KATHMANDU, FEBRUARY 27
The Hult Prize at Shanker Dev Campus wrapped up its finale in a spectacular event held at the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) venue, marking an inspiring culmination of innovation and entrepreneurship.
Issuing a press release, the Hult Prize said that the event marked a significant collaboration with NTB, highlighting the synergy between academia and the tourism sector in fostering sustainable ventures.
The finale kicked off with a welcome speech by Hult Prize Campus Director, Pooja Sharma, setting the stage for a day of insightful discussions. Chief Guest, Leela Mani Paudyal, Former Chief Secretary of the Government of Nepal, shared invaluable insights on innovation and sustainable development. A highlight was Karna Shakya's keynote speech, known for entrepreneurship in Nepal, inspiring attendees with his message of perseverance and vision, the release stated.
The event also featured panel discussion titled "Sustainable Venture: Pioneering Change for a Better Tomorrow" featuring panelists Bhawani Rana, Chairperson of Sneha Group and Former President of FNCCI; Mani Raj Lamichhane, Director of NTB; and Rajeev Thapa, Partner/Country Manager, Nepal-CDM Smith Inc.Their dialogue revolved around the challenges and opportunities in creating sustainable ventures that can lead to a better future for all.
"The core of the event was the pitching session where the top 5 finalists, selected from a competitive pool of 40 teams, presented their innovative ideas to a distinguished panel of judges. This panel included Vidushi Rana, Executive Director of Goldstar; Anal Raj Bhattarai, Director of Rastriya Banijya Bank; and Anand Bagaria, Managing Director of NIMBUS. The presentations were a testament to the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of the students."
The competition concluded with Team Digo emerging as the victors, winning a prize of more than 6 lakhs. They were closely followed by Team Triaikyam as the first runner-up with nearly 5 lakhs in winnings, and Team SuperSquad as the second runner-up, securing more than 4 lakhs in prizes. The total prize pool exceeded 15 lakhs, encompassing both cash and in-kind contributions, underscoring the event's commitment to supporting innovative ventures.
The finale was not just a competition but a gathering of some of Nepal's most renowned figures, including a special guest, witnessing the next generation of entrepreneurs poised to make a difference. The successful completion of the Hult Prize at Shanker Dev Campus, in collaboration with the Nepal Tourism Board, marks a milestone in nurturing the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Nepal, paving the way for sustainable ventures that promise a better tomorrow, the organizer said.
