Living with ICT to organize ‘EBEEMA STARTUP & IDEA FEST 2022’ in all seven provinces; aims to promote local digital innovators

Living with ICT, a leading ICT media of Nepal will host the Ebeema-sponsored 'Startup and Idea Fest 2022' program in all of the seven provinces of Nepal. The program is being implemented in all provinces with the goal of promoting local digital innovators and raising the necessary investment. The program will begin on the 1^st of April, 2022 (18^th of Chaitra, 2078) in Pokhara of Gandaki province and will end in Chitwan in the second last week of May, according to the organizers. Programs will be held in Butwal on the 6^th of April (23^rd of Chaitra, 2078), Birgunj on the 9^th of April (26^th of Chaitra, 2078), and Biratnagar on the 15^th of April, 2022 (2^nd of Baisakh, 2079) in the first phase, following Pokhara.

Innovative ideas and projects from local startups and students will be showcased during this program. With the help of an expert selection committee, participants will present their ideas or projects. They will also have the opportunity to participate in mentoring sessions with successful IT entrepreneurs from the local and central regions. The organizers will choose the top five startups and ideas from each province and make them participate in a business incubation program in Kathmandu. The bank will provide a concessional loan facility as well as investment to the selected start-ups. According to the organizers, startups will receive the necessary technology, legal assistance, and free consultation, as well as various opportunities for business promotion. The best 1 of each province will also be honored in the grand finale of ICT AWARD 2022.

The organizers have stated that each province's program will include at least 30 startups. Special interaction and digital dialogue programs on the state in DIGITAL SAMVAD will be held in the presence of the state government, local governments, the private sector, and stakeholders during the program. Various sessions and exhibition programs will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., according to the organizers. Startups will be able to participate for free, and admission to the program will be free as well. Startups and ideas can be submitted by registering on the website (www.nepalistartup.com) or by calling 9801263602 for more information.

Ebeema, Rastriya Banijya Bank, Huawei, Neema Academy, Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), Broadway Infosys, CSIT Association, and other state governments have all partnered and supported the program. The number of young people doing innovative and innovative work in their field has increased significantly, according to Mr. Razan Lamsal, program coordinator of Living with ICT. However, in view of the fact that many startups are fleeing due to a lack of necessary mentoring, incubation, and investment, Living with ICT has planned to organize a nationwide program so that all the startups of the country get all the provisions, services, facilities and concern as per Mr. Lamsal. Many local startups have been shuttered as a result of Covid 19, and now the government and private sector must collaborate to promote digital entrepreneurship and innovation, according to Mr. Lamsal.

It is possible to earn foreign money by creating jobs for many people if the federal and provincial governments pay attention to the development of innovation and entrepreneurship. Despite the fact that the government has introduced a startup fund program in each budget, it has yet to be implemented. The government has been attempting to formulate a startup policy, but it has been demanding the necessary assistance and facilitation in this area for quite some time. The private sector is making a variety of efforts to promote and develop startups and entrepreneurship.