Idea Studio Nepal concludes 'College Idea Hunt 2023'

KATHMANDU: Idea Studio Nepal has concluded its annual 'College Idea Hunt 2023' programme, with the final event, 'I have an idea'.

Around 180 individuals attended the event that took place at Hotel Dusit Princess in Kathmandu, on Saturday.

Experts from diverse fields, heads of educational institutions, students, Japanese company representatives, and various media outlets participated in the programme.

Sadichha Shrestha, Chief of Strategy and Communication at Idea Studio Nepal, made the announcement at the event. 

The guests at the event included Dr Ghana Shyam Gurung, Country Representative, World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Nepal; Takuma Kozaiwa, Director of Benesse Holdings Inc; Tshering Lama, Executive Chairperson of Idea Studio Nepal; Surendra Subedi, Principal of Kathmandu Model College; and Dr Govinda Tamang, Acting Director of the School of Management, Tribhuvan University.

Gurung discussed the 5 R technology, stressing the importance of sustainability and environmental friendliness in business. 

Kozaiwa shared his experience, highlighting that success in business is not solely about winning competitions. He mentioned his past participation in a competition where, despite not winning, he was able to implement his idea faster than the winner.

Subedi spoke about Kathmandu Model College's ongoing collaboration with Idea Studio and the opportunities it has provided for students to participate in various programmes like the College Idea Hunt. Dr Tamang underscored the significance of the event and the four-year collaboration with Idea Studio Nepal.

The College Idea Hunt 2023 received over 200 business ideas. Of these, 20 underwent a 15-day incubation and mentorship period, and the top 10 ideas were selected for the final process through a demo pitch. The top three ideas were Neha Pravin's Lightweight Earring, Ashwatthama by Saugat Acharya, Nabin Dhakal, Sachin Ghimire and Ramin Ghimire, and Upanha by Ayushi Singh, Puja Joshi and Ganesh Acharya. The winner was selected based on a scoresheet by the jury.

The jury panel comprised Ravi Pratap Singh, Chief Operating Officer of WWF Nepal; Surendra Subedi, Principal of Kathmandu Model College; and Takuma Kozaiwa, Director of Benesse Holdings Inc.

The top three ideas from the College Idea Hunt were each awarded a cash prize of Rs 100,000. These ideas will automatically progress to Idea Studio Season 8. 

Idea Studio Nepal has successfully engaged a wide range of participants, aged 16 to 67, from all seven provinces of the country in its various programmes.