Idea Studio Season 5 Launched

Kathmandu, January 6, 2021

Idea Studio Nepal provides encouragement, resources, space, exposure, learning, networking, and investment opportunities for socially conscious business ideas: from the inception to the launch of the venture. The Idea Studio Nepal’s approach is based on core values promoting social innovation, to ignite investments, for social justice, through knowledge creation, and eventually restoring human dignity.

The partners work together on the principle of the multi-stakeholder approach to create an enabling environment to build a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem. Kathmandu University School of Management (KUSOM) contributes as a Knowledge Partner, World Wildlife Nepal (WWF Nepal) as the Eco Impact Partner, and Idea Impact Fund as the Investment Partner. From Season 5 ISN partnered with Prabhu Bank as the Banking Partner, Ministry of Labour, Employment, and Social Security and National Youth Council (NYC) as the Policy Partners,AP1 as the Broadcasting and Production Partner and Shilapatra as the Online Media Partner.

Up till Season 4, more than 2,000 innovative business ideas were received, 130 went through the incubation programme, and 40 businesses are successfully in operation. On January 6, 2020 Season 5 was announced open along with idea calling at a press meet held at Nepali Chulo, Lazimpat. The application will close on February 7, 2021. For details on how to send the application visit www.ideastudio.org.np .

In Season 5, 32-35 new ideas and running businesses will be nurtured at the business incubator. The process is continuous where they will be mentored to better their business concept. Finally, those ideas will get an opportunity to pitch their ideas in a reality television show broadcast in AP1 Television. Ideas eligible for four investment categories (Made in Nepal, Social Impact, High Flying, and Greenovation) will qualify for Rs 5,00,000 each as seed investment.

To officially start the event, Rupesh Krishna Shrestha, Co-Founder at Idea Studio Nepal gave an introductory presentation about Idea Studio Nepal. He said, “To build an entrepreneurship ecosystem it is important to not only have knowledge and investment but we also need to focus on an entire ecosystem to make a positive change in the society through social innovation.”

Dr. Tshering Lama, Executive Chairperson at Idea Studio Nepal delivered a welcome note. He acknowledged all the partners of Idea Studio Nepal and stressed on the importance of the media to increase the visibility of Idea Studio Nepal’s work. Dr Lama said, “The work we have been doing has not only brought personal change within us it has also contributed to bring a positive change in the country. He emphasised on the knowledge which can never be redundant.”

A promotional video announcing the official opening of the applications for Season 5 was showcased.

Prof. Dr Devi Prasad Bedari, Dean, Kathmandu University School of Management (KUSoM) spoke about the importance of enabling entrepreneurship and said, “Idea Studio Nepal is an amazing story of how entrepreneurship has enabled businesses all across Nepal. Had it not been for this organisation, many would not have tapped into their entrepreneurial skillset which would have gone to waste”.

Sujeet Regmi, Co-founder, Sajilo Marmat Sewa (SMS), one of the successful business venture incubated at ISN shared his experience. He said, “ISN provided us with office space, helped us build a successful business model and network. Investment is imperative to scale up any businesses. With help of ISN we could secure no collateral loan from the Prabhu Bank too. One idea can change the lives of 100 people and SMS is an example of that.”

Dr Ghana Shyam Gurung, Country Representative of WWF-Nepal also spoke at the event. In his speech, he highlighted the importance of conserving biodiversity and encouraging green ideas and said, “A good idea is always sustainable and can provide employment to contribute to the national economy.”

Anil Basnet, Founder, Metrotarkari.com, shared his entrepreneurial journey with ISN and said, “ISN has been a propelling force behind the growth of my business from the very start. From arranging funds to fuelling my initiation of indirectly supporting around a thousand farmers ISN has always been there for me.”

Suresh Poudel, Director – Operations, AP1 TV also spoke at the event and shared, “We have joined ISN season 5 as broadcasting and production partner, and our team will use our expertise to showcase this unique show in a great way. ISN has been positively touching many peoples lives and it is a privilege to be associated with it for the TV program and our attempt will be to better the tv show”.

Dr Baburam Dhungana, Executive Director, National Youth Council, talked about the importance of collaboration to bring idea and innovation into reality.

Ani Choying Drolma also gave a remark during the event highlighting the importance of organisations like ISN. And said, “Organizations like ISN create an impact in peoples lives in a creative and skilful manner.

Suresh Simkhada, Board of Director, Idea Studio Nepal delivered the closing remarks to officially mark the end of the event.