Anamnagar, Kathmandu, Jestha 11
The press conference for “College Idea Hunt 2025” organized by Idea Studio Nepal has concluded in Kathmandu. Representatives from various educational institutions, successful entrepreneurs, and officials from the organizing institution shared their views on the objectives, significance, and the impact created by College Idea Hunt.
At the beginning of the program, Mr. Anil Basnet, Business Development Director at Idea Studio Nepal, provided insights into the goals of College Idea Hunt (CIH). He discussed the establishment of incubation centers in 15 community and private colleges, faculty development, curriculum revision, and the creation of a “Knowledge and Talent Hub” under the Academic Champion initiative. He also highlighted international partnerships with institutions such as Ezisaka and Fourth Valley in Japan, and the Barcelona School of Management, along with the “Pratibha Dabali” program to increase student participation.
Basnet mentioned that from 2017 to 2024, CIH has received over 1300 ideas and reached more than 7,000 students and youth through over 400 colleges. He noted that the application process for the program started on May 25. He also cited successful ventures like Deego Nepal and Skill Sewa as examples of entrepreneurial outcomes.
Dean, Faculty of Management, Tribhuvan University
Director, School of Management Tribhuvan University
Principal of Kathmandu Model College, Mr. Surendra Subedi, emphasized the importance of such platforms in involving youth in the business environment. He stated that two students from KMC had been winners of CIH, and expressed that the program is beneficial for students ranging from +2 to master’s level. He highlighted the collaboration between MIT and Idea Studio Nepal and shared KMC’s full support.
Dean of the Faculty of Management at Tribhuvan University, Prof. Dr. Mahananda Chalise, spoke about Idea Studio Nepal’s collaboration with various colleges. He stated that if even 20% of the 170,000 students enrolled in the BBS program could start businesses, it would make a significant impact on the country’s economy and society. Speaking on the concept of “Content to Context,” he also discussed the future of the gig economy and proposed training aligned with this for students of hotel management.
Dr. Govinda Tamang, Director at the School of Management (SoMTU), discussed curriculum revision, engaging faculty as mentors, and appointing students as student consultants. He emphasized the necessity of having an incubation center at every campus to foster an entrepreneurial ecosystem. He also shared about the upcoming Impact Café being set up at SoMTU in collaboration with Idea Studio Nepal, plans to launch a postgraduate course in sustainable development with the Barcelona School of Management, and opportunities to understand Japanese culture and economic sectors through collaboration with Fourth Valley. Additionally, he discussed startup validation and entrepreneurship support programs in partnership with Idea Studio Nepal and Nabil SSE.
Ms. Aradhana Ojha, Co-founder of ReMini Scooter, shared her experience of participating in CIH despite her engineering background and how it helped her learn about innovation, law, and government policy. She mentioned that “an idea never dies” and that she is currently running Amplify Digital and ReMini Scooter. She is also a golden ticket holder from Nabil SSE.
Ms. Ashmita Khambule, founder of Stitch Perfect (Handmade with Love), shared her journey of starting a crochet and knitting business during her BBS studies, which now provides employment to 15 individuals. She spoke about her growth in confidence and public speaking and thanked Idea Studio for providing networking opportunities.
Mr. Joseph Shrestha, founder of RVM Cold, said Idea Studio Nepal has promoted an entrepreneurial mindset. Mr. Ram Krishna Dahal, Co-founder of MIT, highlighted the importance of the IT sector, Australia’s CRC model, and the courses offered by MIT.
Finally, Dr. Tshering Lama, Executive Chairperson of Idea Studio Nepal, spoke on the importance of “knowledge-based innovation.” He shared updates on the partnership between Idea Studio Nepal and Tribhuvan University and the recent collaboration with MIT. Emphasizing the importance of contextualizing content for societal impact, he thanked all the academic champions involved in the program.
College Idea Hunt 2025 continues to provide Nepali youth with a platform to transform their ideas into businesses. The speakers at the press conference stressed that such programs significantly contribute to the country’s economic and social development.
