The US–Nepal Startup Weekend Challenge concluded on February 21 after a three-day accelerator-style program, selecting nine startups as finalists
The nine finalist teams presented their ventures before a panel of judges.
Following evaluation, GarudX was declared the winner and awarded Rs 350,000 in seed funding.
Fully Charged Nepal Enterprise secured the first runner-up position with Rs 200,000, while Kanoon Portal was named second runner-up, receiving Rs 100,000.
A total of 283 applications were received from across Nepal, out of which 25 teams—representing nearly 100 early-stage founders and entrepreneurs were shortlisted to participate.
During the program held from February 19–21, participants attended workshops on business fundamentals and received one-on-one mentorship from Nepali and US-based experts to refine their business ideas and pitches.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Scott Urbom, Charge d’Affaires at the US Embassy Nepal, said the program reflects the strength of the US–Nepal partnership by connecting Nepali entrepreneurs with American expertise and globally tested innovation models.
Supported by the US Embassy Nepal, the initiative was implemented by One to Watch in partnership with the American Chamber of Commerce in Nepal, Confederation of Nepalese Industries Young Entrepreneurs Forum (CNIYEF), Federation of Women Entrepreneurs Association of Nepal (FWEAN), Market Edge, Nepal Association of Software and IT Services Companies (NAS-IT) and Nepalese Young Entrepreneurs Forum (NYEF).
