Zee Entertainment Enterprises (‘Z’) has announced a strategic partnership with Ideabaaz Tech, an integrated start-up platform aimed at discovering and funding entrepreneurial talent from India’s tier 2 and 3 cities.

This move reinforces Zee’s commitment to redefining entertainment at the intersection of content, innovation, and technology.

Founded by Jeet Wagh and family, Ideabaaz operates as both a reality show and platform, dedicated to mentoring and funding start-ups from emerging regions across the country.

Together, ‘Z’ and Ideabaaz will co-develop and launch a new intellectual property (IP) titled Ideabaaz, envisioned to become India’s largest inclusive start-up ecosystem.

The IP will combine Zee’s legacy and expansive reach of viewers with Ideabaaz’s grassroots entrepreneurial vision.

Curated by media veteran and investor Raj Nayak, along with co-founders Jeet and Sagoon Wagh, the show will be broadcast on Zee TV and digitally on Zee5.

This dual-platform strategy merges the scale of linear television with the engagement of digital platforms, aligning with Zee’s future-ready, omni-channel content approach.

This collaboration aims to empower entrepreneurs by offering multilingual pitch opportunities, visibility, mentorship, and access to funding, bridging the accessibility gap for aspirants in smaller towns.

The launch coincides with India’s broader push for innovation through government initiatives like the INR 1 lakh crore Research Development & Innovation (RDI) scheme, supporting the country’s ambition for a Viksit Bharat by 2047.

This partnership follows Zee’s recent tie-up with content-tech start-up Bullet in the micro-drama segment, further advancing its strategy to explore new-age entertainment models and platforms through purposeful collaborations.

Company spokesperson, Zee Entertainment Enterprises, said, “For over three decades, ‘Z’ has redefined the content ecosystem through unique offerings that entertain and engage with its consumers. The strategic partnership with Ideabaaz Tech is a perfect extension of our vision to create purposeful entertainment for our consumers with content that blends creativity with technology-led innovation. Presenting Ideabaaz on Zee TV and Zee5 will enable us to tap into the rich, entrepreneurial spirit of Bharat and showcase unheard stories and innovations from the tier 2 and 3 markets. We will continue to take the necessary steps and build meaningful engagement for our consumers in the realm of content and technology.”

Wagh added, “Our mission is to create an ecosystem where ideas are nurtured, talent is celebrated, and opportunities are accessible to all. Tapping into the Nation’s vision towards technology and innovation, coupled with the network reach and strength of ‘Z’, we believe this is the right moment to build a new wave of start-ups that can shape India’s future.”