Luccy AI announced national winner of GSEA Nepal 2026

KATHMANDU: Luccy AI has been announced as the national winner of the Global Student Entrepreneur Awards (GSEA) Nepal 2026. The platform emerged from a nationwide competition that drew nearly 40 student entrepreneurs from more than 18 cities.

The event was organised by Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) Nepal in partnership with Mid-Valley International College and Skill Lab Asia and brought together over 120 participants from universities, businesses, development organisations and the startup ecosystem.

Finalists were selected through multiple screening rounds. Sixteen teams advanced to the semi‑finals, and eight reached the national stage, where each delivered a five‑minute business pitch followed by a question‑and‑answer session with a panel of judges.

The competition was evaluated by established business leaders: Mahesh Mahato, managing director of Cosmic Electrical Limited; Amit Chaudhary, co-founder of Grepsr; and entrepreneur and researcher Juna Mathema. Judges assessed participants on business performance, innovation, impact, scalability and leadership.

EO Nepal President Reetal Rana, in opening remarks, highlighted the importance of providing platforms that allow students to build and grow real businesses alongside their education. Keynote speakers included Swati Roongta Agrawal, co‑chair of EO Nepal and managing partner at Nepal’s Global Equity Fund, and Nanda Kishor Mandal, founder and director of Skill Lab Asia, who spoke on strengthening links between education, entrepreneurship and employment opportunities for young people.

The eight finalists represented ventures across technology, sustainability, education, tourism and the creative industries. They included Trina Kala, which connects Nepali artisans to markets through sustainable handcrafted products; Nepal STEM Alliance, focused on expanding access to coding, digital literacy and AI education; Luccy AI, developing an AI‑supported pet care platform; VayuDrishti, which uses real‑time air monitoring technology to address pollution; Yellow Hatti, producing sustainable wooden products with customised designs; Didi Bahini Creation, a women‑led ethical fashion initiative preserving traditional craftsmanship; SAALIK Tech, building an AI‑based cultural tourism platform; and Hash One Campsite, offering accessible outdoor travel experiences for families and young explorers.

After the win, the founder of Luccy AI said, “Winning GSEA Nepal 2026 has been a defining milestone in my entrepreneurial journey. The experience challenged me, refined my thinking, and strengthened me as a founder. This victory goes beyond a title; it validates the hard work, resilience, and purpose behind what my team and I are building. I can’t wait to take Luccy AI to the next stage and make pet care smarter, easier, and more accessible for every pet parent.”

The national winner will represent Nepal at the regional and global rounds of GSEA, gaining access to international mentorship and investor networks. At the national level, the competition offered a total prize pool of Rs 350,000, with Rs 200,000 awarded to the winner, Rs 100,000 to the first runner‑up and Rs 50,000 to the second runner‑up. At the global level, participants compete for prizes worth up to $90,000.

GSEA, established in 1998, supports students who own and operate businesses while pursuing their studies; Nepal has participated in the programme since 2019. The event also recognised mentors and facilitators who supported participants through training and preparation, and concluded with networking among students, investors, educators and industry leaders.