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Nepali Startups Secure Investment Offers from India's IIT Madras Incubation

Two dozen Nepali startup founders completed an eight-week training program in India under the India-Nepal Start-up Partnership Network (IN-SPAN). The initiative, launched by the Indian Embassy, resulted in nine Nepali startups receiving exclusive investment and incubation offers from the IIT Madras Incubation Cell and IIT Madras Pravartak. Participants gained access to high-end labs, investor engagement, and skill development in areas like artificial intelligence and semiconductors. Business leaders emphasized that such cross-border partnerships are essential for enhancing regional competitiveness and driving youth-led economic growth.

Key Points: Nepal Startups Gain Investment from India's IIT Madras Program

  • 9 startups get IIT Madras offers
  • 8-week India-Nepal training program
  • Focus on AI and semiconductors
  • Cross-border partnership for growth
  • Skill development and internships
2 min read

Nepali start-up founders share their learning from India's ecosystem

Nepali founders secure incubation offers from IIT Madras after an India-Nepal startup training program, boosting regional innovation and youth-led growth.

"Nine startups securing exclusive investment and incubation offers... is a strong indicator of the rising potential of Nepal's innovation ecosystem - NICCI"

Kathmandu, Feb 5

Nepali startup founders participating in a training and exposure visit to India's startup ecosystem described their experience as a turning point that helped them progress from early-stage development to market-ready innovation.

Two dozen Nepali start-up founders took part in an eight-week, fully funded training and innovation programme under the India-Nepal Start-up Partnership Network (IN-SPAN), which concluded in late January.

The Indian Embassy launched this scheme to enhance cooperation and connections between the start-ups of the two countries.

During the programme, nine Nepali startups received incubation and investment offers from the IIT Madras Incubation Cell and IIT Madras Pravartak, organised in collaboration with the IIT Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation in Chennai, according to the Embassy.

Participants reflected on their experience on Wednesday at an event titled 'Nepal-India Startup Sambad', organised by the Nepal-India Chambers of Commerce and Industry (NICCI).

They highlighted opportunities such as access to high-end laboratories, investor engagement, product refinement support, and exposure to global best practices.

"Nine startups securing exclusive investment and incubation offers from leading Indian incubation platforms is a strong indicator of the rising potential of Nepal's innovation ecosystem and the value of regional cooperation," NICCI said in a statement.

NICCI President Sunil K.C. reaffirmed the Chamber's commitment to placing innovation and entrepreneurship at the centre of Nepal-India economic engagement.

He emphasised that cross-border startup partnerships are essential for enhancing regional competitiveness and driving youth-led economic growth.

Umesh Kumar Gupta, Executive Director of the Industrial Enterprise Development Institute Nepal, stressed the importance of institutional support, policy alignment, and capacity-building initiatives in nurturing startups into globally competitive enterprises.

The Industrial Enterprise Development Institute Nepal is the government authority supporting Nepali entrepreneurs in scaling their ventures.

During the first IN-SPAN programme, Nepali participants had attended lectures and workshops led by leading faculty members of IIT Madras and experienced startup practitioners.

They also engaged with top officials from Indian startups, gaining real-world insights and practical feedback.

Participants received skill development training in key technologies such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and solar photovoltaics, and further honed their skills through internships with relevant startups in India, according to the Indian Embassy.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As someone who works in Bengaluru's startup scene, I can say our ecosystem has a lot to offer. Mentorship, access to labs, and investor networks are crucial. Glad to see Nepal's young founders getting this exposure. Win-win for both economies!
R
Rohit P
While the initiative is good, I hope the focus is on sustainable, long-term partnerships and not just a one-off training program. Real collaboration means ongoing support and maybe even joint ventures. Let's see the follow-through.
S
Sarah B
The skills training in AI and semiconductors is very forward-looking. India is becoming a tech hub, and sharing this knowledge strengthens the whole region's position in the global market. Smart diplomacy through entrepreneurship.
V
Vikram M
IIT Madras Pravartak is a top-tier incubator. For nine Nepali startups to get offers from them is a big deal! This shows the quality of talent in Nepal. Our cultures and challenges are similar, so our solutions can often cross borders easily. More power to such initiatives.
K
Kavya N
This is the kind of positive news we need. Building bridges with our closest neighbour through business and innovation, not just politics. Youth-led growth is the future for both countries. Jai Hind!

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