The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu has initiated the second cohort of the India-Nepal Startup Partnership Network (IN-SPAN) program. This program aims to offer Nepali startup entrepreneurs opportunities for learning and collaboration within the Indian startup ecosystem. Twenty-five Nepali startups from various technology and innovation sectors are participating in the IN-SPAN program. They will receive entrepreneurship training, Artificial Intelligence (AI) skill development, investment pitch preparation, and networking and internship opportunities with Indian startups in related fields.
The selected startups cover sectors like Artificial Intelligence (AI), biotechnology, clean technology, fintech, healthtech, agritech, e-commerce, mobility, manufacturing and construction technology, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), aerospace, the Internet of Things (IoT), and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS). The eight-week initiative aims to enhance innovation-driven collaboration and entrepreneurship ties between India and Nepal by supporting emerging startups and fostering cross-border partnerships.
During the program, the startups will undergo a comprehensive entrepreneurship training program, AI skilling, investment pitches, and networking and internship opportunities with Indian startups in their respective domains. The inaugural ceremony of the second cohort took place at IITM Pravartak Technologies Foundation and was attended by academics from the Indian Institute of Technology Madras, along with M J Shankar Raman, CEO of IITM Pravartak Technologies Foundation.
Indian Ambassador to Nepal Naveen Srivastava, speaking virtually at the event, praised the diversity of the participating startups and encouraged them to collaborate closely with the broader startup ecosystem. The participants will receive entrepreneurship training in the first four weeks, followed by AI-focused skill development training for CEOs in the fifth and sixth weeks. In the last two weeks, they will engage in business networking and startup pitch deck presentations.
