Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) along with Asia Foundation Nepal, Robotic Association Nepal and NAXA jointly organized a Inno-talk series 11 on Impact and Angel Funding for Startups in Nepal at NAST auditorium, Satdobato, Lalitpur on Monday.
Speaking on the occasion the panelists stressed on the need for linking idea and innovation to investment or funding. They underlined the need to enhance Nepal’s innovation eco-system so that investment can be attracted to scientific innovations.
“Efforts should be made to bring together innovators, entrepreneurs, government, and non-governmental organizations so as to foster support for the further development and growth of innovative initiatives,” they pointed out. “NAST should act as a facilitator to bring together innovators and investors
from across the country so as to form a conducive innovation eco-system,” observed the speakers.
Angel Investment and Startup funding is relatively new concept in Nepal as there is very few industries, who are interested in research and innovation, pointed out the panelists.
Prominent panelists who participated in the discussion include Dr. Shambhu Pokharel, CEO at Club Global, Er. Roshan Pandey, senior Technical Officer, NAST, Suvash Thapa, Deputy CEO, Nepal Private Eaquity Association and Er. Pavitra Gautam, CEO, Karkhana. The panel discussion was moderated by Er. Bikash Gurung, president, Robotics Association of Nepal. The discussion was hosted by National Innovation Digital Network.
Addressing the opening session Dr. Ishwor Bajracharya, chief Faculty of Technology, NAST elaborated on how startup companies can develop their ideas and build environment so as to approach funding resources.
“Startup business has not attained maturity in Nepal, thus we have to wait for another 5-10 years for the startups to come forward like in other developed countries,” remarked scientist Pandey. According to Pandey Impact Funding is more prevalent than Angel Funding in Nepal, as we are in the starting phase, he pointed out.
The programme was followed by NIDN framework and information about startups in Nepal and abroad with panel discussion.
“This is a forum where you can meet people who can relate to you,” remarked Asst. Prof. Jyoti Giri responding to questions by the audience during the question and answer session. “Right person at the right time with the right idea will get you the right value.”
