IEDI Executive Director Umesh Kumar Gupta Highlights Women’s Growing Role in Nepal’s Startup Ecosystem
9th January 2026, Kathmandu
In a recent high-level interaction program, IEDI Executive Director Umesh Kumar Gupta emphasized that women’s participation in the startup sector has reached a significant and “remarkable” level.
IEDI Executive Director Umesh Kumar
The event, titled “Women in Startups: Opportunities, Challenges, and the Way Forward,” served as a critical platform to discuss the evolving entrepreneurial landscape in Nepal.
The program was organized by Niti Research Pvt. Ltd. and hosted by Women Led First Portal ICT Frame Magazine (ICTFRAME.COM), bringing together policymakers and stakeholders to chart a future for Nepalese entrepreneurship.
Strengthening the Legal Framework for Startups
Addressing the gathering, IEDI Executive Director Umesh Kumar Gupta shared that the government has taken concrete steps to institutionalize the startup culture. With the approval of the Startup Policy 2081, legal provisions have been integrated into the Industrial Enterprise Act.
Furthermore, the implementation of loan procedures under the Appropriation Act 2081 has facilitated easier access to capital. Gupta noted that subsidized startup loans are now a primary driver for women looking to launch or scale their business ventures.
Inclusivity and Province-Level Expansion
A key highlight of the speech by IEDI Executive Director Umesh Kumar Gupta was the government’s commitment to inclusivity. He outlined several upcoming initiatives:
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Seven-Province Expansion: The need to take startup-centric programs beyond Kathmandu to all seven provinces.
Marginalized Communities: Special plans are being drafted to promote the traditional occupations of the Dalit community.
Local Level Training: The government has allocated Rs 1 billion annually to conduct entrepreneurship training across every municipality (Palika) in Nepal.
“It is a positive milestone that citizens can now receive startup loans funded by the state’s own resources,” Gupta remarked, adding that this mechanism is significantly boosting job creation.
Vision 2030: 100,000 Jobs
The government is not just focusing on policy but also on rigorous monitoring. IEDI Executive Director Umesh Kumar Gupta announced that a dedicated team will be formed this January (Magh) to evaluate the progress of startup programs.
The long-term vision is ambitious: the government aims to promote 10,000 startups and create 100,000 jobs by 2030. This initiative aims to attract both local talent and Nepalese youth returning from foreign employment to build a robust domestic economy.
For more: IEDI Executive Director Umesh Kumar
