Leaders call for stronger collaboration, investment, and policy support for Nepali startups
KATHMANDU, DECEMBER 21
Startup Summit Nepal 2025, a national-level innovation and entrepreneurship conference, concluded in Kathmandu on December 20, underscoring Nepal's ambition to build a globally connected startup ecosystem.
Organised in association with The Startup Network Nepal (TSN), the Summit was held at Hotel Royal Tulip under the theme "Fostering Global Collaboration, Building Beyond Borders." The event brought together startup founders, investors, policymakers, corporate representatives, academics, development partners, and diaspora leaders to discuss challenges and opportunities facing Nepal's growing startup sector.
Discussions at the Summit focused on key issues such as access to finance, mentorship gaps, regulatory hurdles, and limited market access, while also highlighting the role of international partnerships and diaspora engagement in helping Nepali startups scale beyond national borders.
In his keynote address, Minister for Communication and Information Technology Jagdish Kharel reiterated the government's commitment to digital transformation and innovation-driven economic growth. Similar views were shared by Energy Minister Kulman Ghising and Education, Science and Technology Minister Mahabir Pun, who emphasised infrastructure development and human capital as foundations for a sustainable startup ecosystem.
The Summit also featured a startup pitching competition, where emerging ventures presented their ideas before a panel of national and international judges. Team Dragon Warriors secured first place, followed by Team Meme Patra and Team Sodhera in second and third positions respectively. The winning team received NPR 50,000 in cash, along with promotional support and digital outreach incentives.
Panel discussions explored India–Nepal startup collaboration and the role of artificial intelligence and data infrastructure in strengthening Nepal's innovation landscape. Additional keynote sessions addressed investment readiness, incubation pathways, and policy frameworks to support early-stage enterprises.
In closing remarks, TSN Chief Operating Officer Aditya Jha said the Summit aimed to move beyond dialogue toward implementation, with outcomes expected to feed into incubation programmes, investor engagement platforms, and cross-border partnerships, helping Nepali startups become competitive at the global level.
The summit was supported by PHDCCI as the industry partner and by NICCI as a supporting partner.
