India–Nepal start-up partnership wraps first cohort with valediction at IIT Madras

The inaugural cohort of the India-Nepal Startup Partnership Network (IN-SPAN), consisting of 24 Nepali startups, successfully completed an eight-week training and innovation program at IIT Madras. The valediction ceremony, held on January 30th, featured Munu Mahawar, Additional Secretary (North) of the Ministry of External Affairs, as the Chief Guest. The program, delivered in collaboration with IIT Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation, provided fully-funded training and mentorship, with participants benefiting from lectures, workshops, and interactions with Indian startup CxOs.

Participants were selected from a pool of around 250 applications, representing diverse sectors including cybersecurity, edtech, and fintech. The program was structured in three stages, focusing on foundational knowledge, skill development in areas like AI and semiconductors, and internships with Indian startups. Notably, several Nepali startups forged business collaborations with Indian counterparts, and nine received incubation or investment offers from IIT Madras Incubation Cell and IIT Madras Pravartak.

Founders Yunika Bajracharya of Edavor and Asim Shrestha of Edtraa praised the program, suggesting the establishment of an IIT Madras Pravartak Centre of Excellence in Nepal to institutionalize the learnings. Due to high demand, the next IN-SPAN cohort is planned for launch in the coming months, building on the success of this initial partnership.

(Source：Edex Live)