The Nepalese Young Entrepreneurs’ Forum (NYEF) Kathmandu chapter organised the NYEF Startup Awards on Friday at the Hyatt Regency Kathmandu. It is a premier competition and boot camp for entrepreneurs.

The award had seven finalists: eKagajpatra, Gyan Bazzar, Khetipati Organics, Mach 24 Orbitals, SmartPalika, Melt Down, and D.L Upload.

DL Upload, a search engine for exclusive content published by publishers and brands, bagged the first prize. Melt Down, a wellness system designed to boost workplace health & wellness became the runner-up. Lastly, Khetipati Organics, a social enterprise, won the People’s Choice Award.

More than 170 companies throughout the country applied for the award. Amongst them, there was a selection for the top 20. Then, from those 20, seven were selected for the final round.

NYEF brings together young entrepreneurs within the country. It promotes an entrepreneurial mindset and a shared vision through networking of young entrepreneurs.

After a successful start in Kathmandu, it has chapters in ten different cities and covers all seven provinces, with more chapters in the pipeline.

Chandra Prasad Dhakal, president of the Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce & Industries, said, “It is sad to see so many people eyeing abroad. These startups prove that Nepal is a country full of potential.”