3rd August 2025, Kathmandu
In a significant development for the nation’s burgeoning entrepreneurial landscape, Manish Shrestha, founder of Kazi Studio, has been elected as the new President of the CNI Youth Entrepreneurs Forum (CNIYEF).
Manish Shrestha Elected President
The Annual General Meeting of the forum, held on Friday in Pokhara, established a dynamic new executive committee for the 2025–2026 term under Shrestha’s leadership.
Shrestha, a seasoned entrepreneur with four years of active involvement in the forum, takes the helm with a vision to further empower and promote young business leaders across Nepal. Outgoing president Ashish Agrawal officially administered the oath and transferred responsibilities to the newly elected president.
The new executive committee, under President Shrestha’s guidance, comprises a diverse group of talented individuals, each with a specific focus to drive CNIYEF’s mission:
Sugam Ghimire – Learning Chair
Punit Agrawal – Member Integration Chair
Nida Duna Mall – Growth and Expansion Chair
Yash Agrawal – Finance Chair
Ankur Agrawal – International Relations Chair
Chirag Sarawagi – Startup Chair
Saini Khetan – Network and Communication Chair
Sujit Regmi – Co-Chair, Startup
Recognizing Excellence and Fostering Growth
The AGM also served as a platform to acknowledge outstanding contributions within the CNIYEF community. Sudayakant Jha was honored with the prestigious Most Active Member Award, recognizing his dedication and engagement. Furthermore, CNIYEF Lumbini received an award for achieving the highest number of new memberships, highlighting the forum’s expanding reach and impact across the provinces of Nepal.
In a special recognition, Manish Shrestha, Sujit Regmi, and Arun Agrawal were presented with a “Token of Love” for their notable participation in the SAARC Tank Nepal initiative.
This highlights CNIYEF’s commitment to supporting young entrepreneurs on prominent platforms, including those that foster investment and mentorship for startups.
SAARC Tank Nepal, an adaptation of the globally acclaimed “Shark Tank” reality show, provides a crucial platform for Nepalese entrepreneurs to pitch their business ideas to potential investors, fostering a vibrant startup ecosystem.
Established in 2008 as the youth wing of the Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI), the CNI Youth Entrepreneurs Forum has consistently championed the cause of young entrepreneurs.
With Manish Shrestha at the helm, the forum is set to reinforce its efforts in nurturing talent, promoting innovation, and creating a supportive environment for the next generation of Nepalese business leaders to thrive and contribute significantly to the nation’s economic progress.
For more: Manish Shrestha Elected President