Kathmandu: Indian Embassy organises orientation session for IN-SPAN

The first-ever IN-SPAN program is scheduled to begin in December 2025 at IIT Madras, with the broad aim of facilitating enhanced interaction between India's and Nepal's startup ecosystems.

"This will involve an 8-week, fully-funded training and innovation program at IIT Madras, delivered in collaboration with IIT Madras Pravartak, for representatives of Startups in Nepal. The module will include training, mentorship and internships for participants," a release from the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu stated.

The IIT Madras Pravartak is a leading incubator which has incubated 46 startups till now, with 14 successful commercializations of technologies.

Radhika Aryal, Secretary, Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, attended the Session as the Chief Guest and appreciated the initiative in her remarks.

"This session held in the Embassy premises had about 100 participants drawn from various startups, government departments, Chambers of Commerce, Robotics Association of Nepal, NAS IT, Fintech Alliance, AI Association of Nepal and academic institutions," the Indian Embassy announced.

According to the embassy, approximately 60 participants from Birgunj and the Institute of Engineering, Dharan Campus, Tribhuvan University, joined the event virtually.

Gaurav Raina, Professor of Electrical Engineering and Chief Scientist, Centre for Human Centric AI, IIT Madras, joined the event online and provided an overview of the innovation ecosystem at IIT Madras and IITM Pravartak.

As per the embassy, a similar session was organised earlier in the day, at the Institute of Engineering, Pulchowk Campus, Tribhuwan University, which was attended by about 70 students.

"Selection for the program will be based on the assessment of applications and interviews of candidates. Applications are open till 15 November 2025. Interested entrepreneurs can apply online at https://shorturl.at/Au8zh," the embassy stated. (ANI)