26th July 2025, Kathmandu
The Nepal Entrepreneurship Forum (NEF) 2025 has successfully kicked off, setting the stage for a crucial dialogue on shaping Nepal’s future through sustainable innovation and inclusive growth. Hosted in Kathmandu, this pivotal event brings together thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and policymakers to chart a course for a more prosperous and equitable entrepreneurial landscape across the diverse regions of Nepal.
NEF 2025 Catalyzing Sustainable Innovation
Key Highlights from the Opening Session:
A Vision for a Thriving Ecosystem: Conference Convener Chittaranjan Pandey opened the forum with an inspiring address, emphasizing the collective commitment to nurturing a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in Nepal. His welcome set the tone for two days of in-depth discussions on leveraging local solutions for global impact.
Unlocking Agri-Business Potential with Digital Transformation: Mr. Ken Shimizu, FAO Country Representative for Nepal and Bhutan, delivered a compelling keynote address. He highlighted the immense, yet often untapped, potential within Nepal’s agri-business sector. Shimizu underscored the critical need for inclusive investment and emphasized the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital literacy in bridging the development gap. He also stressed the importance of global collaborations, citing FAO’s Hand-in-Hand Program and the Digital Village Initiative as key examples for youth engagement and sustainable development.
Science-Driven Entrepreneurship: A Nepali Success Story: Dr. Prativa Pandey, a distinguished entrepreneur and scientist, and Founder and CEO of Herveda Botanicals, captivated the audience with her journey of building a science-driven business in Nepal. Her insights illuminated the indispensable role of rigorous research, unwavering resilience, and continuous innovation in establishing and sustaining successful enterprises that are rooted in local solutions and resources.
Nurturing Social Innovation for Sustainable Business: Prof. Dr. Satyajit Majumdar, Managing Director of the TISS Incube Foundation, provided a visionary perspective on cultivating sustainable business ecosystems. His address focused on the paramount importance of nurturing social innovation, showcasing how entrepreneurial ventures can drive positive societal change alongside economic prosperity.
A Call for Collective Belief and Action: The forum concluded its inaugural session with powerful closing remarks from Mr. Narottam Aryal, President of King’s College. His poignant statement, “We didn’t begin with expertise, we began with belief,” resonated deeply with attendees. Aryal issued a compelling call for collective effort, collaborative knowledge sharing, and the articulation of a national vision aimed at democratizing prosperity across Nepal. He positioned startups and youth-led ventures as the vital catalysts for change, driving progress and inclusivity throughout the nation.
Why This Matters for Nepal’s Entrepreneurial Future?
The Nepal Entrepreneurship Forum 2025 serves as a critical platform for:
Fostering Innovation: By bringing together diverse perspectives, the forum ignites new ideas and promotes the development of innovative solutions tailored to Nepal’s unique challenges and opportunities.
Promoting Sustainable Development: A core theme of the forum is to align entrepreneurial practices with sustainable development goals, encouraging businesses that are environmentally conscious and socially responsible.
Driving Inclusive Growth: The emphasis on democratizing prosperity and empowering youth and local solutions aims to ensure that the benefits of entrepreneurship reach all corners of Nepal, fostering equitable economic development.
Strengthening Global and Local Partnerships: The forum facilitates invaluable connections between local entrepreneurs, international organizations, and academic institutions, paving the way for collaborative ventures and knowledge exchange.
As the Nepal Entrepreneurship Forum 2025 continues, it reinforces its role as a dynamic hub for collaboration, policy discussions, and the advancement of Nepal’s vibrant and growing entrepreneurial landscape. This event is a testament to Nepal’s commitment to building a future driven by innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth for all its citizens.
For more: NEF 2025 Catalyzing Sustainable Innovation