The hackathon followed a structured multi-stage startup-building process. Initially, 12 teams were shortlisted from hundreds of applications. These teams participated in AI bootcamps covering AI fundamentals, problem framing, and Nepal’s AI landscape. The bootcamps were followed by a three-day physical hackathon where participants built prototypes, received mentorship, and presented initial demos. On the final day, six teams advanced to the next phase based on the demo round.
Selected teams then entered post-hackathon startup development sessions, including business development workshops and mentorship aimed at refining their ideas into viable startups. The program culminated in a final pitch session, where top teams were selected as the Winner and Runner-up, with the objective of guiding participants from idea to product ready for real-world implementation.
The event was co-organized by Clock b Business Innovations and Draper Startup House Nepal, led by Binay Devkota, Founder and CEO of Clock b, and Nirdesh Dwa, Co-Founder of VEDA App and Angel Investor. The program received strategic support from the U.S. Embassy Nepal. Leapfrog Technology joined as the Technology Partner, alongside ecosystem supporters including VEDA App, QFX Cinemas, and Beach House Nepal.
Team “TriYantra Techies” from Kathmandu University emerged as the Winner, receiving NPR 1,00,000. Team members included Samir Wagle, Reewaj Khanal, Batsal Bhandari, and Abiral Adhikari. Team “untitled.jpg”, representing IOE Pulchowk Campus, Khwopa College of Engineering, and Samriddhi College, secured Runner-up, receiving NPR 50,000. Team members included Suparna Neupane, Rishav Upadhaya, Yurisha Bajracharya, and Adarsha Shrestha. The final round, conducted on 27th January, was evaluated by a distinguished judging panel including Narottam Aryal, John B. Park, and Ayusma Aryal.
AIDEA was designed to accelerate AI innovation by enabling students and innovators to transform ideas into practical products through mentorship, collaboration, and rapid prototyping. The initiative strengthens Nepal’s AI landscape by fostering early-stage AI startups, encouraging cross-institution collaboration, and building a pipeline of investable technology ventures.
Institutions, colleges, and organizations interested in future editions of AIDEA or launching AI-focused innovation programs are invited to collaborate to advance Nepal’s AI and startup ecosystem.
This article was originally published on https://bajarkochirfar.com. Translated and structured with the help of AI, reviewed by our editorial team.
