HIMA AUS Offshore presents Hult Prize at IOE, Pulchowk Campus successfully hosted the two-day startup workshop "From Idea to Market" on February 6 and 7, 2026, at KMC Baghbazar, Kathmandu. The program ran from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM each day, bringing together students, aspiring entrepreneurs, and innovators eager to transform early-stage ideas into sustainable, market-ready businesses.
Day 1: Laying the Foundation
The first day commenced with registration at 9:30 AM, hosted by Atharba Pal and Runishma Joshi. The opening ceremony set a symbolic tone for growth and sustainability with a traditional plant-watering ritual performed by Campus Director Raunak Mishra and the day's first speaker, Ms. Shreeya Giri.
Campus Director Raunak Mishra delivered inspiring opening remarks, welcoming attendees to a journey of learning and innovation. The event's success was bolstered by the generous support of its partners, including Gold Sponsors Tecachaxis and Glow N Sign, General Sponsors Clamphook, Himalayan Bank Limited, and Chilime Hydropower Company Ltd., and numerous gifting and media partners.
The academic sessions began with "Canvas to Cash: Crafting the Revenue Model," led by Shreeya Giri, Founder of Happy Minds and a Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia honoree (Social Impact, 2024). From 10:15 AM to 12:15 PM, she expertly guided participants through the Business Model Canvas, designing profitable revenue streams, and measuring social impact, drawing on her own mission to improve mental healthcare access in Nepal.
Following a networking tea break, Ms. Imita Subedi, Corporate Lawyer at Khatapana, conducted the session "Legal Launchpad: Set Up Your Business Right" (12:45 PM - 2:15 PM). She provided a crucial, step-by-step guide on business registration, banking, founder agreements, and compliance, helping demystify legal hurdles for new entrepreneurs.
The final session of Day 1, "Capital & Growth: Mastering Startup Fundraising" (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM), was delivered by Niharika Chapagain, Investment Analyst at Dolma Impact Fund. She offered an investor's perspective, covering funding avenues, crafting pitch decks, financial modeling, and understanding valuations.
Day 2: Building and Pitching
Day 2 was hosted by Atharba Pal and Samita Regmi and kicked off with a renewed acknowledgment of all supporting partners. The first session, "From Concept to Customer: MVP Development" (10:15 AM - 11:30 AM), was led by Ram Sharma Bhattarai, Founder of Jyra Soft Technologies. He focused on user-centric design, identified core features, and validated a Minimum Viable Product with real customers.
After a short break, Shaurab Lohani, a renowned corporate trainer and Country Representative for Trine University, led the dynamic session "Growth Engine: Sales & Marketing Mastery" (12:00 PM - 1:30 PM). Participants engaged in hands-on activities exploring customer acquisition, branding, and creating effective marketing roadmaps.
The workshop culminated in the "Startup Pitch: Tell Your Story, Win the Room" session (2:30 PM - 5:00 PM), expertly facilitated by Snehalata R. Thapa, Mrs. Nepal International 2019 2nd Runner Up and founder of Sparkle Kids Academy. Attendees formed teams to deliver timed pitches and received immediate, constructive feedback from judges on their storytelling, problem-solving fit, and presentation skills.
A Community of Changemakers
The event concluded with a powerful address by Mr. Riyaj Nepal, National Coordinator of Hult Prize Nepal, who inspired participants to continue their journey as changemakers. Campus Director Raunak Mishra extended heartfelt gratitude to all speakers, sponsors—especially HIMA AUS Offshore—partners, the KMC Baghbazar team, volunteers, and the enthusiastic participants.
Throughout both days, the atmosphere was highly interactive, featuring group exercises, live Q&A, mentorship opportunities, and networking breaks. Excitement was amplified by giveaways from partners like Kunyo Gears and Merchandise Grid Nepal.
The "From Idea to Market" workshop successfully delivered practical, actionable knowledge across every stage of startup development—from ideation and legal formation to marketing, fundraising, and pitching. It fostered a collaborative community aligned with the Hult Prize 2026 theme, leaving participants equipped with essential tools and inspired to build impactful ventures.
