Province-level startup and innovation conference concludes in Bhaktapur

BHAKTAPUR: A one-day province-level 'Startup and Innovation Entrepreneurship Development Conference' concluded in Bhaktapur. The event brought together more than 500 young entrepreneurs, businesspeople and officials to discuss industrial development and job creation.

Organised by Bhaktapur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) in collaboration with Directorate of Industry, Commerce and Consumer Interest Protection of Bagmati Province, the conference featured panel discussions, a startup exhibition and presentations of business concepts to an expert panel.

Inaugurating the conference, Bindu Shrestha, Minister for Industry, Commerce, Land and Administration of Bagmati Province, said the provincial government plans to work with industrialists for the development of innovation entrepreneurship. “The provincial government is ready to forge necessary collaboration for the development of young entrepreneurs,” she said, urging entrepreneurs to create job opportunities and a self-employment environment within the country to discourage youth from seeking foreign employment.

Meanwhile, speakers at the programme called for coordinated policies across all three tiers of government to support sustainable industry management and the growth of new entrepreneurs. Those who spoke included Bhaktapur's Chief District Officer (CDO) Umesh Kumar Dhakal; Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) Vice President (Industry Commerce) Dil Sundar Shrestha; Bagmati Province Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Land and Administration Secretary Jib Lal Bhusal; FNCCI Bagmati Province President Bed Bahadur Shrestha; and BCCI Senior Vice‑President Rajendra Prasad Prajapati.

Kritan Awal, Coordinator of the Youth Entrepreneur Sub‑committee of BCCI and coordinator of the conference, said the event launched a campaign to develop and promote young entrepreneurs. He said the conference concluded that the trend of copying business models — where multiple people run the same business started by one entrepreneur — must end, and that entrepreneurs should identify market needs and operate different businesses and industries accordingly.

BCCI President Krishna Murari Neupane said discussions covered developing a startup and innovation culture, promoting youth entrepreneurship, expanding investment and market access, coordinating policy, and creating an environment conducive to innovation.

Panellists and experts, including Subash Sharma, Binayak Shah, Dr Prakash Kumar Shrestha, Darshana Shrestha, Balram Sanjel and Sugarika KC, discussed new industry models. Successful entrepreneurs shared their journeys, struggles and lessons, while presenters such as Saif Gauchan, Shreya Giri, Santosh Pandey, Nistha Kayastha and Keshma Thapa pitched business concepts and startup plans to the panel.

Awal added that 30 exhibition stalls showcased services and products manufactured by various startups and innovative enterprises during the conference.

Organisers announced that the BCCI will hold the Second Bhaktapur Industrial Promotion Trade Fair‑2083 on May 29 and 30 at the Bhaktapur Industrial Estate premises in Bhaktapur Municipality, in collaboration with the Office of Industry and Commerce, Bhaktapur. The fair will run under the slogan: “Handicraft, Original Culture and Sustainable Tourism: Developed and Commercial Bhaktapur is Our Commitment.”

(With inputs from RSS)