feasibility assessment and approval by Zepto.

Q: Who owns the IP of the solution?

A: The intellectual property (IP) of the solution developed by the participant/startup remains entirely with them. Zepto may, however, explore collaboration or commercial agreements with selected innovators based on mutual interest and business fit.

Zepto Nova - Food Safety Innovation Challenge (2026)

The Zepto Nova - Food Safety Innovation Challenge addresses the crucial need for advanced food safety solutions within India's rapidly expanding quick commerce ecosystem. As speed and scale become paramount, traditional compliance methods are insufficient, with human errors in inventory checks, expiry validation, and product handling posing significant risks to both consumers and businesses. This challenge, a collaborative effort by Zepto, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), seeks to harness the power of artificial intelligence, automation, and other cutting-edge technologies. The goal is to minimize human error, enable real-time monitoring, and establish intelligent, self-correcting supply chains, thereby ensuring that every product delivered to the customer is safe, fresh, and fully compliant with food safety standards. Innovators are encouraged to reimagine food safety practices in critical areas like mother hubs and delivery hubs, contributing to a more resilient and trustworthy quick commerce infrastructure.

The challenge is structured around three key problem statements designed to elicit innovative solutions. These include developing AI-powered systems for precise expiry detection and validation to eliminate manual entry errors, creating intelligent monitoring systems with AI-enabled surveillance and IoT sensors for hygiene and contamination risks, and designing automated quality control mechanisms for fresh produce and perishables using computer vision. Beyond these specific themes, Zepto welcomes any scalable, technology-driven solution that enhances food safety, traceability, and operational excellence within the quick commerce supply chain.

Applications for the Zepto Nova challenge will undergo a rigorous evaluation process. In the initial shortlisting phase, applications will be assessed by a panel from Zepto based on several key criteria: Accuracy & Reliability in reducing human error, the degree of Innovation & Practical Applicability of the solution, its Scalability across India's quick commerce ecosystem, the Ease of Integration with existing warehouse systems, and its overall Impact on Food Safety Compliance & Risk Reduction. Startups that meet these benchmarks will be invited for a Demo Day presentation. During the Demo Day, shortlisted teams will present their solutions in person at Zepto's office, and will also gain access to Zepto's operational facilities (delivery hubs and mother hubs) to test their solutions. Final winners will be determined following these presentations and evaluations.

Zepto Nova - Food Safety Innovation Challenge

Zepto Nova - Food Safety Innovation Challenge

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Startup Software Credits

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