. Nepal-India Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NIKKEI) organized the Nepal-India Startup Dialogue with policymakers, innovation leaders, and startup founders.

The program will mark an important milestone in cross-border entrepreneurial collaboration.

The first cohort of India-Nepal Startup Partnership Network (INSPAN) was felicitated for their experience and achievements in India. The event was conducted in collaboration with IIT Madras and supported by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India.

As part of the program, 24 Nepali startups participated in an eight-week intensive in-residence program at IIT Madras’s innovation ecosystem, receiving mentorship, technical support, and market access opportunities.

As an achievement of this cohort, nine startups have received exclusive funding and incubation offers from India’s leading incubation platforms. This clearly indicates the growing potential of Nepal’s innovation ecosystem and the importance of regional cooperation.

Sunil KC, Chairman of Nikkei, reiterated its commitment to keep innovation and entrepreneurship at the heart of Nepal-India economic cooperation. Cross-border startup partnerships are indispensable to enhance regional competitiveness and accelerate youth-driven economic growth, he added.

Highlighting the role of Nikkei in the field of innovation, Mr. Kunal Kayal, Vice President of NIKI, said, “The next phase of Nepal-India economic relations should be led by the private sector and driven by innovation.

“To institutionalize this momentum, our committee is advancing the process of establishing a startup innovation center, which will serve as a focal point connecting the entire ecosystem stakeholders,” he added. ”

Executive Director of IEDF Nepal, Engineer Umesh Kumar Gupta, emphasized on the importance of institutional support, policy coordination, and capacity building support to transform start-ups into world-class competitive enterprises.

One of the highlights of the interaction was the cohort reflection session. The participants shared their experiences of IIT Madras’s residential program. Participants also discussed high-end laboratory access, interaction with investors, product modification support, and opportunities to get acquainted with world-class practices. Many described this experience as a turning point in helping us move from early-stage development to market-ready innovation.

During the event, Mr. Gaurav Tayal, Vice President of Nikkei, described participating entrepreneurs as “bridges of bilateral partnership” and highlighted their role in strengthening innovation ties between Nepal and India.

The Nepal-India Startup Dialogue is one of the efforts to work together in a sustainable industry-academia-government and the private sector. It supports startups through policy advocacy, cross-border partnerships, and improved access to capital and technology.

The initiative also aims to accelerate knowledge transfer, promote regional market integration and establish Nepal as a bright hub for tech-based enterprises, by connecting Nepali entrepreneurs with Indian innovation platforms.