KATHMANDU, JULY 19
Four Nepali startup teams have been awarded seed funding and technical support under the U.S. Embassy Nepal's Code for Impact programme, a nationwide initiative aimed at helping young innovators transform technology-driven ideas into sustainable businesses.
The U.S. Embassy on Friday celebrated the completion of the six-month entrepreneurship programme, during which seven finalist teams showcased ventures developed through training, mentorship, customer research and product testing.
The final pitches were evaluated by U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Chief Mike Harker, Shark Tank Nepal investors Anand Bagaria, Cabinet Shrestha and Ritu Vaidya, and American Chamber of Commerce Nepal Executive Director Amir Thapa.
The four winning teams-Aashirbad Care, Datahiti, Neptou and Synaptic-each received a US$1,000 seed grant, US$5,000 in Amazon Web Services cloud credits, access to American artificial intelligence platforms and continued business and technical mentoring. Telecommunications company Ncell also contributed Rs 1 million to support the winning ventures.
The remaining three finalist teams received AWS credits worth US$1,000 each and continued mentorship support.
Speaking at the event, Mike Harker said the programme reflects the United States' commitment to helping Nepal's young innovators build businesses, create jobs and address real-world challenges through technology. "The program also expands the use of trusted American technologies and strengthens economic ties between the United States and Nepal," he noted.
Launched in January 2026, Code for Impact attracted applications from 190 teams across the country. Thirty-five teams were selected for virtual boot camps, AI laboratories and provincial hackathons held in all seven provinces, while 14 semifinalists advanced to an intensive four-month mentorship phase focused on product development, cybersecurity, commercialisation and investment readiness.
According to organisers, several finalist teams secured early customers, generated revenue, launched pilot projects or entered beta testing before the final showcase. Their innovations address sectors including elder care, agriculture, healthcare, tourism, cross-border payments, inclusive education and the digitisation of handwritten Nepali Braille.
The programme was implemented by Aadyanta Advisory in partnership with the American Chamber of Commerce in Nepal, SecurityPal AI, Fusemachines, Genese Solution and other technology and business organisations.
Organisers said all seven finalist teams will continue receiving mentorship, technical guidance and networking opportunities with potential investors and commercial partners as they scale their ventures.