Zeno Health Launches ‘Pay It Forward’ to Back Affordable Healthcare Startups

A Launch Rooted in Purpose, Not Profit

Zeno Health, a trailblazer in the affordable medicines space, is offering selected startups unprecedented access to its retail muscle a network of over 180+ physical stores across Mumbai and Pune alongside visibility across its digital ecosystem, including its app and website.

For bootstrapped or mission-driven health startups, the opportunity to plug directly into Zeno’s established consumer base could be transformational.

“Over the next five years, our goal is not just to build a formidable business but also to enable those who are working towards offering quality, affordable healthcare to Bharat,” said Siddharth Gadia, Co-founder and CEO of Zeno Health. “That’s the only way we can revolutionize India’s healthcare industry.”

From Shelf Space to Strategy: A Complete Startup Lifeline

The ‘Pay It Forward’ platform is open to startups across categories: from generic medicines to diagnostics, from insurance to hygiene, nutrition, derma, OTC, and preventive care. The only qualifier? A mission to make quality care more accessible and affordable.

In addition to distribution firepower, startups will receive mentorship from Zeno’s seasoned leadership team, including hands-on support from founders and healthcare veterans who understand the unique pain points of early-stage innovation.

“We want to create a founder-first platform that helps startups bring impactful solutions to the people who need them most,” said Girish Agarwal, Co-founder and COO. “We’re not taking equity. We’re not doing this for credit. We’re doing it because India needs more healthcare disruptors and because we understand the challenges startups face in building something meaningful.”

A Platform That Prioritizes Purpose Over Profit

What makes ‘Pay It Forward’ stand apart is its non-commercial ethos. In an age where accelerator programs often demand equity or branding rights, Zeno Health is positioning itself as a true ally to founders, giving them tools to scale without diluting ownership or vision.

Applications are now open through a simple online form, with Zeno calling on mission-led ventures that are committed to reshaping healthcare for the masses.

A Founders-For-Founders Movement

With India’s healthcare system under increasing strain, and gaps in affordability, access, and awareness still stark in non-metro areas, Zeno’s initiative is more than just CSR, it’s a call to action for a new generation of health tech entrepreneurs.

As the startup gears up for its next chapter, Zeno is doing what few established players dare to do lifting others up as it climbs.

“We’ve built trust in one of the toughest markets in the country,” Gadia said. “Now it’s time to pass that trust on.”