Workshop on Fostering Innovation and Startups in Nepal

Institute of Local Governances Studies (INLOGOS) and Center for Innovative Governance (CIGP) jointly organized an Interactive workshop on Fostering Innovation and Startups in Nepal on November 11, 2024 in Hotel Himalaya, Kupandol. There were five objectives of the workshop as: (i) Bringing together the policy makers, experts, development partners and startups entrepreneur in a single platform; (ii) Encourage young entrepreneurs in informed dialogue with policy-makers and experts; (iii) Identifying key challenges and opportunities for startups in Nepal; (iv) Explore possible and innovative solutions for Startups; (v) Creating an enabling policy environment for innovations and startups in Nepal and contribute to Nepal’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The Hon. Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Damodar Bhandari was the chief guest and Hon. NPC Member Dr. Prakash Shrestha was the special guest in the workshop. Altogether, there were 62 participants representing from the government agencies, private sector, development partners, banking institutions, youth entrepreneurs, INLOGOS, CIGP officials, media and others were present in the workshop. One technical paper was presented and two panel discussions were happened. This workshop was supported by NABIL Bank.

It is expected that the workshop contributed (i) the policy makers more acquainted with the startups, its issues, needs , scope, opportunities and challenges interacting with the youth entrepreneurs and panelists; (ii) encourage all concerned stakeholders towards engaging in proactive, practical and result oriented policies, plans, programmes on innovation, startups and youth engagement in entrepreneurship; (iii) improve access to finance for the innovation and startups; and (iv) improve comfort to youth to startups and innovations. INLOGOS would like to thank all the participants, paper presenter, panelists, NABIL Bank and CIGP for their contributions.