Nepal Communiversity, KU launch Master’s programme in social innovation and entrepreneurship

LALITPUR: Nepal Communiversity, in partnership with Kathmandu University, officially launched a new Master’s in Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship (MSIE) programme on Friday.

The launch event drew educators, entrepreneurs, media, students and corporate professionals and was presented as a national initiative to reshape higher education in Nepal.

The MSIE will begin in October 2026 with an inaugural cohort of 30 students from diverse academic backgrounds. Organisers said the programme moves beyond conventional classroom teaching by using a 'community-as-curriculum' and experiential learning model that places students directly in communities across Nepal’s three geographical regions.

The curriculum is divided into three trimesters located in the Himal (Mountain), Pahad (Hill) and Tarai (plain) regions, with field sites in Mustang, Chitlang and Janakpur, respectively. A final capstone semester will take place in Kathmandu. In each location, students will work on community-based projects alongside local residents, integrating entrepreneurship, social sciences, technology and wellbeing.

“Our vision is to build education that is locally rooted yet globally competent,” said Narottam Aryal, President of Nepal Communiversity. “We are nurturing individuals who deeply understand themselves, are grounded in their communities, possess practical skills, and carry an entrepreneurial mindset.”

Dr Uttam Babu Shrestha, Founding Director of Global Institute for Interdisciplinary Studies, highlighted the programme’s emphasis on rural and natural contexts at a time when society is increasingly urban and technology-driven. He urged students to balance innovation with ethical responsibility, saying, “While talking about a new future, be responsible for history. As you take steps towards entrepreneurship, may it not trample the boundaries of human ethics.”

Prof Dr Uddab Pyakurel, Dean of Kathmandu University School of Arts, welcomed the collaboration and expressed confidence that the partnership will help students identify opportunities within Nepal and develop practical, community-rooted solutions to real-world problems.

The launch included a symbolic lighting ceremony using lights from the Himal (Choeme), Pahad (Panas) and Tarai (Diyo). To represent unity among the community, industry, academia and students, Prof Dr Mana Prasad Wagle, Subash Sharma, Yangchen Gurung and Ashok Sah were invited to light the lamps.

Applications for the Master’s in Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship (MSIE) are now open to applicants from all academic disciplines, the university said, inviting change-makers from the arts, sciences, business and technology to apply for the programme beginning this October.