Idea Studio Nepal opens applications for Season 8

KATHMANDU: Idea Studio Nepal and Dalit Lives Matter Global Alliance (DLMGA) have jointly opened applications for Idea Studio Nepal's Season 8, as announced at a press conference held at Idea Studio Nepal's corporate office in Anamnagar on Friday.

The theme for Season 8, ‘Breaking Barriers, Building Futures’, focuses on inclusivity in entrepreneurship. This season aims to enable Dalits and people from marginalised communities to ideate and access opportunities, fostering innovation and an entrepreneurial mindset.

The event was attended by representatives from the Government of Nepal, national and international experts, delegates from banks and financial institutions (BFIs), past ideators of Idea Studio Nepal, media persons, and representatives and allies from Idea Studio Nepal and DLMGA.

Dr Tshering Lama, Executive Chairperson of Idea Studio Nepal, delivered the opening address, discussing the significance of this collaboration and the role of inclusion in entrepreneurship. He highlighted that Idea Studio Nepal has recently established an Information, Advice, and Guidance Centre (IAG Centre) to serve as a hub for returnee Nepali migrants, helping them utilise and enhance their acquired skills and knowledge.

“We have been identifying and bringing forward hidden ideas since the first season. Although there has been representation from all communities, for various reasons, some individuals were compelled to leave their businesses. Therefore, we now see the need to prioritise communities who have been left behind. To achieve this, we plan to make Idea Studio Nepal more inclusive by incorporating the experience and expertise of DLMGA,” said Lama.

He further added, “Institutions within the Idea Studio Nepal ecosystem - including DLM, universities, financial institutions, ideators from all 77 districts, and various private and government organisations - have supported us in bringing Idea Studio Season 8. This time, we are also committed to making it more inclusive.”

Dr Lama also shared details about the newly established IAG Centre for returnee migrants, encouraging individuals to join and contribute. Applications for this programme can be submitted via the Idea Studio Nepal website, social media channels, and other media outlets. “Currently, we are conducting research in collaboration with universities to understand the skills and expertise that returnee migrant Nepalis bring back,” he said.

He announced the establishment of incubation centres in three colleges in Gandaki Province to promote entrepreneurship among students. The programme, named 'Prabhu Idea Plus,' is in collaboration with Prabhu Bank.

Pradip Pariyar, Founding Chairperson of DLMGA, shared his thoughts on the collaboration with Idea Studio Nepal during the press conference, discussing the concept of inclusivity in Nepal and its current state. Pariyar stated, “We are actively working to develop exemplary leadership in all sectors, ensuring that Dalit and marginalised communities receive equal opportunities. Observing the consistent efforts of Idea Studio Nepal, the collaboration was organic. I am optimistic that my vision of enabling 1,500 young entrepreneurs will be realised through this partnership.”

Dr Ghana Shyam Gurung, Country Representative at WWF Nepal, Startup Chair Shiny Khetan, and Finance Chair Punit Agarwal from CNIYEF also shared insights about their collaboration with Idea Studio Nepal. Dr Gurung emphasised the importance of diversity within institutions and sectors for fostering diversity in entrepreneurship. He expressed a positive outlook on the initiative of Idea Studio Nepal's Season 8, noting the focus on green innovation and the participation of various community representatives.

Startup Chair Khetan expressed commitment to applying the knowledge and experience gained from working with entrepreneurs through CNIYEF in collaboration with Idea Studio Nepal. Finance Chair Agarwal assured support to the ideators of Idea Studio Nepal, offering potential investment and mentorship opportunities.

Anil Basnet, an ideator from Season 1, shared details about the Founders Club. Sudarshan Siwakoti, Co-Founder of Motor Sewa (Home Car Repair Service) from Season 7, and Supriya Shakya, Co-Founder of Nepal Med from Season 3, shared their experiences with Idea Studio Nepal at the press conference.

Basnet mentioned, “In Founders Club, we have 131 successful entrepreneurs from Season 1 to Season 7. Collaborating with them and providing various forms of support is a direct result of our journey with Idea Studio Nepal. Additionally, I am running another product of Idea Studio Nepal, iMart (Online Local Marketplace). We have also received international investment for our ideators and entrepreneurs, which will greatly benefit us.”

Motor Sewa Co-Founder Shiwakoti shared that joining Idea Studio Nepal in Season 7 significantly benefited his business. “Initially, we were just an idea, but now we directly employ 10 people and indirectly provide jobs to 20 others. This success is due to the innovation and mentorship from Idea Studio Nepal,” he said.

Nepal Med Co-Founder Shakya thanked Idea Studio Nepal for helping to validate and commercialise her business plan in the Nepali market. “Especially for women, to run a business, three things are necessary: energy, time, and money. Along with these, an institution like Idea Studio Nepal is also essential. With their support, I have reached where I am today,” she shared.

Vivek Singh Thakuri, one of the Board of Directors of Idea Studio Nepal and Executive Director of Mitra Samaj, provided closing remarks and announced that applications for Idea Studio Nepal Season 8 are open. Concluding the programme, he said, “In a country like Nepal, an institution that supports entrepreneurship is essential. The day everything is perfect, there will be no need for organisations like Idea Studio Nepal. May that day come soon, but to reach that day, we all need to collaborate and work hard. I believe the continuity of this will be seen in Season 8. We are working to make this season even more inclusive.”

Interested individuals can visit the website or scan the QR code to apply for Season 8 until December 15, 2024.

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