On July 8, 2024, Impact Hub Kathmandu (IHK) had the honour of welcoming Her Excellency Veronique Lorenzo, the EU Ambassador to Nepal, along with her team from the Delegation of the European Union to Nepal. The delegation included Eloisa Astudillo Fernandez, Deputy Head of Cooperation of EU Nepal and Kaluwa Vergamota, Progam Officer of EU Nepal. The main objective of hosting this visit was to demonstrate the IHK’s initiatives and programmes that have supported uplifting the entrepreneurial landscape of Nepal as well as IHK’s role in fostering the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Programme overview
The visit kicked off with a heartfelt welcome from the IHK team, followed by a meet-and-greet session with the EU delegation. Padmakshi Rana, Executive Director of IHK, and Pallab Shrestha, Technical Lead at FabLab Nepal, presented an overview of IHK’s efforts to nurture and empower startups and entrepreneurs.
Padmakshi Rana highlighted IHK’s key programmes, including the Business Incubator, which offers comprehensive support to startups at various stages of development—from ideation to creating a marketing strategy, business modeling, and professional networking. She also introduced the Impact Academy, focused on leadership and capacity-building programmes for civic actors in Nepal’s Madhesh and Lumbini Provinces, and emphasised FabLab Nepal’s role in fostering creativity and technical innovation.
FabLab Nepal, a collaborative center for invention, education, and humanitarian outreach, was further showcased by Pallab Shrestha. He demonstrated FabLab’s role in offering state-of-the-art digital fabrication tools and resources, promoting sustainability, and supporting innovative projects.
FabLab Tour
Her Excellency Veronique Lorenzo and her team were then led on a tour of the FabLab facility by Shashank Dewan, Technical Officer. The FabLab tour highlighted its cutting-edge equipment and ongoing projects, providing the EU delegation with an up-close look at how IHK is driving innovation and creative problem-solving in Nepal.
Entrepreneurs’ Marketplace
A key highlight of the visit was the Entrepreneurs’ Marketplace/Haat Bazaar organised by IHK, where entrepreneurs from the Roots of Circularity (RoC) and P2G Projects presented their businesses and products. This dynamic marketplace allowed these entrepreneurs to showcase their circular economy solutions, ranging from upcycled fashion to renewable energy technologies.
Her Excellency personally engaged with each entrepreneur, offering valuable feedback and insights. The marketplace created a unique opportunity for the entrepreneurs to present their work to a distinguished audience, refining their strategies for greater impact. Featured businesses included:
- Duluwa Outdoors: A women-led initiative offering travel experiences that promote education and gender equality in Nepal’s outdoor industry.
- Kinnovation Trading: A pioneer in Nepal’s renewable energy sector, empowering rural farmers through solar solutions and green technology.
- Re-Kriti: An upcycling brand turning discarded textiles into high-utility bags, championing sustainability and women artisans.
- Hatthatti Nepal: A social enterprise repurposing sarees into fashion products while empowering women from marginalised communities.
- Eco-Sathi Nepal: Advocating for sustainable living through eco-friendly products, from bamboo toothbrushes to recycled paper notebooks.
- Coffeebhatti: A sustainable coffee brand supporting local farmers with training and better market access.
- Kapal Fertilizer Agricultural Farm: Addressing Nepal’s fertiliser shortages through innovative, eco-friendly waste management solutions.
- Naturo Earth: A wellness company offering premium natural skincare and healthcare products from the Himalayas.
- Shikar Agro: Specialising in hydroponic farming and supplying high-quality capsicums using sustainable farming techniques.
- GD Labs: A research lab focused on urban sustainability, tackling air quality, waste management, and more through green innovations.
- Paramendo: A waste management company turning plastic waste into recycled products, fostering circular economies in Nepal’s rural areas.
