IEDI, ICIMOD, FCDO hold Bhutan–Nepal workshop on bioeconomy, circular economies

KATHMANDU: The Industrial Enterprise Development Institute (IEDI), International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), KGS, wByapar Briddhi Bikalpa and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) held a workshop titled “Mentorship for Resilience: A Bhutan–Nepal Dialogue on Bioeconomy and Circular Economies,” on June 30.

The event brought together government-led incubators, seasoned mentors, entrepreneurs and potential investors to strengthen and scale bioeconomy-based enterprises in the Hindu Kush Himalayan (HKH) region and to foster an exchange of ideas on nature-based enterprises and circular economies.

Chief guests were Prof Dr Shiva Raj Adhikari, Vice-Chairman of the National Planning Commission, and Dr Pema Gyamtsho, Director-General of ICIMOD. Delegates from Bhutan’s National Biodiversity Centre (NBC) and Bhutan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) also took part.

During the dialogue, 14 entrepreneurs—10 of whom were members of the first cohort of the NbS Innovation Challenge and Business Incubation Programme—showcased sustainability-centred ventures. They demonstrated how early-stage incubation support in mentorship, research and development, and network access can turn bold ideas into real impact.

Mentors reflected on their personal experiences within the NbS programme, underscoring the vital role of structured, cohort-based guidance in shaping Nepal’s next generation of resilient, responsible entrepreneurs.

Startup fellows—dynamic young professionals who bridged mentors and mentees—ensured effective coordination throughout the workshop.

The day concluded with a celebration of green innovation and regional collaboration.