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Events / Geopolitical / India-Nepal IN-SPAN Program Second Cohort
International startup program

India-Nepal IN-SPAN Program Second Cohort

Analysis based on 6 articles · First reported Jun 02, 2026 · Last updated Jun 03, 2026

Sentiment
70
Attention
4
Articles
6
Market Impact
Direct
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Market Impact

The IN-SPAN program fosters cross-border innovation and investment linkages between India and Nepal, potentially boosting the startup ecosystems in both nations. This collaboration could lead to new market opportunities and technological advancements, particularly benefiting the technology and venture capital industries.

Technology Venture Capital Education
Event Summary

The second cohort of the India-Nepal Startup Partnership Network (IN-SPAN) program has commenced, with 25 Nepali startups undergoing an eight-week, fully-funded training and innovation program at IITM Pravartak Technologies Foundation in Chennai, India. This bilateral initiative, primarily funded by India through the Embassy of India in Kathmandu, aims to catalyze cross-border innovation, foster investment linkages, and build entrepreneurial partnerships between India and Nepal. The program includes entrepreneurship training, AI skill development, investment pitch preparation, and networking opportunities. The first cohort, held from December 2025 to January 2026, saw 24 participants and resulted in 9 Nepali startups receiving incubation and investment offers from IIT Madras Incubation Cell and IIT Madras Pravartak. Ambassador Naveen Srivastava virtually addressed the inauguration, encouraging collaboration. The program's success led to the advancement of the second cohort, which includes startups from diverse high-growth industries such as AI, biotechnology, fintech, and e-commerce.

Key Actions
90 India funded program Nepal
70 India — List of diplomatic missions of India launched second cohort Nepal
60 IIT Madras Incubation Cell offered incubation, investment Nepal
Entities Involved
cnt
India
India is a key facilitator and funder of the IN-SPAN program, aiming to deepen engagements and foster entrepreneurial partnerships with Nepal. This initiative enhances India's regional influence and technological collaboration.
Importance 90 Sentiment 60
cnt
Nepal
Nepal is a key beneficiary of the IN-SPAN program, with its startups receiving training, incubation, and investment opportunities in India. This program aims to boost Nepal's startup ecosystem and cross-border innovation.
Importance 90 Sentiment 60
govactor
India — List of diplomatic missions of India
The Embassy of India in Kathmandu is instrumental in organizing and promoting the IN-SPAN program, facilitating the participation of Nepali startups and deepening bilateral ties.
Importance 70 Sentiment 60
oth
IIT Madras Incubation Cell
IIT Madras Incubation Cell offered incubation and investment to nine Nepali startups from the first cohort, demonstrating its role in fostering new ventures.
Importance 60 Sentiment 70
per
Naveen Srivastava
Ambassador Naveen Srivastava virtually addressed the inauguration ceremony, encouraging collaboration between Indian and Nepali startup ecosystems.
Importance 40 Sentiment 50
per
Shankar Rajaram
Shankar Rajaram, CEO of IIT Madras Pravartak, attended the inauguration ceremony, representing the host institution.
Importance 30 Sentiment 50
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