Nepal Entrepreneurship Forum Opens with Focus on Building a Sustainable Startup Ecosystem
Kathmandu – The Nepal Entrepreneurship Forum, a two-day conference organized by King’s College’s Center for Research and Development (CERAD) in collaboration with New Business Age, officially opened today at the Soaltee Hotel in Kathmandu. The event brought together over 500 participants, including entrepreneurs, researchers, policymakers, academics, and students, under the central theme: “Towards a Sustainable Entrepreneurship Ecosystem.”
The forum opened with a traditional Kumari dance performance by Melina Shrestha, setting the tone for a gathering focused on innovation rooted in culture and sustainability.
In his opening remarks, Chittaranjan Pandey, Head of CERAD and Conference Convener, reflected on the forum’s evolution since the 2016 International Conference on Social Entrepreneurship. “This event marks a significant milestone in our journey to foster a vibrant, inclusive, and forward-looking entrepreneurial ecosystem that supports economic growth,” he said.
The keynote address was delivered by Prof. Dr. Satyajit Majumdar, Managing Director of the TISS Incube Foundation, who emphasized the urgent need to align entrepreneurship with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). “We live in an era where the speed of technological advancement surpasses market readiness,” he stated, urging entrepreneurs to harness technology responsibly and sustainably.
Dr. Prativa Pandey, Founder and CEO of Herveda Botanicals, shared insights from her entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing the importance of trust, ecosystem support, and growth readiness. “Success is not just about the individual enterprise—it is rooted in the broader entrepreneurial environment,” she noted, highlighting how credibility and collaboration are central to her company’s partnerships.
Ken Shimizu, FAO Representative to Nepal, addressed the potential of entrepreneurship and artificial intelligence (AI) in transforming Nepal’s agriculture sector. While praising the forum’s contribution to sustainable development, he also acknowledged persistent barriers such as limited access to finance, weak infrastructure, and low digital literacy. He cited ongoing FAO initiatives, including partnerships with King’s College and the World Food Forum Nepal Chapter, aimed at empowering local innovators and bridging the digital divide.
King’s College President Narottam Aryal closed the opening ceremony by thanking stakeholders across Nepal’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. “We are proud to be a part of this historic and impactful journey. The progress we’ve made would not have been possible without the collective effort of so many,” he said.
The forum’s first plenary session explored strategies for building a sustainable entrepreneurship ecosystem in Nepal and beyond. Panelists included Dr. Archana Singh of the Centre for Social Entrepreneurship at TISS, UNDP policy specialist Dr. Auriane Meilland, and Amigo Khadka, Co-founder of Nepal Tea Collective. Moderated by Young Innovations Co-founder Bibhusan Bista, the discussion touched on inclusive education, climate-conscious practices, public-private partnerships, and policy reform. The session emphasized integrating profit with purpose and environmental responsibility.
Parallel sessions delved into entrepreneurship’s intersection with innovation, community, economy, and inclusivity. In one standout presentation, Umes Shrestha of the Center for Innovative Pedagogy and Learning introduced the “Acid Framework,” a strategic approach that turns business miscommunication into opportunity. Other presenters, Sushant Rijal and Yomoo Bajracharya, showcased the outcomes of their Communiversity fellowship, which fostered skills such as collaboration, communication, and mindfulness among participants.
The final plenary session focused on sustainable innovation in agriculture, waste management, and education. Speakers included Amun Thapa, Co-founder of Khaalisisi; agriculture expert Mahendra Shrestha; Sanchit Aggarwal, Co-founder of Thynaa Healthy Naturally; and Vedika Murarka, Co-founder of Educase. The session, moderated by Pavitra Bahadur Gautam, CEO of Karkhana, concluded with a call for businesses to balance innovation with inclusivity and sustainability.
The conference concluded on a high note with Madan Lamsal, CEO of New Business Age, presenting tokens of appreciation to the speakers and moderators, underscoring the spirit of collaboration and shared vision that defined the forum.
