NYEF Kathmandu chapter holds fifth startup awards; Haapu Treats wins Rs 5 lakh

KATHMANDU: Nepalese Young Entrepreneurs' Forum (NYEF) held the fifth NYEF Startup Awards on Sunday, showcasing innovative ideas from some of Nepal’s most promising startups.

The ceremony was attended by Rob Fenn, British Ambassador to Nepal, as the chief guest, with Himani Rajya Laxmi Shah and Anjan Shrestha, President of FNCCI, as guests of honour.

In his opening remarks, Appa Sherpa, President of the NYEF Kathmandu Chapter, said he wants NYEF to become an entrepreneurship hub for aspiring founders and entrepreneurs and expressed hope that the awards will inspire and motivate young entrepreneurs across Nepal.

More than 150 applicants entered the competition. After a rigorous elimination process, seven startups reached the finals: IELTS Pulse, NHU AI, Vermi-Cow Organics, Trail Mapper, GarudX, VayuDrishti and Haapu Treats. Each finalist pitched their business ideas to a panel of judges and the audience.

Haapu Treats won the grand prize after impressing judges with a range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dog treats made from locally sourced ingredients. The company began by searching for quality vegetarian options for a dog allergic to chicken and later expanded to include non-vegetarian treats using fresh chicken liver. Haapu Treats received Rs 500,000 as the top award.

Meanwhile, GarudX, an FPV drone company, was named first runner-up; the team highlighted efforts to adapt drone technology to Nepal’s unique geography. Vermi-Cow Organics finished as second runner-up with its premium, nutrient-rich, chemical-free compost aimed at sustainable cultivation of high-value crops.

The event was supported by title sponsor Ting Ting and additional sponsors including BYD, Machhapuchchhre Bank Limited, Himani Trust, X-Age, Prixa Digital, FNCCI, PCPS College, Techspire College, Manakamana Cable Car, Manakamana Hillcrest Resort, Merokishan, Hotel Aikawa, Jasmine Paints and Kathmandu Marriott.

The Forum said the NYEF Startup Awards aim to promote innovation and entrepreneurship while contributing to Nepal’s economic development by identifying and honouring emerging young entrepreneurs and creating role models for future generations.