23/02/2026
We’re proud to celebrate the successful completion of the U.S. - Nepal Startup Weekend Challenge, a three-day accelerator-style program that brought together some of Nepal’s most promising early-stage founders, entrepreneurs and innovators from across Nepal to collaboratively develop startup ventures inspired by U.S. innovation models.🤝
After an inspiring weekend filled with collaboration, mentorship and high-energy pitching, congratulations to our top winners: 🎉
🏆 Garudx Group – Winner | NPR 350,000 in seed funding
🥈 Fully Charged Nepal – First Runner-up | NPR 200,000
🥉 Kanoon Portal – Second Runner-up | NPR 100,000
Out of 283 applications received nationwide, 25 outstanding teams were shortlisted to participate in the three-day program, representing nearly 100 entrepreneurs and early-stage founders. Over the course of the weekend, participants engaged in curated workshops and hands-on sessions on business fundamentals led by expert facilitators and received personalized one-on-one mentorship from Nepali and U.S.-based experts to refine their startup ideas and strengthen their pitches for the final event.
Delivering keynote remarks on opening day, Scott Urbom, Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy, Nepal, shared: “Programs like this reflect the strength and reciprocity of the U.S.–Nepal partnership by connecting Nepali talent with American experience and globally tested approaches.”
We extend our sincere appreciation to our esteemed panel of judges: Mike Harker, Public Affairs Chief at the U.S. Embassy, Nepal; Juna Mathema, Co-founder of Blitz Media Pvt. Ltd. ; Sachin Karanjit, Director of Nepal Operations at Deerhold Ltd. ; and Suman K Joshi, Managing Director at One to Watch.👏
A heartfelt thank you to the U.S. Embassy, Nepal for supporting this initiative, and to our valued partners: Amcham Nepal, Confederation of Nepalese Industries Young Entrepreneurs Forum - Cniyef, Federation of Woman Entrepreneurs' Associations of Nepal, MarketEdge LLC, Nepal Association for Software and I.T. Services Companies and NYEF:Nepalese Young Entrepreneurs' Forum, for their collaboration and commitment to strengthening Nepal’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
A huge shoutout to our incredible speakers, facilitators, and mentors who generously shared their expertise and guided participants throughout their journey, and to every participant who showed up with courage, creativity, and determination, making this weekend truly impactful. 🌟
The energy, innovation, and ambition we witnessed reaffirm our belief in Nepal’s entrepreneurial future. Here’s to building boldly, scaling globally, and shaping the next generation of Nepali startups. 🚀
