Zepto Nova - Food Safety Innovation Challenge

India's quick commerce sector is growing fast, but keeping food safe at high speed is a real challenge. That is why Zepto has joined forces with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to launch the Zepto Nova - Food Safety Innovation Challenge. The program seeks technology-driven solutions — especially those using artificial intelligence, automation, and IoT — to reduce human errors in inventory checks, expiry validation, and product handling. The ultimate goal is to build intelligent, self-correcting supply chains that ensure every delivered product is safe, fresh, and compliant.

The challenge is built around three specific problem statements: AI-powered systems for precise expiry detection and validation, intelligent monitoring using AI-enabled surveillance and IoT sensors to spot hygiene and contamination risks, and automated quality control for fresh produce and perishables through computer vision. However, Zepto is open to any scalable, tech-enabled solution that improves food safety, traceability, and operational excellence across quick commerce supply chains — from mother hubs to delivery hubs. Winners will receive prize money, training, a chance to pilot their solution in Zepto's dark stores and hubs, and potential vendor onboarding.

• Prize money up to ₹3 lakh
• Market access through Zepto's network
• Pilot opportunities in Zepto's operations
• Focus on AI and automation for food safety
• DPIIT recognition mandatory

The challenge is open to startups that are registered with DPIIT (or in the process of registering), early-stage companies, technology innovators, and MSMEs that have scalable solutions. Academic and research institutions that can demonstrate a deployable prototype are also eligible. Applicants should focus on developing AI-powered, automation-driven, or tech-enabled solutions for food safety. DPIIT recognition is mandatory, but MSMEs without it can first obtain recognition (which typically takes 1–2 working days) and then apply. Both working prototypes and idea-stage innovations are welcome, as long as they show a clear roadmap for implementation and scalability.

Zepto Nova - Food Safety Innovation Challenge is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.

The most recent application window for Zepto Nova - Food Safety Innovation Challenge closed on 7 Jul 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.

Winners will receive prize money: ₹3 lakh for 1st place, ₹2 lakh for 2nd, and ₹1 lakh for 3rd. Beyond cash, selected startups get non-fiscal support including training, potential market access through Zepto's extensive network, and the opportunity to run a pilot program within Zepto's dark stores and mother hubs. Successful pilots can lead to further vendor onboarding with Zepto, offering a direct path to commercialization and scale. There is no participation fee — the program is completely free.

Zepto Nova - Food Safety Innovation Challenge is offered by Zepto, a corporate programme. It is delivered directly by Zepto as a competition. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.

Applications are evaluated in three stages. First, the initial shortlisting phase: a panel from Zepto assesses each application on five criteria — Accuracy & Reliability in reducing human error, Innovation & Practical Applicability, Scalability across India's quick commerce ecosystem, Ease of Integration with existing warehouse systems, and Impact on Food Safety Compliance & Risk Reduction. Shortlisted startups are then invited to a Demo Day, where they present their solution in person at Zepto's office. During this phase, participants may also get access to Zepto's delivery hubs and mother hubs to test their solution in a real-world environment. Finally, winners are selected based on the Demo Day presentations and evaluations.

Before you apply to Zepto Nova - Food Safety Innovation Challenge, keep the following documents ready:

• A pitch deck or short business plan describing the problem, product and traction
• Company registration documents and PAN
• Founder identification (PAN / Aadhaar) and brief profiles
• Recent financial statements or projections
• Product details — a demo, prototype or working link if available

Exact requirements are confirmed on the official application portal — treat this as a preparation checklist.

Zepto Nova - Food Safety Innovation Challenge is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹1L – ₹3L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.