KATHMANDU: Ten companies have been selected for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Clean Air programme. The programme was launched in November 2021 with the objective of mitigating air pollution in Kathmandu valley for improved health and education outcomes.
Abhiyantriki Karmashala, Buildup Nepal, Doko Recyclers, Green Road Waste Management, Green Movers, Himalayan Naturals, Metro Mask, Pick N Drop, Yatri Motorcycles and Zero Circular are the companies selected for the programme.
USAID Clean Air is being implemented by a consortium led by FHI 360 with four consortium partners — Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Bangkok, Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC), Environment and Public Health Organisation (ENPHO) and One to Watch (OTW) — in close collaboration with the Government of Nepal and other key government, non-government and private sector stakeholders.
The USAID Business Accelerator for Clean Air will provide customised business development services, seed grants and access to a wider network of partners and stakeholders to companies working to mitigate air pollution in the valley.
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The programme will provide customised business development support and seed grant to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) providing solutions to mitigate air pollution or reduce exposure to air pollution in the valley. The intensive programme is specifically designed to support enterprises acquire the right knowledge and expertise on how to build and scale their business. The entrepreneur and the enterprises will acquire access to a wider network of mentors, experts and investors.
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Initially, the programme received a considerable number of applications which was opened in September. Multiple rounds of screening were conducted over the months to select the top 15 who pitched in front of a panel. Subsequently, 10 companies with the most feasible ideas and plans were selected.
The selected companies will be closely working with One to Watch and USAID Clean Air to refine their strategy, align their vision and implement customised business development solutions to execute their scale-up plans.
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Published Date: May 16, 2023, 12:00 am
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