KATHMANDU: The grand finale of Hult Prize Kathmandu University 2024 concluded today with “Dr. Fish,” a team of young enthusiasts, winning the title.

The finale took place among the five winning teams, namely “Kodo ko Khaja,” “Dr. Fish,” “Sarva,” “Hempire,” and “Ladies with the Lamp,” from the semi-final held at KUSOM, Balkumari.

“Hempire” was chosen as the first runner-up, and “Kodo Ko Khaja” as the second runner-up.

The winner, “Dr. Fish,” received a total of Rs 20 thousand along with gifts from Donut Drools, Juice Mandala, BeHumble, Slip Me On, and Oriso, and vouchers from Door 2 Door, Aaronic International Consultancy Education Services, Taximandu, among others.

The runner-up received a cash prize of Rs 10,000 and gifts from Donut Drools and Oriso, along with vouchers from Taximandu, Juice Mandala, Aaronic International Consultancy Education Services, and Sichu Nepal.

The second runner-up received a cash prize of Rs 5,000 and gifts from Donut Drools, vouchers from Juice Mandala, Door 2 Door, Taximandu, Aaronic, and Sichu Nepal. The third and fourth runners-up received a cash prize of Rs 25,000 each.

The business proposals of the teams were scrutinized by a total of 7 judges, including Anima Piya, co-founder and director of operations at Zero Circular; Preeti Adhikary, Founder of the Great Nepali Diaspora; Raj Bikram Maharjan, CEO and co-founder of Galli Maps; Sajan Gautam, ‘Entrepreneur at Residence’ at Fuel Accelerator; Shashank Das Verma, Founder and CEO of Khudra Asia; and Veda Shrestha, Vice President at Agni Group | Mahindra.

Sarad Banjara, CEO of Varosa Technology, a skilled start-up mentor, trainer, and marketing consultant, also participated as a judge.

The grand finale witnessed the presence of guest Durga Prasad Acharya, Chief Finance Head at Agni Group | Mahindra; Chief Guest Aishwarya Khulal, Senior Student Advisor and Branch Manager at Canadian Study Center; and Special Guest Vedant Shrestha, Business Analyst at Agni Group | Mahindra.

Canadian Study Center presented the Hult Prize at Kathmandu University (HPKU) Grand – Finale, and Agni Group | Mahindra sponsored the program at Kathmandu University, Dhulikhel. Charchica Pokharel, Saras Mainali, Jessica Thapa, and Shlok Koirala served as the EMCEEs of the grand finale. Campus Director Sasha Sunuwar welcomed all the esteemed judges, guests, participants, and attendees.

The event commenced with the Panas Lighting by the honorary Chief Guest Aishwarya Khulal, Senior Student Advisor and Branch Manager at Nepal’s premier educational consultancy, the Canadian Study Center (CSC), followed by some remarks from Aishwarya Khulal and Veda Shrestha.

To promote social and cultural connection and a feeling of communal well-being, Kauda dance and other traditional dances were performed.

Additionally, the event featured game sessions and poetry performances designed to captivate and entertain the audience while awaiting the judges’ final decision.

The event culminated with the presentation of Token of Love to the judges and guests by the Campus Director and Deputy Campus Director as a gesture of gratitude and acknowledgment.

Wrapping up the event, Campus Director conveyed sincere appreciation to all participants and contributors for their invaluable efforts, which significantly contributed to the resounding success of the occasion.