In a significant milestone for bilateral entrepreneurship, the India-Nepal Startup Partnership Network (IN-SPAN) Center of Excellence officially formed its nine-member Executive Board during its historic first board meeting today. The landmark event marks the formal establishment of the Center’s institutional governance structure and sets a clear roadmap for driving the startup and incubation ecosystem in Nepal over the next three years.
The IN-SPAN Center of Excellence is a joint initiative of the Nepal-India Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NICCI), the Embassy of India in Kathmandu, and IITM Pravartak (Madras). Born out of the initial IN-SPAN program—which sent 24 high-potential Nepali startups for an intensive two-month capacity-building experience in India—the permanent Center was conceived to harness that momentum into a sustainable, founder-led institution.
The meeting gathered key dignitaries, including Mr. Suman Shekhar, First Secretary (Commerce) at the Embassy of India to Nepal; Mr. Sunil KC, President of NICCI; and Mr Marshal Rathour, Director of NICCI. During the session, the board outlined five core pillars for its 2026–2029 tenure: establishing a physical incubation center in the Kathmandu Valley to support 25 startups annually, training 500 founders each year, conducting monthly Round Table interactions, piloting a dedicated Startup Helpline, and organizing a biennial "Startup Dialogue" conference to bridge founders and investors across both nations.
Highlighting the journey and the road ahead, Mr Sunil KC, President of NICCI, emphasized that forming the organization was only the first step toward a larger vision. "Forming an institution or group is not the sole challenge; the real challenge lies in choosing a capable leadership that can move forward successfully with a clear goal, dedication, and commitment."
Expressing his enthusiasm for the rapid progress, Mr Suman Shekhar, First Secretary (Commerce) at the Embassy of India, congratulated the newly formed board and reiterated the Embassy's continuous support in empowering young Nepali entrepreneurs.
The Executive Board for the inaugural 2026–2029 term will be led by Mr Aasim Shrestha as President, alongside Mr Praveen Bhattarai (Vice President), Mr Shreyansh Shrestha (General Secretary), Mr Rithik Babu Shrestha (Joint General Secretary), and Mr Pradeep Giri (Treasurer). Executive members include Mr Mohan Tamang, Mr Vishnu Kumar Agarwal, Mr Nikesh Singh, and Mr Sunil KC.
To further strengthen its academic and technological framework, the Center also announced an institutional collaboration with IITM Pravartak, Madras. IN-SPAN will kick off its public operations with its first monthly Round Table event in the fourth week of July 2026.
.
