Startup Summit Nepal 2024 concludes successfully in Kathmandu

The Startup Summit Nepal 2024, organized by The Startup Network (Nepal) and PHDCCI (India-Nepal Centre), concluded today with resounding success at Hotel Aloft, Kathmandu.

The event brought together policymakers, entrepreneurs, investors, and thought leaders to engage in meaningful discussions about the future of Nepal's startup ecosystem.

Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Devendra Dahal and CPN-UML Mahanagar President Gyanendra Shakya jointly inaugurated the event.

The opening session featured addresses by:

●     Dr Sudeep Rauniar, Founder of The Startup Network (Nepal)

●     Kamlesh Jain, Co-Chair, India-Nepal Centre, PHDCCI & ED & COO (International), Varun Beverages Ltd.

●     Mark Templer, Political and Economic Chief, US Mission in Nepal

●     Suman Shekhar, First Secretary (Commerce), Indian Embassy in Nepal

●     Ambassador Manjeev Singh Chair, India-Nepal Centre, PHDCCI & India's Former Ambassador to Nepal

●     Atul K Thakur, Secretary, PHDCCI (India-Nepal Centre)

The summit hosted four thematic panel discussions:

1.    Challenges in the Startup Landscape and Investment in Nepal:

Panelists explored the barriers Nepali startups face, including limited funding, regulatory hurdles, and infrastructure constraints.

2.    Enhancing India-Nepal Cooperation in the Startup Ecosystem:

This panel discussed fostering cross-border collaboration to accelerate innovation, shared funding opportunities, and scaling startups regionally and globally.

3.    Accelerating Clean and Green Energy in Nepal:

Focused on the importance of scaling renewable energy solutions, with discussions on policies, innovation, and investment opportunities.

4.    Startups and Minimizing Nepali Brain Drain:

The Summit highlighted how startups can provide career opportunities, innovation platforms, and competitive environments to retain Nepal's talent.

Meanwhile, three top startups – Pal-Always with You, NotAI GPT, and Taximandu – competed for the Best Startup of the Year 2024 title and a cash prize of NPR 30,000.

After a rigorous evaluation, Taximandu was declared the winner, earning both the award and the prize money.

The Startup Network is a pioneering organization committed to nurturing Nepal's entrepreneurial ecosystem by connecting startups with investors, policymakers, and industry leaders.

The summit was sponsored by NIMB Ace Capital Limited, co-sponsored by CNI, Kumari Bank, NIC ASIA Capital, Lumbini Bikas Bank, Nepal SBI Bank Ltd, Shangrila Development Bank, and Agricultural Development Bank Limited. Business 360, WOW Magazine, The Himalayan Times, and News 24 served as media partners, while Aloft and BFIN joined as innovation partners, VISA and Varun Beverages as Strategic Partners. Subisu provided internet sponsorship, and Coffee of Promise and Bookverse were the event’s creative partners.