NCC, Bagmati University sign five-year MoU to boost entrepreneurship, innovation

KATHMANDU: Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC) and Bagmati University have signed a five-year memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen entrepreneurship, innovation, skill development and industry-academic collaboration.

The agreement was signed by NCC President Kamlesh Kumar Agrawal and Bagmati University President Prof Chandra Mani Paudel, and commits both institutions to long-term cooperation in entrepreneurship, business development, innovation capability building and institutional excellence by creating a coordinated environment involving academia, industry, startups, the investment community and policymakers.

Under the MoU, the two organisations will jointly run specialised training and executive education programmes, undertake capacity building, promote start‑ups and innovation, encourage investment, develop strategic networks, conduct research and policy studies, exchange knowledge and design future‑focused academic programmes.

As part of its commitments, the NCC will identify the training needs of its members and stakeholders, increase participation in joint initiatives and cooperate on programmes related to the business environment. The chamber will also help establish an internship and employment support centre for Bagmati University students, support research funds and scholarship programmes and arrange guest‑speaking opportunities for experienced industry leaders at the university.

Bagmati University will provide academic expertise, deliver training and executive education, offer mentorship and guidance for start‑ups and innovation, promote research grounded in industry–education cooperation and organise seminars, policy dialogues and conferences. The MoU is valid for five years from the date of signing and may be extended by mutual agreement.

Speaking at the event, NCC President Agrawal said that, in line with modern needs, universities must move beyond traditional educational systems to concentrate on entrepreneurship and innovation, and that such partnerships are vital to reduce the gap between industry and education. He added that graduates must become skilled in accordance with actual market requirements.

Agrawal said, ‘The main objective of universities is not merely to produce a workforce that seeks employment, but to prepare job‑creating entrepreneurs and leaders. In today’s world, knowledge alone is not sufficient; the ability to connect it with business, industry and innovation is necessary.’

Bagmati University President Prof Paudel said the institution is moving forward under a concept of practically connecting education and industry and expressed confidence that the collaboration with the NCC will directly link students to industry, make research practical and create new opportunities for start‑ups and innovation.