Orientation Session related to the commencement of the first programme of the India Nepal Startup Partnership Network (IN-SPAN)

On 04 November 2025, the Embassy of India, Kathmandu organized an Orientation Session related to the commencement of the first programme of the India Nepal Startup Partnership Network (IN-SPAN) next month.  

The first-ever IN-SPAN programme is scheduled to begin in December 2025 at IIT Madras with the broad aim of facilitating enhanced interaction between the Startup ecosystems of India and Nepal. This will involve an 8-week, fully-funded training and innovation program at IIT Madras, delivered in collaboration with IIT Madras Pravartak, for representatives of Startups in Nepal. The module will include training, mentorship and internships for participants.

IIT Madras Pravartak is a leading incubator which has incubated 46 startups till now with 14 successful commercialization of technologies.  

Ms. Radhika Aryal, Secretary, Ministry of Communication and Information Technology attended the Session as the Chief Guest and appreciated the initiative in her remarks. 

This session held in the Embassy premises had about 100 participants drawn from various startups, government departments, Chambers of Commerce, Robotics Association of Nepal, NAS IT, Fintech Alliance, AI Association of Nepal and academic institutions. 

About 60 participants from Birgunj and the Institute of Engineering, Dharan Campus, Tribhuvan University,  joined the event virtually.

Prof. Gaurav Raina, Professor of Electrical Engineering and Chief Scientist, Centre for Human Centric AI, IIT Madras, joined the event online and provided an overview of the  innovation ecosystem at IIT Madras and IITM Pravartak.

A similar session was organized earlier in the day, at Institute of Engineering Pulchowk Campus, Tribhuwan University which was attended by about 70 students.

Selection for the programme will be based on assessment of applications and interviews of candidates. Applications are open till 15 November 2025. Interested entrepreneurs can apply online at https://shorturl.at/Au8zh