The semi-finals of the Hult Prize at Kathmandu University 2025/26 concluded on Friday, January 9, with five teams—Finpal, Lok Katha, Synaptic, Milapp, and Banashree- advancing to the finals. These teams were evaluated by a distinguished panel of judges: Mr. Saurav Rimal, President of the Karmayog Foundation; Mr. Hempal Shrestha, Co-founder of the Nepal Entrepreneur Hub and ICT Foundation Nepal; and Mr. Dev Raj Gautam, an engineering and project management consultant.
The event's smooth execution was significantly supported by its title sponsor, Nepal Rising, along with Eco Concern, Hilife, and all other sponsors who played vital roles in creating an impactful and lively event.
Looking ahead, the Grand Finale is scheduled for January 26 at Kathmandu University, Dhulikhel, where these five teams will return to the stage to present their solutions.
The event commenced with opening remarks from Deputy Campus Director Siddhartha Joshi, who officially welcomed the judges, participants, and the audience. Throughout the day, the EMCEEs maintained an energetic and well-paced atmosphere. The seamless operation behind the scenes was attributed to the hard work and preparation of the Organizing Committee, which ensured a smooth, well-coordinated experience for everyone involved.
Following the initial proceedings, the pitch session officially began. Each team was allocated four minutes for their pitch and another four minutes for a Question & Answer (Q&A) round. This interactive questioning allowed judges to thoroughly assess each idea, with scorecards provided to ensure fair and structured evaluation.
This year, Hult Prize at Kathmandu University formed partnerships with 27 sponsors: Nepal Rising, Ather, Hilife, Siprabi Securities, Eco Concern, Franklin Education Consultancy, AIESEC, Annapurna Post, EducationPati, Desh Sanchar, ICT Side, Good Nepal, ICT Samachar, DRXEL, Ba ko Achar, I am the Gardener, Playbox Arena, Baker Mom, UFO the clothing store, Frenzie Fries, Danphe Denim, Rekriti, Ecosathi, Chocolate by PS, Nexlo, Wonderland Nepal, and Sichu Nepal. Each contributed to a richer and more collaborative event ecosystem.
The journey now moves to the Grand Finale, scheduled for January 26 at Kathmandu University, Dhulikhel. There, finalists will present refined versions of their pitches before a new panel of judges. The winning team will represent Kathmandu University on the global Hult Prize track, gaining access to broader mentorship, incubation pathways, and international exposure.
Campus Director Lakki Thapa wrapped up the event by thanking all involved for making it a success. The semi-finals concluded on a hopeful note, inspiring excitement for the Dhulikhel finale, instilling pride in the student community, and building anticipation for the future achievements of these young innovators.
