Hult Prize at Kathmandu University Hosts the First On-Campus Finale of 2025 in Nepal
The grand finale of Shubha Yatra's Hult Prize at Kathmandu University was held on January 9, 2025, at the CV Raman Auditorium. The event marked the culmination of months of meticulous planning and preparation by the organizing committee and participants. A distinguished group of guests and judges graced the event, whose presence significantly contributed to its success and prestige.
The ceremony began with the felicitation of the esteemed guests, followed by the lighting of the Panas by the chief guest, Prof. Dr. Bhupendra Bimal Chhetri. Prof. Chhetri then delivered the welcome address, setting a positive and inspiring tone for the event. Guest speaker Riya Prajapti also shared her valuable insights with the audience. The event’s atmosphere was further enhanced by a lively welcome dance performed by the students of Kathmandu University.
The presence of special guests, including Miss Riya Prajapti, Founder of Prajapati Ceramic; Miss Subi Kaphle, National Coordinator for the Hult Prize Foundation Nepal; Miss Garima Shrestha, National Community Leader for Hult Prize Nepal; Mrs. Sangita Sharma, an inspiring IT industry educator; and Mr. Bibhu Ratna Tuladhar, Advisor of the Hult Prize at Kathmandu University, was a significant highlight. Their support and participation provided an invaluable source of inspiration to both the organizers and the participants.
The event also featured a panel of distinguished judges whose expertise was crucial in evaluating the teams’ innovative ideas. The judges included Mr. Manish Devkota, CEO of Golden Fidelity Pvt. Ltd.; Mr. Darshan Khanal, CEO of Shubha Yatra; Mr. Kashyap Shakya, a visionary entrepreneur and marketing expert; and Mrs. Mona Nyachhon, a celebrated cybersecurity professional. Their thoughtful assessments ensured that the competition adhered to the highest standards of excellence.
Following the opening speeches, the five finalist teams, advanced from the semifinals held at Nepal College of Management on January 4, presented their innovative ideas based on the theme ‘Unlimited.’ The finalist teams—Team Nutri Nest, Team Myra, Team Synergy, Team Breathe Box, and Team Filter Fixer—delivered their pitches to the panel of judges, demonstrating impressive creativity and entrepreneurial acumen.
The event also included a captivating drama titled ‘The Pitch’, performed by the students of Kathmandu University, adding a unique artistic touch to the proceedings. Following the performances, tokens of appreciation were distributed to all guests, judges and participants, and the eagerly awaited competition results were announced. After careful deliberation, the winners were revealed as follows:
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2nd Runner-Up: Team Myra
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1st Runner-Up: Team Breathe Box
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Winner: Team Nutri Nest
As the winners of the Hult Prize at Kathmandu University, Team Nutri Nest earned the opportunity to advance directly to the national finals of Hult Prize Nepal, where they will compete against top teams from across the country. After the results, Mrs. Mona Nyachhon, one of the judges, offered insightful feedback on the teams’ presentations, emphasizing the high caliber of the pitches. The event concluded with closing remarks by Miss Shreeju Manandhar, the Campus Director of the Hult Prize at Kathmandu University. It was finally followed by a group photo session involving the judges, organizing committee members, and participants.
The grand finale of the Hult Prize at Kathmandu University 2025 successfully showcased the ingenuity and determination of young entrepreneurs, underscoring the institution’s commitment to fostering innovation and driving positive social change.
