KATHMANDU: The semi-finals of the Kathmandu University (KU) Hult Prize concluded with participants pitching their innovative business proposal on the theme “Unlimited”.
Out of the total 13 teams pitching their proposals, five teams were promoted to the grand finale.
The competition presented by Canadian Study Centre and sponsored by Agni Group, Mahindra, was judged by a team of experts from different sectors.
Judges include Anchita Bhimsaria, Head of Learning and Development – IIDE Nepal, was one of the judges who brought her knowledge and experience in education sectors and upskilling young changemakers to the event.
Likewise, the Founder and Engineer Researcher at Chyau Bio Technologies, Gunjan Ghimire has been working as an entrepreneur and advocator for sustainable solutions.
His expertise and insights played a crucial part as the judge. Ruby Shah was also one of the prominent judges for the event.
She is also the co-founder of Nepal’s first student-led startup ecosystem enabler, Parth Student Ventures which provides seed funding, mentorship and workshops to young entrepreneurs and a Business Development officer at Makkuse.
The founder of Karobar App, Samir Phuyal was also an honorary judge for the semi- finale event. He is the owner of Bytecare Technology, which offers clients development services along with creating solutions that uplift and assist Nepali small and medium-sized enterprises.
Kriti Rai and Charchica Pokharel were the EMCEEs of the event, guiding the activities and keeping things lively.
The event began with a warm welcome extended to all the esteemed judges, guests, participants, and attendees by Prarabda Singh Mahat, the Deputy Campus Director.
The keynote address was given by Bikram Basnet, the Chief Guest representing Agni Group | Mahindra.
Following those initial proceedings, the pitch session commenced. Participants were given the choice between a Video Pitch or Live Pitch format and a 4-minute Question and Answer (Q&A) round ensued, during which judges posed queries related to the participants’ pitches.
Each judge was provided with a scorecard to evaluate the pitch accordingly. Additionally, the audience were also engaged by some quizzes with some gifts as a prize.
Meanwhile, the audience was engaged through quizzes, which also included prizes as rewards.
Multiple sponsors and partners contributed to organizing pre-events and providing participants with essential training beforehand.
Additionally, the Hult Prize has forged collaborations with 18 sponsors, encompassing gift partners, a medical partner, hospitality partner, refreshment partner, green partner, study abroad partner, media partners, mobility partner, and pop culture partner.
Following the deliberation, the finalists for the Grand Finale of HPKU – 24 are “Dr. Fish”, “Ladies with a Lamp”, “Hempire”, “The Upcyclers” and “Kodo Ko Khaja”.
Wrapping up the event, Campus Director Sasha Sunuwar extended thanks to all involved for making it a success.
The Grand Finale is happening on February 27, 2024 at Kathmandu University, Dhulikhel.
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