The Nepal-India Chamber of Commerce & Industry (NICCI) on Thursday organised a “Startup Sambad Roundtable” in Kathmandu, bringing together entrepreneurs, academics and industry representatives to discuss the realities of Nepal’s startup ecosystem and identify policy and institutional reforms needed to support its growth.

The event was chaired by Kunal Kayal, vice-president of NICCI and convenor of the chamber’s Startup and Private Equity Committee. The discussion is part of NICCI’s ongoing initiative to promote entrepreneurship in Nepal as a way to reduce youth migration and strengthen the domestic economy.

Participants highlighted a number of structural barriers that continue to hinder the development of startups in Nepal, particularly gaps in infrastructure, procurement policies and access to investment.

Subash Pandey of Agro Range Nepal and Bijay Bhattarai of Diyo A.I. said government procurement systems often favour imported products over locally developed solutions, discouraging innovation by domestic startups.

They urged policymakers to revise procurement policies to prioritise home-grown technology and products.

Entrepreneurs also raised concerns about difficulties in accessing international payment systems and the complex procedures involved in bringing foreign investment into Nepal. Participants said these barriers make it challenging for startups to operate globally and attract international capital.

The need for stronger intellectual property and patent protection was another recurring theme during the discussion. Startup founders said that without adequate safeguards for innovation, it becomes difficult to scale technology-based businesses or attract long-term investment.

Participants cited examples ranging from difficulties in importing specialised materials for emerging sectors such as space technology to the perception that certain services, particularly IT-based solutions, are treated as “luxury” services rather than essential components of economic development.

They stressed that the government could play a crucial role as an early adopter of domestic innovations, providing an initial market for locally developed products and services.

Gaurav Tayal, vice-president of NICCI, welcomed the participants and said Nepal has a vibrant pool of innovators who need stronger institutional support.

He said entrepreneurs would benefit from structured mentorship programmes and clearer exit mechanisms that allow investors and founders to scale or transition businesses more effectively.

Roshee Lamichhane of the Kathmandu University School of Management, along with representatives from the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the Confederation of Nepalese Industries, spoke about fragmentation within Nepal’s startup ecosystem.

They noted that while several incubation and support programmes exist, they often operate in isolation within universities or individual organisations, limiting collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Sandeep Kamat, a member of NICCI’s Startup Committee, drew comparisons with established innovation hubs such as Singapore and Bangalore. He said Nepal could accelerate the growth of its startup ecosystem by leveraging its diaspora network and building stronger partnerships between academia and industry.