Kagaji Duniya, a startup from Nepal, will represent Nepal at the Hult Prize regional summit in Bangkok, which will take place from June 21 to June 24.

Founded by Ichchha Chand, a BBA student at Little Angels’ College of Management, Kagaji Duniya crafts accessories and pieces of art from waste papers while empowering individuals with disabilities. The small venture that began with Chand is now making waves by transforming waste into opportunity.

The team, comprising Chand, Prayash Bhattarai, Aditi Bhandari, Ashutosh Pokharel, and Ridaya Dawadi, combines sustainability and inclusivity in their business.

“Growing up, looking at the challenges faced by my elder brother, who is disabled, I always wanted to do something for individuals with disabilities. Another reason that motivated me was the waste of paper, so connecting two ideas, I started Kagaji Duniya”, Chand explained.

Kagaji Duniya, established around 11 months ago, won the college-level Hult Prize at Little Angels’ College in February. Following their victory, they submitted a video application for the international competition and were selected to participate in Bangkok. The Hult Prize challenges university teams to solve pressing global issues with viable business ideas, and the grand prize is 1 million USD.

Chand and her team are determined to bring the prize home and further their mission. “Rather than going abroad just like that, we are going there with our idea, from a business we started, and representing our country. I feel proud and lucky to have this opportunity,” Chand added.

At this early stage, the employees responsible for manufacturing accessories consist of three to four members, all of whom are disabled. Founder Chand and her team plan to collaborate with various organisations in the future to expand their workforce.

While currently employing only physically disabled individuals, Chand plans to expand the initiative to include people with all forms of disabilities. She aims to grow their workforce and raise awareness that individuals with disabilities are just as capable, needing only inclusive opportunities.

“No matter if we win or lose, we will never stop empowering the disabled and creating awareness for them. If we don’t win, financially it might be difficult for us to expand the business right now, but still, even slowly, we aim to expand this and plan for a long sustainable run”, Chand emphasised.

The team will depart for Bangkok on Wednesday, hoping to further a space where waste finds purpose and disabilities find opportunity.