Idea Studio Nepal and Dalit Lives Matter Global Alliance (DLMGA) have jointly opened applications for Idea Studio Nepal’s Season 8 on November 15, 2024 (Kartik 30) through a press conference at Idea Studio Nepal corporate office, Anamnagar. The theme for Season 8 is ‘Breaking Barriers, Building Futures’.
Season 8 mindfully imbibes inclusivity in entrepreneurship, enabling Dalits and people from socially excluded communities to ideate and access opportunities, fostering innovation and entrepreneurial mindset.
The press conference was attended by representatives from the Government of Nepal, national and international experts, delegates from banks and financial institutions, past ideators of Idea Studio Nepal, media persons, and the representatives and allies from Idea Studio Nepal and Dalit Lives Matter Global Alliance (DLMGA).
Dr. Tshering Lama, Executive Chairperson of Idea Studio Nepal, delivered the opening address, discussing the significance of this collaboration and the role of inclusion in entrepreneurship. He highlighted that Idea Studio Nepal recently established an Information, Advice, and Guidance Center (IAG Center), which serves as an information, guidance, and advisory hub for returnee Nepali migrants to help utilize and enhance their acquired skills and knowledge.
“We have been identifying and bringing forward hidden ideas since the first season. Although there has been representation from all communities, for various reasons, some individuals were compelled to leave their businesses. Therefore, we now see the need to prioritize communities who have been left behind. To achieve this, we plan to make Idea Studio Nepal more inclusive by incorporating the experience and expertise of Dalit Lives Matter,” said Dr. Tshering Lama about the collaboration with Dalit Lives Matter Global Alliance.
He further added, “Institutions within the Idea Studio Nepal’s ecosystem – including DLM, universities, financial institutions, ideators from all 77 districts, and various private and government organizations – have supported us in bringing Idea Studio Season 8. This time, we are also committed to making it more inclusive.”
Similarly, Dr. Lama shared that a new program called the ‘IAG Center’, established under Idea Studio Nepal for returnee migrants, allows individuals to join and contribute. Applications for this program can be submitted via the Idea Studio Nepal website, social media channels, and other media outlets. “Currently, we are conducting research in collaboration with universities to understand the skills and expertise that returnee migrant Nepalese bring back,” he said.
Dr. Lama also announced the establishment of incubation centers in three colleges in Gandaki Province to promote entrepreneurship among students under Idea Studio Nepal. He mentioned that the program, named “Prabhu Idea Plus,” is in collaboration with Prabhu Bank.
Furthermore, Pradip Pariyar, the Founding Chairperson of Dalit Lives Matter Global Alliance, shared his thoughts on the collaboration with Idea Studio Nepal during the press conference. He spoke about the concept of inclusivity in Nepal and its current state.
Pariyar stated, “We are actively working to develop exemplary leadership in all sectors, ensuring that Dalit and marginalized communities receive equal opportunities. In this effort, we were exploring ways to engage and work in the field of entrepreneurship. Observing the consistent efforts of Idea Studio Nepal, the collaboration was organic. I am optimistic that my vision of enabling 1,500 young entrepreneurs will be realized through this partnership. With sustained efforts like these, I hope we won’t need to discuss inclusivity in the next 50 years.”
The ecosystem of Idea Studio Nepal includes various financial, educational, and governmental institutions. In this context, Dr. Ghana Shyam Gurung, Country Representative at WWF Nepal; Shiny Khetan, Start-up Chair and Punit Agrawal, Finance Chair, at CNIYEF; shared insights about their collaboration with Idea Studio Nepal.
Dr. Gurung emphasized that diversity within every institution and sector of society leads to diversity in entrepreneurship. He expressed his positive outlook on the initiative of Idea Studio Nepal’s Season 8, noting that the focus on green innovation has been a priority, and the ideators at Idea Studio Nepal have consistently championed this cause. He also expressed his confidence in representatives from various communities now participating, Idea Studio Nepal would grow even stronger and move forward with renewed vigor.
Start-up Chair Shiny Khetan expressed commitment to applying the knowledge and experience gained from working with entrepreneurs across various sectors through the CNIYEF in collaboration with Idea Studio Nepal. Similarly, Finance Chair Punit Agarwal also assured support to the Idea Studio Nepal’s ideators, offering possible investment and mentorship opportunities.
Anil Basnet, an ideator from Season 1, shared details about the Founders Club. Likewise, Sudarshan Siwakoti, the Co-Founder of Motor Sewa Pvt. Ltd. (Home Car Repair Service) from Season 7, and Supriya Shakya, the Co-Founder of Nepal Med, an ideator from Season 3, shared their experiences with Idea Studio Nepal at the press conference.
Basnet mentioned, “In Founders Club, we have 131 successful entrepreneurs from Season 1 to Season 7. Collaborating with them and providing various forms of support is a direct result of our journey with Idea Studio Nepal. Additionally, I am running another product of Idea Studio Nepal, iMart (Online Local Marketplace). We have also received international investment for our ideators and entrepreneurs, which will greatly benefit us.”
Sudarshan Shiwakoti, the Co-Founder of Motor Sewa, shared that after joining Idea Season 7, his business gained significant benefits. He said, “Initially, we were just an idea, but now we directly employ 10 people and indirectly provide jobs to 20 others. This success is due to the innovation and mentorship from Idea Studio Nepal.”
Supriya Shakya, Co-Founder of Nepal Med, shared her experience of how Idea Studio Nepal helped bring her business plan to market. She thanked Idea Studio Nepal for helping with the validation and commercialization of a new idea in the Nepali market. “Especially for women, to run a business, three things are necessary: energy, time, and money. Along with these, an institution like Idea Studio Nepal is also essential. With their support, I have reached where I am today,” she shared.
At the end of the program, Vivek Singh Thakuri, one of the Board of Directors of Idea Studio Nepal and the Executive Director of Mitra Samaj, provided closing remarks and announced that applications for Idea Studio Nepal Season 8 are open.
Concluding the program, Thakuri said, “In a country like Nepal, an institution that supports entrepreneurship is essential. The day everything is perfect, there will be no need for organizations like Idea Studio Nepal. May that day come soon, but to reach that day, we all need to collaborate and work hard. I believe the continuity of this will be seen in Season 8. We are working to make this season even more inclusive.”
Application Deadline: December 15, 2024
To apply and for more information, please visit ideastudio.org.np.