All Speakers

Bibhusan Bista

Executive President

YoungInnovations

Bibhuan Bista is a seasoned leader in the tech industry, currently serving as executive president at YoungInnovations Pvt. Ltd. and Coding Mountain Pvt. Ltd. With over a decade as CEO of YoungInnovations, he has led the company to become a top provider of innovative software solutions worldwide. His expertise extends to guiding projects that enhance public sector accountability and promote open data initiatives in Nepal. Bibhuan actively participates in international conferences, advocating for technology's role in social progress. With a strong academic background and proficiency in various programming languages and management skills, Bibhuan is dedicated to using technology for positive change, making him a valuable asset in the digital landscape.

Sixit Bhatta

Founder

Vriddhi, Digital Public Infrastructure

Sixit is an entrepreneur and former co-founder/CEO at Tootle, the ridesharing application from Nepal. He is a cross-functional professional with a background in ICT, education, telecom, and financial services industries. His experiences range from project management, operations, and business development to marketing and product definition. He is also the founder of vriddhi, digital public infrastructure. Over the past years, he has focused exclusively on integrating technology into education, leading a team of highly innovative and talented individuals. He holds a master's in business administration, with gold medals awarded by the Prime Minister and President of Nepal for educational excellence. He is also the president of Everest Toastmasters Club and has been a member of Toastmasters International for the last seven years.

Vedika Murarka

Co-Founder

Educase

Vedika Murarka is the co-founder of Educase, a women-led social enterprise providing innovative school bags that transform into desks for students in marginalized communities of Nepal. A graduate in Innovation and Entrepreneurship from the London School of Economics, Vedika combines her passion for problem-solving and impact with experience in public policy and business development.

Pavitra Gautam

CEO & Co-founder

Karkhana

An engineer by education, an entrepreneur by profession, and an educator by passion, Mr. Gautam is the CEO of Karkhana, a platform revolutionizing education through maker-based learning to develop critical thinkers for the 21st century. A champion of entrepreneurship, he has served as Past President of NYEF Kathmandu and led the Start-Up Committee at NYEF's National Governing Council. Recognized as Nabil Skill Hero 2020 in Science and Technology and one of Business 360's "10 People to Watch in Education," he is also a two-time TEDx speaker.

Prof. Satyajit Majumdar

Professor

Social Entrepreneurship

Prof. Majumdar is the former Director of the TISS Incube Foundation and an expert in entrepreneurship, social innovation, and strategic management with over 42 years of experience. He is co-chair of national biotechnology programs and mentors startups and social enterprises. Recognized with awards like the Dr. V.G. Patel Memorial Award (2023), he is a distinguished educator, consultant, and global speaker committed to fostering entrepreneurial talent and innovation.

Sunita Nhemaphuki

Founder

R & D Innovative Solution Pvt. Ltd.

Sunita Nhemaphuki is an experienced agricultural entrepreneur with over 10 years of leadership in the agro-based social enterprise sector. As the founder of R & D Innovative Solution Pvt. Ltd., she runs flagship programs across the entire agriculture value chain. A member of the Agriculture Sector Skill Committee (SSC), Sunita's work focuses on enhancing the agricultural ecosystem and the impact of occupational mapping on the sector.

Pranaya Sthapit

Project Director

Data for Development, The Asia Foundation

Pranaya Ratna Sthapit is a seasoned project management practitioner and researcher with expertise in innovative, data-driven project oversight. With extensive experience in designing research methodologies, training teams, and managing data collection and analysis, Pranaya has contributed to numerous surveys across Nepal. He holds a B.A. in Information Management, an MBA with an IT concentration, and a Graduate Diploma in Social Science. Pranaya is certified as a Registered Open Data Trainer and has participated in various advanced training programs, including Six Sigma and ethnography for monitoring and evaluation.

Janne Karjalainen

Senior Lecturer and Project Manager

Oulu University of Applied Sciences

Janne Karjalainen is an expert in interdisciplinary education, project-based learning, and transformative education practices. With a focus on experiential and reflective learning, Janne leads workshops and training sessions on teaching project-based courses, curriculum design, and design thinking. He specializes in lean startup methods, product management, and team communication. As part of the project BUCSBIN, Janne also contributes to teacher education, facilitating skill-building sessions in project communication and presentation.

Ulla-Maija Tormala

Lab Master (Dev-Lab)

OULU University of Applied Science

Mrs. Ulla-Maija Tormala is a Master of Science (MSc) in Health Sciences from the University of Jyväskylä. She has also education in occupational therapy (BSc, reg.) as well as psychotherapy (Special Level Family Therapy). She is also trained as a teacher. Ulma Seppänen has worked in mental health mostly with adolescence and their families, both policlinic and ward. Currently she is working in Oulu University of Applied Sciences (Oulu, Finland) as Senior Lecturer and LAB Master of Oulu DevLAB at Oamk LABs. She is also Head of Pedagogy at Oamk LABs. She is experienced both giving keynotes and workshops about the pedagogy of the LAB studio model, project-based learning, and intercultural and interprofessional learning.

Dr. Sarah Louisa Birchley

University Director of International Exchange

Dr. Sarah Louisa Birchley is a seasoned consultant, researcher, trainer, and lecturer with 22 years of experience in Japan. As the director of international education programs, she has developed and facilitated internships and study-abroad opportunities in countries worldwide. With strong intercultural communication skills, Dr. Birchley has presented globally and created innovative online exchange experiences through COIL. Her research, supported by grants from the Japanese Government, focuses on Japanese Diaspora Entrepreneurs in Latin America. She is also a business consultant, empowering small and midsized companies in Japan and the UK to think globally.

Er. Umesh Kumar Gupta

Executive Director

Industrial Enterprise Development Institute

Umesh Kumar Gupta is an experienced project management professional specializing in supply chain and logistics. With a demonstrated history of working across government, development, humanitarian, and commercial sectors, he brings expertise in warehousing, inventory management, procurement, contract management, and emergency preparedness. His leadership in humanitarian logistics and supply chain operations has contributed to efficient resource management and crisis response. Holding an MBA and an MPH, along with a foundational background in engineering, he combines strategic planning with technical acumen to drive impactful solutions in Nepal's industrial and economic development initiatives.