Our Speakers

Amigo Khadka

Co-founder and Chief Strategy & Growth Officer

Nepal Tea Collective

Entrepreneur and educator, co-founded Upaya and now leads Nepal Tea Collective. Previously worked as an Investment Banker at JPMorgan Chase in New York. Completed undergraduate studies at Colby-Sawyer College, United States, and holds a Master’s degree in Social Innovation & Entrepreneurship from the London School of Economics and Political Science.

Amun Thapa

Founder & CEO

Khaalisisi

Amun Thapa, founder and CEO of SastoDeal, co-founded Khalisisi, Anthropose.com, and Irish Pub Lazimpat. He also launched Sasto Book and Chhahari Production. Starting in a garage in 2011, SastoDeal now employs 32 people and is pioneering online air ticketing. A St. Xavier’s graduate, Amun holds a BBA in Marketing and Customer Psychology from the University of Central Oklahoma.

Anu Joshi Shrestha

Rural Enterprise and Value Chain Specialist

ICIMOD

Anu Joshi Shrestha, Rural Enterprise & Value Chain Development Specialist at ICIMOD and Nepal’s Country Focal Person, has 20+ years’ experience in inclusive value chains, green businesses, and policy. Formerly with GIZ and NTNC, she holds an MBA from the University of Wales. A published author, she serves on MAN’s Executive Board and Startup and Innovation Forum.

Arun GC

Assistant FAO Representative (Programme) in Nepal

FAO

Arun G.C., Assistant FAO Representative and head of Programme in Nepal, previously served as Programme Specialist at FAO Nepal and Senior Agricultural Extension Officer at Nepal’s Ministry. With two decades' experience, he coordinated agriculture programs nationally and internationally. A Master’s graduate, pursuing PhD, he’s taught at universities. FAO Representative Ken Shimizu congratulated him on the new role.

Ashutosh Tiwari

Founder

SAFAL Partners

Ashutosh Tiwari, Founder of SAFAL Partners, leads SAFAL Angels, supporting growth companies through investment and mentorship. President of South Asia SEE at ISB, he’s been CEO at Sherpa Adventure Gear and Himalmedia, and Country Director at WaterAid-Nepal. Co-founder of Entrepreneurs for Nepal, he was named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum in 2011.

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.

Birendra Raj Pandey

President

Confederation of Nepalese Industries

Birendra Pandey, Vice President of the Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI), is a construction industry leader with 30 years’ experience in infrastructure development. He is Managing Director of Nepal Adarsha Nirman Company (NANC), specializing in civil engineering, urban development, and sustainable infrastructure. He holds an ME in Construction Engineering from AIT Thailand and an MBA from Tribhuvan University. He serves as Secretary General of IFAWPCA, Advisor to FCAN, and Board Member at TITI. Active in NEA, ICMS, and Rotary International, he champions sustainable, future-focused construction practices across Nepal and beyond.

CA. Sandesh Paudyal

Program Coordinator, MBA (Agri-Business)

King's College Nepal

Sandesh Paudyal has lived in Kathmandu for over a decade. A Chartered Accountant since 2014, he focuses on financial consulting over audits. Passionate about Entrepreneurship, Education, and Economics, he teaches Financial Management at King’s College, runs an early-stage venture capital company, and writes op-eds for Onlinekhabar.com.

Deepak Raj Joshi

CEO

Nepal Tourism Board

Mr. Deepak Raj Joshi, CEO of Nepal Tourism Board, has more than 20 years of experience in tourism and public-private partnerships. He led Nepal’s post-earthquake tourism recovery and held roles with PATA and Bird Conservation Nepal. An award-winning leader, writer, and speaker, Joshi holds Master’s degrees in Social Science and Business from Tribhuvan University.

Dr. Anuj Tiwari

Researcher

Independent

Dr. Tiwari is currently working as an independent researcher. His educational background is rooted in international relations and security studies. He has been closely observing Nepal’s political developments over the past decade and the role of the international community in shaping them. He holds a doctoral degree in International Relations, with his dissertation focused on “Securitization in South Asia.” Prior to that, he earned a Master’s degree in Conflict, Peace and Development Studies. Dr. Tiwari has eight years of professional experience in the fields of international relations and security studies. As an independent researcher, he has conducted a range of studies on conflict assessment, terrorism, leadership development, labour migration, and related areas.

Dr Archana Singh

Chairperson at Centre for Social Entrepreneurship, School of Management and Labour Studies

Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS)

Dr Archana Singh is Assistant Professor, and Chairperson at Centre for Social Entrepreneurship, School of Management and Labour Studies, Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai (India). She did her Master in Social Work (MSW) from Dr B R Ambedkar University, Agra; and MPhil and PhD from Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai. Her PhD research was focused on ‘Social Entrepreneurship’. She worked in development sector, before entering into academics. She joined Centre for Social Entrepreneurship as a faculty in 2013, after completing her PhD. She, primarily teaches social sector perspectives and social entrepreneurship, and qualitative research to the Masters students and also PhD scholars. In addition, she has also been constantly engaged in mentoring nascent social entrepreneurs. She also has experience of organizing national and international conferences on social entrepreneurship. Her research interest lies in the area of social entrepreneurship, interface between social entrepreneurship and social work, social value, social change, women empowerment, CSR etc. She has published several papers in international journals and chapters in edited volumes. She also published her own book titled ‘The Process of Social Value creation: A Multiple Case Study on Social Entrepreneurship in India’ in 2016 (Springer). She co-edited the book titled ‘Social Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Development’, published by Routledge in 2020. She was also one of the guest editors for the special issue titled ‘Uncertainty, Social Entrepreneurship and Role of Technology’, published in the Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Emerging Economies in 2024.

Dr. Auriane Meilland

Policy Specialist

UNDP Nepal

Dr. Auriane Meilland is a Policy Specialist in UNDP Nepal’s Environment and Resilience Portfolio, with expertise in climate and biodiversity policy, climate finance, and international cooperation. She holds a PhD in climate and development economics from Université Paris-Saclay and has contributed to national policies like NDC 3.0 and NBSAP. A passionate advocate for environmental justice, she also founded JAC to enhance youth participation in UNFCCC processes.

Dr. Bal Ram Chapagain

Assistant Dean

Faculty Of management, TU

Dr. Bal Ram Chapagain, Assistant Dean at Tribhuvan University’s Faculty of Management, has 25+ years’ experience in teaching, research, and consulting. He earned his PhD in CSR from TU and has published in top international journals. A former NBI advisor, he’s delivered keynotes globally and contributed to CSR, sustainability, ethics, governance, and strategic management through research, books, and conferences.

Dr. Bharat Singh Thapa

Assistant Professor

Central Department of Management, Tribhuvan University

Dr. Thapa, Assistant Professor and MBA-Finance Director at Tribhuvan University, earned his doctorate studying microfinance’s socio-economic impact in Nepal. Since 2004, he’s taught, researched, and consulted in finance. A visiting professor at University of Padova, Italy, he also serves on its PhD board. He trains Nepali financial institutions and lectures widely on microfinance, financial literacy, inclusion, climate change, and capital markets.

Dr. Binod K. Shrestha

Professor of Entrepreneurship

Kathmandu University, School of Management (KUSOM).

Dr. Binod K. Shrestha is Professor of Entrepreneurship of Kathmandu University, School of Management (KUSOM). He has MBA from TU, MA in enterprise development from Bremen University, Germany and PhD from KU. He currently serves the University as Head of Department of Marketing & Entrepreneurship. During his 25 years of work in this University, he has worked as Associate Dean and Associate Controller of Examinations and Director of Graduate, Undergraduate and Research degree Programs. He has published several research papers on journals relating to entrepreneurship and marketing. Currently his research focus is on entrepreneurial eco-system and business model development. As a part of service to community, he has been engaged in development of entrepreneurship and organization development of private and development organizations.

Dr. Chiranjibi Nepal

Former Governor

Nepal Rastra Bank

Dr. Chiranjibi Nepal, Former Governor of Nepal Rastra Bank since March 2015, previously served as Economic Advisor to the Prime Minister and held key roles in the Ministry of Finance and Securities Board. A PhD in Economics, he’s worked with government, private sector, and academia, including Tribhuvan and Kathmandu Universities, UNESCAP, and FNCCI. He is Vice President of the Nepal Economics Association

Dr. Dhanapati Subedi

Professor at the School of Education

Kathmandu University

Dr. Subedi, Professor at the School of Education, has taught at Kathmandu University for 18 years. His expertise includes entrepreneurial leadership, organizational behavior, HR management, instructional leadership, innovative pedagogy, program design, school-community partnerships, and action research. He has published numerous articles and book chapters in both national and international journals, contributing significantly to educational research and practice.

Dr. Dovan Rai

Executive Director

Body & Data

Dr. Dovan Rai, Executive Director at Body & Data and former Visiting Faculty at Mount Holyoke College, has over 15 years’ experience at the intersection of technology, education, and social justice. A Fulbright Science & Technology PhD scholar, she earned her doctorate from Worcester Polytechnic Institute, specializing in AI and game-based learning. Formerly with NAAMII, OLE Nepal, and Sujhaab Chautaari, she has led initiatives in education technology, feminist digital rights, and youth empowerment. A vocal advocate for interdisciplinary and inclusive tech ecosystems, she currently leads research on emerging technologies for sustainable development at GIIS and actively mentors young women in STEM.

Dr. Ekramul Islam

Assistant Professor

BRAC University, Dhaka

Dr. Ekramul Islam is an expert in climate finance, sustainable business, and policy research. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Louisville and an MBA from the University of Dhaka. As an Assistant Professor and Director of Executive Education at BRAC University, he has designed programs on Climate Finance, SME Leadership, and Digital Marketing. His initiative Uddokta 101 has trained and mentored over 250 women entrepreneurs. He has served as a consultant for the International Finance Corporation (World Bank Group) in over 20 countries. His research on climate and urban policy has been published in peer-reviewed journals and presented internationally.

Dr. Manoj Shakya

Professor at the Department of Computer Science and Engineering

Kathmandu University

Manoj Shakya, Assistant Professor at Kathmandu University’s Department of Computer Science and Engineering, earned his PhD in AI from NTU, Singapore, specializing in Deep Reinforcement Learning for inventory optimization. His research spans AI, Machine Learning, Data Science, and Optimization. Passionate about teaching and research, he has contributed to eLearning through NAST and UGC Nepal grants, promoting AI’s transformative potential.

Dr. Niranjan Devkota

Research Fellow

Nepal’s Policy Research Institute

Dr. Niranjan Devkota, Research Fellow at Nepal’s Policy Research Institute, is an economist focused on cross-border trade and climate adaptation. With 15+ years’ research experience and a PhD from Tribhuvan University, he’s skilled in impact assessment, modeling, and policy planning. He’s trained internationally, proficient in STATA and R, and author of a Routledge book on research methodology.

Dr. Prativa Pandey

Founder and CEO

Herveda Botanicals

Dr. Prativa Pandey is a researcher at RIBB and founder of Catalyst Technology and Herveda Botanicals. With a PhD in Chemistry from Northwestern University and a Management Certificate from Kellogg, she blends scientific research with entrepreneurship. Her work focuses on value addition of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants in Nepal. An OWSD Fellow and NAST awardee, she holds US patents and international publications. Dr. Pandey actively advocates for science and innovation, mentors youth in STEM, and supports policy dialogues in S&T and IP.

Dr. Rajib Subba

Coordinator - Digital Technology Program

Madan Bhandari University of Science and Technology

Dr. Rajib Subba is a faculty member at Madan Bhandari University of Science and Technology, where he coordinates the Digital Technology Program and Public Affairs. He is also Director at Kathmandu FinTek and President of npCERT. With a PhD from the University of Hawai‘i, he brings over 30 years of interdisciplinary experience in communication, IT, and crisis management, including service as Deputy Inspector General at Nepal Police. His work focuses on digital transformation, AI, and organizational systems. He has worked with global institutions and earned prestigious awards, including the NAST Award, Janasewa Shree Medal, and Westcliff University Teaching Excellence Award.

Dr. Ram Kumar Phuyal

Former Member

National Planning Commission, Government of Nepal

Dr. Ram Kumar Phuyal, Associate Professor at CEDA, TU, earned his Ph.D. in Economics from Chonnam National University, Korea. He has taught at multiple universities, presented papers globally, and published in indexed journals. Honored with Nepal Bidya Bhushan Padak and other awards, he teaches microeconomics and more, and writes policy columns in international newspapers as a columnist.

Dr. Samapti Guha

Professor at Tata Institute of Social Sciences

Tata Institute of Social Sciences

Dr. Samapti Guha is working as a Professor at the Centre for Social Entrepreneurship, School of Management and Labour Studies, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai. She is a Development Economist and has done her PhD in Economics from Jadavpur University in 2004. After her PhD, she worked in Indian Institute of Dalit Studies, New Delhi and Institute of Rural Management Anand (IRMA), Gujarat. In 2006, she was selected as Sir Ratan Tata Fellow at the London School of Economics and Political Science, UK for her Post Doctoral Study. In 2007, she has joined Tata Institute of Social Sciences and launched a new MA programme in Social Entrepreneurship and has run the Centre single handedly from 2007-2010. She along with his colleague Prof. Satyajit Majumdar set up Social Incubation Centre at the Centre for Social Entrepreneurship, School of Management and Labour Studies, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai supported by UGC in 2011. She has mentored more than 50 social start ups. Her areas of research and teaching are Microfinance, Women Entrepreneurship, Micro enterprises, Social Entrepreneurship, Financial Inclusion and Development Economics. She has published articles in many National, International journals and in Books. She has published two edited books on Social Entrepreneurship and one book on Women representation in Management in Indian Industries.

Dr. Sarah Louisa Birchley

University Director of International Exchange

Toyo Gakuen University

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.

Dr. Shrochis Karki

Founder, Samaanta Foundation. Director of Impact and Influence, UnLtd

Samaanta Foundation & UnLtd

Shrochis is the founder of Samaanta Foundation, an initiative promoting equality and empowerment through quality higher education for underprivileged students in Nepal. He studied in the US and UK, earning a DPhil in International Development from the University of Oxford. His work centers on bridging opportunity gaps and fostering inclusive growth through education and social development.

Dr. Sujit Pandey

Executive Director

Sakshyam Research Institute

Dr. Sujit Pandey is a seasoned researcher, educator, and management practitioner with over seven years of international research experience and three years in financial services. His work focuses on human capital, entrepreneurship, and digitalization as drivers of development. He brings a human-centric, data-driven approach to decision-making, has led research projects, and contributed to strategic planning at the executive level. Known for his independence and collaborative mindset, he effectively engages with diverse stakeholders across cultures and industries.

Dr. Syed Mahbubur Rahman

Distinguished academic and researcher

BRAC University, Dhaka

Dr. Syed Mahbubur Rahman is a Professor at BRAC Business School, BRAC University, Dhaka. He has taught and conducted research at institutions across Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. He holds a PhD in Global Environmental Studies from Kyoto University, Japan, along with an MEngr from Trier University, an MS from Ritsumeikan APU, an MBM, and a BBA. His research interests include climate change adaptation, cobenefits, climate finance, energy policy, health policy, and sustainable development. Dr. Rahman has contributed to leading journals such as Energy Policy and Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews. His global academic background and interdisciplinary expertise guide his impactful work in addressing pressing environmental and policy challenges.

Er. Mahesh Mahato

Founder & MD

Cosmic Electrical Limited

Mahesh Mahato is a purpose-driven social entrepreneur and Founder & Managing Director of Cosmic Electrical Limited, a leading EPC firm in Nepal. With over 25 years in the energy sector, he has created 1,000+ jobs and impacted 3 million lives. Known for his CGPA philosophy—Communication, Gratitude, and Positive Attitude—Mahesh champions energy access and sustainable development. He holds engineering and business degrees, an Executive MBA, and leadership training from Rice and Oklahoma universities. Recognized by NEA, CEO Insights Asia, and the U.S. Embassy, he continues to drive entrepreneurship, innovation, and inclusive growth across Nepal’s remote regions.

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.

Gokarna Awasti

Director General (DG)

Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI)

Gokarna Awasthi, Director General of FNCCI, has 20+ years’ experience in economics, journalism, and development. Former UN SDG advisor and Kantipur’s Business Editor, he leads private-sector growth, LDC transition, and SME policy. A PhD scholar on politics and development, SEBON board member, and business lecturer, he won MAN’s 2023 “Manager of the Year” award for leadership excellence.

Govinda Tamang, PHD

Associate Professor of Statistics

Central Department of Management Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal

Govinda Tamang, Ph.D., is Associate Professor of Statistics at Tribhuvan University and Director of its School of Management. He is President of the Operational Research Society of Nepal and General Secretary of the Asia Pacific Operational Research Societies. He has published 20 research articles, co-authored 10 textbooks, and worked as a data analyst for national and international agencies. A visiting professor in India and guest lecturer in China, he has also trained at Handong Global University, South Korea. His research focuses on operations, TQM, supply chain management, entrepreneurial intention, performance analysis, and project management.

Hon'able Damodar Bhandari

Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies

Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Government of Nepal

Honorable Damodar Bhandari, Minister of Industry, Commerce, and Supplies, leads Nepal’s industrial and trade development. He formulates strategies to boost exports, support SMEs, and attract foreign investment. Known for pragmatic governance, he collaborates with stakeholders to modernize infrastructure, ensure fair trade, and enhance competitiveness, playing a key role in driving Nepal’s economic growth and industrial transformation.

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.

Julien Chevillard

Deputy Resident Representative

UNDP Nepal

Julien Chevillard, UNDP Nepal’s Deputy Resident Representative, has served with UNDP in Cambodia, Myanmar, Nepal, Madagascar, and West Africa since 2002. His roles span climate policy, green finance, digital transformation, and aid coordination. He holds master’s degrees from Panthéon-Sorbonne and the University of Kent, and is a graduate of Institut d’Études Politiques, Lille, France.

Lal Bahadur Pun

Senior Research Fellow and Faculty Member

Kathmandu University, School of Management Policy Lab.

Lal Bahadur Pun, PhD, is a Senior Research Fellow and faculty member at Kathmandu University, School of Management Policy Lab. He has gained expertise in the fields of migration, development, cultural studies, and nomadic studies. He teaches qualitative research methods, as well as society and culture, including political systems and governance. In addition, Dr. Pun edits policy briefs and discussion papers. He is researching the Raute Nomads of Nepal to inform policy development and uptake. For over two decades, Dr. Pun has been engaged in the field of development. He has published research articles and book chapters in national and international journals. He has presented papers at national and international conferences. He is also an Editor of the Dhaulagiri Journal of Sociology and Anthropology. His area of interest is public policy and migration

Mahendra Kumar Shrestha

Executive Director

Holy Green Agro Farm

Mahendra Kumar Shrestha, Executive Director at Holy Green Agro Farm, is a biodynamic farmer and researcher based in Shuklagandaki Municipality, Tanahun. Active in agriculture since 2010, he has collaborated with local governments, agencies, and international organizations. His focus lies in building living soil and producing toxin-free, energy-rich food. Committed to the principles of reduce, reuse, and recycle, Mahendra also champions social entrepreneurship as a core part of his mission for sustainable farming.

Manoj Gyawali

CEO

Nabil Bank

Manoj Gyawali is CEO of Nabil Bank. A Chartered Accountant with over 25 years of banking experience, he previously served as Acting CEO, Senior Deputy CEO, and Deputy GM. Gyawali has worked at Nepal Rastra Bank, led Jyoti Bikas Bank, and spent seven years at Global IME Bank.

Mr. K.B Manandhar

Former Acting Governor

Nepal Rastra Bank

Mr. Manandar has held respected positions in various government organizations throughout his career. He has received training and attended seminars on macroeconomic policies, economic analysis techniques, reserve management, and managing capital flows, including World Bank seminars. In addition to his public service, he has been engaged in teaching for over a decade, sharing his extensive expertise.

Mr. Kewal Bhandari

Secretary

Government of Nepal (GoN)

Kewal Prasad Bhandari, a veteran Nepali civil servant with 30+ years of service, served as Secretary in the Ministry of Labour and the National Planning Commission, and as Joint Secretary in Finance. He led efforts in budget planning, food systems, and labor reforms. Known for strategic clarity, he represented Nepal internationally and resigned in March 2024 before retirement.

Mr. Narottam Aryal

President

King’s College.

Narottam Aryal is a prominent educator and entrepreneur in Nepal, currently serving as the President of King's College, Kathmandu. With a career spanning over two decades, he has played a pivotal role in transforming higher education by integrating entrepreneurship and innovation into academic curricula. Aryal holds a Master of Public Administration from Tribhuvan University and an M.Phil. in Public Policy from the University of Bergen, Norway. Raised in a rural district of Nepal, his early life was marked by challenges, including walking three hours to school without access to electricity or telecommunication. These experiences instilled in him a deep appreciation for education and a lifelong commitment to making it accessible and impactful. Prior to his role at King's College, he held leadership positions in various organizations, including CEO of CG Education System and Executive Director of Gyankuit Pvt. Ltd. Aryal’s vision centers on democratizing wealth creation and fostering a culture of entrepreneurship to drive socio-economic change in Nepal.

Mr. Rajan Sharma

Specialist in Trade Facilitation, Logistics, and Value Chain Analysis

FNCCI

Rajan Sharma is a seasoned expert in cross-border trade, logistics, and value chain analysis with leadership experience in major Nepali trade organizations. He has served as President of the Nepal Freight Forwarders Association and held executive roles at FNCCI. Currently, he advises FNCCI, NEFFA, and the European Economic Chamber and consults for The World Bank on regional trade connectivity. He is CEO of Quality Freight Service and a promoter of Excel Development Bank. Rajan is also active in climate resilience initiatives with UN ESCAP and is a certified Quality Champion by ITC Geneva. He contributes to academia and policy through teaching, training, and published articles on trade and logistics.

Mr. Siddha Raj Bhatta

Deputy Director

Nepal Rastra Bank

Siddha Raj Bhatta is a Deputy Director at the Nepal Rastra Bank, currently in the International Relation Division, Office of the Governor. He specializes in macroeconomic analysis, model building, and data analysis. He holds a STEM Master of Arts in Economics from Boston University and has received several awards, including the 'Departmental Excellence Awards' from Boston University. His research experience includes studies on financial stability and the impact of COVID-19 on the Nepali economy.

Ms. Sagun Baba Shrestha

Research Officer

CERAD's King's College

A recent King's College graduate, I’ve joined CERAD as a Research Associate, contributing to impactful research and writing projects. Drawing on my academic background and skills, I’m passionate about meaningful research. Outside work, I enjoy traveling and reading, which enrich my professional life. I look forward to exploring and contributing further to CERAD’s exciting initiatives.

Naina Bhardwaj

International Business Advisor

Dezan Shira and Associates

Naina is an International Business Advisor at Dezan Shira and Associates, where she channels her expertise to drive strategic business expansions into India and offers crucial guidance to global investors navigating the complex regulatory landscape. With a background in law and economics, she is dedicated to championing the interests of companies venturing into the Asian market. Her journey to this role was marked by a significant tenure as the Senior Business Editor at Asia Briefing. Here, she curated and disseminated invaluable market intelligence across multiple platforms, empowering companies seeking to broaden their footprint in Asia. These resources serve as a cornerstone, providing enterprises with pivotal insights for informed decision-making in their expansion endeavours. Before Asia Briefing, Naina worked as a dedicated researcher, collaborating closely with Indian politician and policymakers across an array of domains encompassing the economy, internal security, international relations, and polity. Her extensive experience also spans serving as a legal counsel, specializing in corporate and taxation laws. Naina's educational achievements include a Master's degree in Law, an Executive Degree in Global Business Management from IIM Indore, an Advanced Diploma in Media Laws from NALSAR, and an Honors degree in Economics from Delhi University. She is actively engaged as a speaker and representative for DSA at various national and international events, showcasing her commitment to fostering thought leadership and global engagement.

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.

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.

Prof. Dr. Dev Raj Adhikari

Chairperson

University Grants Commission Nepal

Prof. Dr. Dev Raj Adhikari has several years in higher education as Professor, Dean, and Member Secretary of UGC Nepal. His expertise includes HR Management, Industrial Relations, Work/Life Balance, and Higher Education Sustainability including WHSEE. He has taught, conducted research, coached careers, and also served in the corporate sector as Chairman of a large corporation.

Prof. Dr. Jaagz Bajaj

Education & Trade Diplomacy, International Affairs & Public Policy

UNESCO- Climate Pact Ambassador

Prof. Dr. Jaagz Bajaj is a seasoned expert in Education & Trade Diplomacy, International Affairs, and Public Policy with over 20 years of experience. He has served in various diplomatic roles, including Economic Advisor, National Focal Point, Country Head, and Goodwill Ambassador. Currently, he is the National Focal Point for IBE UNESCO in the Balkan region and Head of the International Taskforce for Education on Teachers at UNESCO in North Macedonia. Additionally, he represents the European Union as a Climate Pact Ambassador, advocating for sustainability and climate action. Dr. Bajaj has authored several books, delivered keynotes, and presented at over 100 global conferences across Asia, Africa, and the EU. He holds a triple doctorate in Community & Social Work, International Affairs & Diplomacy, and Public Policy & Diplomacy. With extensive experience working with international organizations like the UN, UNESCO, and the World Bank, he is highly regarded for his expertise in trade diplomacy, rural development, and educational programs.

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.

Sanchit Aggarwal

Co-Founder

Thynaa Healthy Naturally Pvt. Ltd.

Sanchit Aggrawal is an accomplished Data Scientist turned Agripreneur, co-founder of Thynaa Healthy Naturally Pvt. Ltd., dedicated to promoting chemical-free farming. With over 12 years of startup experience, including key roles at Squadstack and Innoplexus, he combines deep tech expertise with a passion for sustainability. He developed QUALT, an AI- and IoT-based crop monitoring system under the BIRAC Social Innovation Fellowship, and completed natural farming training via NCONF. Sanchit also trains farmers through SSIAST and the Art of Living Foundation, and mentors data science students through UpGrad. A serial entrepreneur, he previously founded Ayata Intelligence, which created AI-powered glasses for the visually impaired—earning patents in India and the US and funding from SINE, IIT Bombay. He’s been supported by top incubators like Venture Center, TiE, and TISS. Through his YouTube channel Vishuddhi Vibes, Sanchit promotes holistic living, reflecting his broader mission to integrate technology, well-being, and sustainable agriculture.

Santosh Pandey

CEO

YANGO

Santosh Pandey, a Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia honoree, co-founded Offering Happiness and Oho Cake. He teaches digital marketing at Tribhuvan and Kathmandu Universities. An award-winning entrepreneur and political strategist, he has led youth initiatives, worked on campaigns, and studied leadership globally. He serves on NYEF Kathmandu, curates the Global Shapers Kathmandu Hub, and represented Nepal at Summer Davos 2023.

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.

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.

Surya Karki

Country Director and Co-Founder

United World Schools Nepal

Surya Karki, a resilient Nepali social entrepreneur, co-founded UWS Nepal, educating over 20,590 students, and serves as Global Development Director for UWS. He also co-founded Bloom Nepal Schools and Diyalo Foundation, and leads Delish Dairies. Promoting education, energy, and agriculture, he was named an Earth Impact Hero 2024 and featured in Forbes “30 Under 30 Asia.”

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.

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.

Yogesh Kumar

Founder

Even Care

Yogesh is an engineering graduate with a master degree in social entrepreneurship and Public Administration with over a decade of experience. He is the Founder of Even Cargo, India’s first women-only e-commerce logistics company, a social enterprise that employs women from resource-poor communities by training them for employment opportunities in non-traditional livelihoods sectors. His work has garnered national and international recognition from media outlets like The New York Times, BBC, and NDTV. With a gold medal in Social Entrepreneurship from TISS, Yogesh also holds degrees in Engineering and Public Administration from Harvard University. He regularly consults on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and is a visiting faculty at Ambedkar University,Delhi. Yogesh’s vision is to see an India empowered by women, and his work continues to break barriers, advocating for gender parity in the workforce.

Anil Parajuli

Project Manager

GRIPS 2 UNIDO

Anil Parajuli is the Project Manager for the GRIPS 2 project at the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), hosted by Gham Power, where he leads initiatives in sustainable energy solutions. With a strong foundation in private sector engagement and innovation, he previously served as Technical Advisor for the USAID Integrated Nutrition Activity at FHI 360 and played a key role in advancing agricultural business incubation and angel investment in Koshi Province through Swisscontact. As a seasoned business incubator, he has led entrepreneurship programs at Impact Hub Kathmandu and actively supports startups as an angel investor and mentor. Anil also lectures on Entrepreneurship and Innovation, blending academic insight with practical experience.

Hem Raj Dhakal

Co-Founder and Managing Director

IME Group

Hem Raj Dhakal, Co-Founder and Managing Director of IME Group, is a first-generation serial entrepreneur driving growth across banking, finance, IT, energy, tourism, and more. With global experience spanning Japan, Malaysia, the UK, and the USA, he holds advanced business degrees from Harvard, MIT, and London Business School. He serves as Vice President of CNI and leads multiple industry chambers.

Ken Shimizu

FAO Country Representative for Bhutan and Nepal

FAO

Mr Ken Shimizu is the FAO Country Representative for Nepal since July 2021. Prior to this appointment, Mr Shimizu worked as the FAO Representative for Papua New Guinea since 2013. Ken has 24 years of experience in food security, agricultural and rural development, natural resources management, climate change, disaster risk reduction and emergency coordination, primarily with FAO and other UN agencies in Asia and the Pacific as well as the Caribbean. Ken is a national of Japan, and holds a Masters in Environmental Planning from Cornell University in the USA.

Labisha Uprety

Technical Consultant

PwC

Labisha Uprety is a policy and governance specialist currently serving as Technical Consultant to PwC on the FCDO - funded Green Growth Nepal project. She is leading the development of a national Climate Finance Platform with the Ministry of Finance to strengthen climate readiness and coordination. With several years of experience across national and international think tanks, Labisha’s work spans climate policy, environmental governance, and institutional reform. She formerly served as a National Researcher at the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) where she oversaw the water governance portfolio, supporting the Government of Nepal on renewable energy policy assessments. Labisha holds two graduate degrees, one in Public Policy from the National University of Singapore and the other in education policy under an Erasmus Mundus fellowship in Europe.

Sabnam Shivakoti

Joint Secretary Agriculture and Livestock Business Promotion Division

Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development

Sabnam Shivakoti heads the Agriculture and Livestock Business Promotion Division, overseeing agri-trade, investment, and insurance. With 25+ years in public service, she has held board roles, led national delegations, and serves as Asia’s Vice Chair in the International Plant Treaty Bureau. Her expertise spans food security, climate change, and agribusiness, and she is a national focal point for several international agricultural and trade-related initiatives.