Startup & Idea Fest to showcase over 100 startups, innovations in Kathmandu on Nov 14-15

KATHMANDU: Living with ICT is set to organise the Startup & Idea Fest in Kathmandu on November 14-15, showcasing digital startups from across the country.

The event, to be held at Anupam Foodland, Battisputali, will feature exhibitions of over 100 startups and innovations, bringing together a significant number of digital initiatives.

As a pre-event for the ICT Awards 2024, the fest will be supported by The Squad of Changemakers and Engineers Blogs. It will showcase the top 12 startups, products, and innovations selected from the ICT Awards 2024 competition. Additionally, over 30 startups from all seven provinces will participate. The Squad of Changemakers will conduct STEM camps, rocket science activities, and games, while Engineers Blogs will host a robotics competition.

Razan Lamsal, chairman of the organising committee, stated that the Startup & Idea Fest aims to promote startups, students, and innovators engaged in unique projects across Nepal. The event invites government bodies, ecosystem development organisations, stakeholders, and those interested in investing and collaborating to engage with participants. Networking opportunities will be available for venture capitalists interested in investing in ideas and products.

The fest has established itself as one of the largest startup promotional events in Nepal. Entry to the exhibition will be free, with special arrangements for students from various schools and colleges. Alongside the exhibition, mentoring and incubation sessions will be provided to startups from outside Kathmandu. King's College will facilitate a boot camp, MIT College will lead mentoring sessions, and Cedar Gate and F1Soft will organise industry visits.

The top startup from each province will also be recognised at the grand finale of the ICT Awards. The selection process for the ICT Awards 2024 is currently underway across 14 different categories. After multiple stages of selection, the top 12 startups, products, rising stars, and social innovations will have the opportunity to participate in the event and promote their businesses. Observers will also be able to vote for their favourite startups and products. The second selection stage is ongoing in 10 additional categories for the ICT Awards. Meanwhile, a jury panel comprising 17 experts and an advisory committee of 13 distinguished members has been formed.

The South Asia Startup ICT Award will be held for startups outside Nepal. The ICT Awards, known as Nepal’s most prestigious tech award, will hold its ninth edition on December 20. Alongside the fest, multiple pre-events for the awards will take place.

Kantipur Television will broadcast a special series on startup and idea pitching for two months.