KATHMANDU (Nov 4): The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu on Tuesday held an orientation session ahead of the launch of the India-Nepal Startup Partnership Network (IN-SPAN), a new initiative aimed at fostering collaboration between the two countries’ startup ecosystems.
The first IN-SPAN program is scheduled to begin in December 2025 at IIT Madras, featuring an eight-week fully funded training and innovation program for Nepali startup representatives.
According to the Embassy, the program—delivered in collaboration with IIT Madras Pravartak—will include training, mentorship, and internships designed to help participants develop their ideas into market-ready ventures. IIT Madras Pravartak has so far incubated 46 startups, with 14 technologies successfully commercialised.
Radhika Aryal, Secretary at Nepal’s Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, attended the event as Chief Guest and welcomed the initiative, calling it an important platform for cross-border innovation and knowledge sharing.
The session, held at the Embassy premises, saw participation from around 100 attendees, including representatives from government departments, the Robotics Association of Nepal, NAS IT, Fintech Alliance, AI Association of Nepal, and academic institutions. Another 60 participants from Birgunj and Dharan joined virtually.
Professor Gaurav Raina, Chief Scientist at IIT Madras’s Centre for Human-Centric AI, addressed the participants online, outlining the innovation and incubation ecosystem at IIT Madras and IITM Pravartak.
A similar orientation session was also held earlier in the day at the Institute of Engineering, Pulchowk Campus, Tribhuvan University, which was attended by about 70 students.
Applications for the first IN-SPAN cohort are open until November 15, 2025, the Embassy said, adding that selection will be based on an assessment of applications and interviews.