Idea Studio Nepal is a dividend-not-distributing company registered at the Company Registrar Office, under the Company Act 2063 of Nepal. Its approach is based on the core values of promoting social innovation, igniting investments, for social justice, through knowledge creation, and eventually restoring human dignity. Idea Studio believes in the philosophy of a collaborative approach linking knowledge-policy-practice to create a vibrant sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystem in Nepal.
Founding Board of Directors
Dr. Tshering Lama
Executive Chairperson
Dr. Tshering Lama is the Executive Chairperson and Co-founder of Idea Studio Nepal (ISN), empowering entrepreneurs to tackle societal issues. He also leads the Nepal Institute of Public Policy and Governance (Nepal: IPPG), advising on governance and development. Recognized as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum, Dr. Lama has received numerous awards for his contributions to public health and education.
Dr. Rupesh Krishna Shrestha
Chief Operating Officer, Xuno
Rupesh Krishna Shrestha is the Co-Founder of Idea Studio and an Assistant Professor at Kathmandu University, specializing in entrepreneurship and marketing. He has established Nepal’s first business incubator and actively collaborates with international partners to promote innovation. Currently pursuing a PhD, he holds an MBA and MPhil from Kathmandu University.
Barsha Shrestha
Business Head at ICRA Nepal
Barsha Shrestha is a pioneer in Nepal’s banking sector, becoming the first woman General Manager in private banking. She played a key role in CEDB’s entry into the Global Alliance for Banking on Values and has received several honors, including the National Woman Award 2009. Currently, she is the Business Head at ICRA Nepal Ltd and serves on the Board of Directors at Idea Studio Nepal (ISN), continuing her efforts to promote inclusive finance and leadership.
Suresh Simkhada
Managing Director at Meeting Point
Suresh Simkhada is committed to enhancing the quality and transparency of Nepali media and serves on the Board of Directors at Idea Studio Nepal (ISN). He is the Managing Director of Meeting Point, ISN’s media partner, and holds leadership roles in several other companies. He also oversees branding and promotion for a widely viewed television quiz show, contributing to media innovation and public engagement in Nepal.
Malvika Subba
Media Personality
Malvika Subba, former Miss Nepal 2002, is a prominent media personality with a strong fan base across Nepal. She has hosted over 1,000 events, served as a brand ambassador, and gained recognition as a leading television host. Beyond media, she is a respected trainer and choreographer for beauty pageants worldwide, using her platform to inspire and empower Nepali youth through her diverse roles and influence.
Vivek singh Thakuri
Strategic Leader & Communication Specialist
Vivek Singh Thakuri is a certified trainer in advocacy and networking, a photojournalism graduate, and a multifaceted professional in development, media, and entrepreneurship. He is the Co-founder of one of Nepal’s leading advertising agencies and Founder Chairperson of Times Business School. An award-winning actor, he has hosted over 2,000 live television shows and appeared in more than 50 music videos and numerous TV commercials, making a lasting impact in multiple sectors.
International Board of Directors
Jonathan Chang
Head of Google for Education
Jonathan Chang is Head of Google for Education in Indonesia and other Southeast Asian countries. Formerly, he led NUS Enterprise, oversaw the Lien Centre for Social Innovation at SMU, and pioneered SMU’s accreditation as Asia’s first Ashoka Changemaker Campus. A global speaker and startup advisor, he holds degrees from UC Berkeley, Stanford GSB, and Harvard Kennedy School.
Jacqueline Xu
Product Manager, Facebook
Jackie Xu, a Software Engineer specializing in Machine Learning at Facebook, holds a Master’s degree from MIT in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science with a focus on artificial intelligence. Passionate about technology, entrepreneurship, and human empowerment, she aims to leverage machine learning at Facebook to tackle significant social issues. She also mentors women in tech to help close gender gap in STEM fields.
Justin Baird
Co-founder & Chief Technology Officer at Bluecarbon S2C
Justin Baird with over 20 years of diverse experience in management and high tech, Justin's expertise spans research and development, signal processing, product management, digital networks, and multimedia technologies. He holds multiple patents, received accolades like AdNews' "40 under 40" award, and actively supports creative industries. Passionate about music, he's worked with renowned artists in live performance technology.
Kimmo Paajanen
Project Manager at Oulu University of Applied Sciences
Kimmo Paajanen, Ecosystem Leader and Project Manager at Oulu University of Applied Sciences, Finland, holds a Masters in Engineering with over 25 years of ICT and media experience. He leads projects like Building University Capacity for Business Incubation in Nepal and spearheads education export in the UAE through the AUSELABS training program for the construction industry.
Marieme Jamme
Founder of iamtheCODE & Accur8Global
Mariéme Jamme, an award-winning Technologist and Young Global Leader, made history as the first black woman to win the Innovation Award at the Global Goals Award 2017. She founded IAMTHECODE, aiming to empower 1 million girls globally by 2030 through STEAMD education. She's also a Board Member of the World Wide Web Foundation and the first Senegalese woman to reach the North Pole.
Amjab Rabi
Social and human security economist
Amjad Rabi a social security economist, advises Malaysia's Employees Provident Fund (EPF) and Oman’s Public Authority for Social Insurance (PASI). He's also a visiting expert at the University of Malaya’s Social Wellbeing Center. With extensive experience in the UN and teaching roles at various universities worldwide, Amjad holds a diverse academic background including a Doctorate in International Relations, Masters in Public Policy, Mathematics, and Economics.
Katrina Lea Webb
Australian Paralympic Athlete
Katrina Webb, OAM (born May 22, 1977), is an inspirational Australian Paralympic athlete who has triumphed in athletics despite facing cerebral palsy challenges. With her remarkable resilience and talent, she has proudly earned gold, silver, and bronze medals across three Paralympic Games, inspiring countless individuals worldwide.
Yohei Shibasaki
CEO of Fourth Valley Concierge Corporation
Yohei Shibasaki graduated from Sophia University, Tokyo. With 10 years at Sony, he collaborated globally. In 2007, he founded Fourth Valley. He’s also a committee member for Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare.
