“CNIYEF Startup Fest 2023” to be held on December 23

KATHMANDU, DECEMBER 9: The Confederation of Nepalese Industries Young Entrepreneurs Forum (CNIYEF), the youth wing of the Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI), is set to hold the 2^nd edition of CNIYEF Startup Fest on December 23. It was announced by the forum by holding a press meet yesterday in the capital.

The country’s largest startup fest aims to foster innovation, investment, and policy discussions to boost Nepal’s burgeoning startup ecosystem.

The fest is also expected to support the “Make in Nepal” campaign by recognizing the primary challenges faced by startups in their smooth operations.

“Over 250 startups have submitted proposals seeking investment, and a rigorous selection process led by CNIYEF and investors will result in 10 to 12 standout startups earning the opportunity to present at the fest,” states a press release issued by the CNIYEF

“Investor companies, including Tele Venture, NIMB Capital, Reliable Venture Capital, Lotus Holding, Alpha Plus Venture, Himalayan Capital, Team Venture, Global Equity Fund, Adhyanta Fund Management, and Neoteric Nepal, have expressed their commitment to investing in the selected startups. As of date, this is an investment pool of more than Rs 1 billion.”

The CNIYEF Startup Fest 2023 will feature panel discussions on various startup-related topics by domestic and foreign experts, live pitching sessions by startups, and engaging activities such as enlightening panel discussions, Robotic Football, Robowar, and a Live Rock Concert. Exhibitions by indigenous companies and startups championing the Make in Nepal Swadeshi Abhiyan, showcasing their goods and services are also going to take place during the event.

Nabil Bank is the title sponsor of the CNIYEF Startup Fest 2023 which has other sponsors like MC Group, AECC Global Nepal Pvt. Ltd., Yamaha, Seres EV, IME Pay, Boat Lifestyle, Budweiser, and Turkish Airlines. The fest is being organized in collaboration with the Government of Nepal, the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, and the National Planning Commission.and supported by the Embassy of India, USAID, ILO, and the European Union.

Likewise, Khalti, Soaltee, NPEA, Pioneer Law Associates, IIDE, Fusemachines, The Himalayan Times, News24, Khalisisi, Vyasa Media, VS International College, National College of Computer Studies, DAV College, and ACE Institute of Management have come together to contribute their expertise and support on diverse topics for the upcoming CNIYEF Startup Fest 2023.

The inaugural edition of the CNIYEF Startup Fest in 2022 was a success, raising an impressive investment pool of 245 million rupees. Building on that momentum, the CNIYEF Startup Fest 2023 is poised to be a landmark event, driving innovation, collaboration, and investment in Nepal’s vibrant startup ecosystem, it is claimed.