Closure of DIGI Nepal Fintech Challenge and TechX Acceleration

KATHMANDU: True North Associates and Accelerator Nepal have announced the successful conclusion of the 12-month DIGI Nepal Fintech Challenge and TechX Acceleration programmes, supported by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) under the DIGI Nepal project initiative. The initiatives aim to refine tech-enabled innovations in the finance, health and education sectors and enhance access to basic services across Nepal.

The closing event brought together representatives of SDC, participating companies and key stakeholders from both the private and development sectors. Cohort firms presented the pilot projects they pursued during the acceleration phase, described how programme support helped them refine their business models and seized opportunities to expand their professional networks.

True North Associates ran the Fintech Challenge for five finance-sector startups, while Accelerator Nepal led TechX Acceleration for eight ventures split equally between education-tech and health-tech.

Satish Khadka, Senior Investment Officer at True North Associates, opened the ceremony with an overview of both programmes, saying, “When we first started, all of these companies came in with a pilot idea but not all were at the same stage. Over the course of the programme, those pilot plans evolved from initial sketches into concrete steps, supported by the resources provided by SDC.”

John B Park, a product leader and mentor under TechX Acceleration, praised the blend of local and international engagement. He said, “One of the key strengths of this programme was its effort to build local networks by connecting industry leaders and mentors with emerging companies. At the same time, introducing opportunities to engage with international networks can open new avenues for Nepalese tech companies to expand globally.”

The founder of Hamro Health School added, “The guidance received from my mentor and the technical assistance provided under the programme have significantly contributed to our company. The programme support came at a pivotal stage for our company, and I am grateful to SDC, the acceleration facilitator, my mentor and all related programme stakeholders for providing us with such an opportunity.”

Sneha Bhattarai, National Programme Officer for Innovation and Digitalisation at SDC, delivered the closing remarks, saying, “Although Switzerland has long promoted entrepreneurship, innovation and private-sector development in Nepal, our engagement in the technology sector is relatively new. Listening to the companies’ experiences on how the programme helped to accelerate their businesses has been heartwarming.”

The DIGI Project—Digital Innovation for Growth and Inclusion in Nepal—promotes digital solutions to improve access to essential services for all, including marginalised groups. Throughout the acceleration phase, cohort companies received tailored technical assistance, capacity-building workshops, personalised mentorship and industry networking opportunities. By the end of the programme, one standout company from each stream is in talks to secure co-funding from SDC to implement its piloting plan.