GarudX Wins US–Nepal Startup Weekend Challenge, Secures Rs 350,000 Seed Funding
Kathmandu: GarudX, a Nepal-based professional drone company, has been declared the winner of the US–Nepal Startup Weekend Challenge, securing Rs 350,000 in seed funding.
Fully Charged Nepal Enterprise was named first runner-up, receiving Rs 200,000, while Kanoon Portal secured the second runner-up position with Rs 100,000 in seed funding.
A total of 283 applications were received from across the country, of which 25 teams were shortlisted for the three-day accelerator-style programme. The event brought together early-stage founders, entrepreneurs and innovators to develop startup ventures inspired by US innovation models.
Throughout the weekend, participants attended workshops on business fundamentals and received one-to-one mentorship from Nepali and US-based experts to refine their concepts and prepare their final pitches.
Nine finalist teams — Ameca Academy of Innovation, Lucy AI, Fully Charged Nepal, Samparka Digital Loyalty, ATS Nepal, Sakal BioEnzyme, Business Online Services (Aina – One Stop Delivery Solutions), GarudX and Kanoon Portal — presented their ideas before a judging panel comprising Mike Harker, Public Affairs Chief at the U.S. Embassy Nepal; Juna Mathema, Co-founder of Blitz Media; Sachin Karanjit, Director of Nepal Operations at Deerhold; and Suman Joshi, Managing Director at One to Watch.
Delivering the keynote address at the opening session, Scott Urbom, Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy Nepal, said the initiative reflected the strength of the US–Nepal partnership by connecting Nepali talent with American expertise and globally tested approaches. He reiterated the embassy’s commitment to promoting innovation, supporting startup growth and strengthening cross-border collaboration.
Supported by the U.S. Embassy Nepal, the challenge was implemented by One to Watch in partnership with the American Chamber of Commerce in Nepal, Confederation of Nepalese Industries Young Entrepreneurs Forum, Federation of Women Entrepreneurs Association of Nepal, Market Edge, Nepal Association of Software and IT Services Companies and Nepalese Young Entrepreneurs Forum.
