Kathmandu, Feb 5 (NationPress) Founders of Nepali startups who participated in a training and exposure visit to India's startup ecosystem characterized their experience as a pivotal moment that propelled them from initial development stages to market-ready innovations.

Twenty-four Nepali startup founders engaged in an eight-week, fully-funded training and innovation program under the India-Nepal Start-up Partnership Network (IN-SPAN), which wrapped up in late January.

This initiative was launched by the Indian Embassy to foster collaboration and strengthen ties between the startups from both nations.

Throughout the program, nine Nepali startups were offered incubation and investment opportunities from the IIT Madras Incubation Cell and IIT Madras Pravartak, organized in conjunction with the IIT Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation in Chennai, as per the Embassy's report.

On Wednesday, participants shared their insights during an event dubbed 'Nepal-India Startup Sambad', hosted by the Nepal-India Chambers of Commerce and Industry (NICCI).

They noted advantages such as access to advanced laboratories, investor networking, product enhancement assistance, and exposure to international best practices.

“The fact that nine startups received unique investment and incubation proposals from prominent Indian incubation platforms underscores the growing potential of Nepal's innovation landscape and the importance of regional collaboration,” stated NICCI.

NICCI President Sunil K.C. reiterated the Chamber's dedication to prioritizing innovation and entrepreneurship in Nepal-India economic partnerships.

He asserted that cross-border startup alliances are crucial for boosting regional competitiveness and fostering youth-driven economic development.

Umesh Kumar Gupta, Executive Director of the Industrial Enterprise Development Institute Nepal, emphasized the need for institutional support, policy coherence, and capacity-building initiatives to cultivate startups into globally competitive entities.

The Industrial Enterprise Development Institute Nepal serves as the governmental body aiding Nepali entrepreneurs in scaling their businesses.

During the inaugural IN-SPAN program, participants attended lectures and workshops led by distinguished faculty from IIT Madras and engaged with experienced startup professionals.

They interacted with senior officials from Indian startups, gaining valuable real-world insights and constructive feedback.

Participants also underwent skill enhancement training in critical technologies such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and solar photovoltaics, further refining their skills through internships with relevant Indian startups, as reported by the Indian Embassy.