Nepali startup founders who joined a training and exposure visit to India’s startup ecosystem found it transformative, helping them advance from early-stage development to market-ready innovation. The eight-week fully funded training and innovation program, part of the India-Nepal Start-up Partnership Network (IN-SPAN), involved two dozen Nepali start-up founders and concluded in late January. Launched by the Indian Embassy, the program aimed to boost cooperation and connections between the start-ups of both countries.
Nine Nepali startups, during the program, received incubation and investment offers from the IIT Madras Incubation Cell and IIT Madras Pravartak, in partnership with the IIT Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation in Chennai, as confirmed by the Embassy. At the ‘Nepal-India Startup Sambad’ event organized by the Nepal-India Chambers of Commerce and Industry (NICCI), participants shared their insights. They highlighted benefits like access to advanced laboratories, investor engagement, product refinement support, and exposure to global best practices.
NICCI stated that the exclusive investment and incubation offers received by nine startups from prominent Indian incubation platforms signify the growing potential of Nepal’s innovation ecosystem and the importance of regional collaboration. NICCI President Sunil K.C. reiterated the Chamber’s dedication to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in Nepal-India economic relations. He stressed the significance of cross-border startup partnerships in boosting regional competitiveness and promoting youth-driven economic growth.
Umesh Kumar Gupta, Executive Director of the Industrial Enterprise Development Institute Nepal, emphasized the role of institutional support, policy alignment, and capacity-building initiatives in nurturing startups to become globally competitive enterprises. The Industrial Enterprise Development Institute Nepal, a government authority supporting Nepali entrepreneurs in scaling their ventures, plays a crucial role in this regard. In the initial IN-SPAN program, Nepali participants attended lectures and workshops by IIT Madras faculty members and startup experts, engaging with Indian startup officials to gain practical insights and feedback.
Participants also underwent skill development training in key technologies like artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and solar photovoltaics, enhancing their expertise through internships with relevant Indian startups, as per the Indian Embassy.
