India to host eight-week incubation program for Nepali startups at IIT Madras

KATHMANDU: The Embassy of India in Kathmandu recently organized an orientation session to mark the launch of the India-Nepal Startup Partnership Network (IN-SPAN) — a new initiative designed to strengthen collaboration between the startup ecosystems of the two countries.

The first-ever IN-SPAN program is set to commence in December 2025 at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras, according to the embassy.

The eight-week, fully funded training and innovation program will be conducted in partnership with IIT Madras Pravartak, a leading technology incubator. It will feature modules on training, mentorship, and internships for startup representatives from Nepal.

IIT Madras Pravartak has so far incubated 46 startups, 14 of which have successfully commercialised their technologies, the embassy said in a statement.

Speaking on the occasion, Radhika Aryal, Secretary at the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, praised the initiative as a timely step toward fostering innovation and cross-border entrepreneurship.

Professor Gaurav Raina, Chief Scientist at the Centre for Human-Centric AI, IIT Madras, who participated in the event online, shared insights into IIT Madras’s innovation ecosystem and the activities of IIT Madras Pravartak.

Interested startup representatives can apply for the program until November 15, according to the embassy.