On the 18th of August 2022, United Academy Group added yet another indispensable component to its establishment by officially inaugurating UCEII - United Center for Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Incubation. After a continuous delivery of academic service for 25 years with successful results, United College has now become one of the top-reputed colleges in Nepal.
“Since its establishment in 1997, United Academy has been able to create proficient individuals with more than 30,000 alumni. We are confident that with our worldwide network, distinguished resources and comprehensive knowledge and expertise of more than two decades, we will be able to create successful entrepreneurs through the establishment of our business incubation center at UCEII” said, Dr. Kabi Raj Bantawa, Academic Advisor, United Academy Group.
The event was witnessed by many reputed entrepreneurs, innovators and industrials like Dr. Tshering Lama, Dr. Mahabir Pun, Aasharam Tandukar, Bibhusan Bista, Cheteze Tamang, Karvika Thapa, Nagma Shrestha, Shanti Rai, Suden Shrestha and Babita Gurung.
To kick-off the event, Dr. Lal Rapacha, Principal, United College welcomed the esteemed guests and audience by speaking a few words on the importance of entrepreneurship and the long-term vision of UCEII. Then Dr. Mahabir Pun, Chairperson, National Innovation Center, Nepal encouraged students by speaking on the importance of them embarking on their own entrepreneurial journey while in college and also gave a few suggestions to the students in the context of entrepreneurship and innovation.
The Chief Guest of the event, Dr. Tshering Lama, Executive Chairperson of Idea Studio Nepal, addressed the current scenario of incubation in Nepal and the key role of incubation centers in startups. “There are challenges in Nepal and in challenging scenarios, there are opportunities as well. Incubation Centers like UCEII provide students with the right platform to look for solutions for these challenges” said Dr. Tshering Lama.
Next, Dr. Deependra Sah, Head of UCEII laid the foundation on the scope of the newly established incubation center. “UCEII aims to be a national leading innovation think-tank and research centre. It is open to all Nepalese aspiring entrepreneurs. Besides providing space and technical support, UCEII will also help secure seed funding”, he added.
The keynote speeches concluded after Ms. Nagma Shrestha, Miss Universe Nepal 2017, National Director of Miss Universe Nepal and alumni of United Academy spoke on her own entrepreneurial journey of Miss Universe Franchise in Nepal and how United Academy has played a key role in shaping her personality and her overall career. “I practice the 4 Ps - Patience, Perseverance, Persistence and Passion and I encourage today's entrepreneurs to do the same” Nagma Shrestha.
There was a panel discussion which touched upon the challenges & opportunities of Entrepreneurship in Nepal. The discussion was moderated by Cheteze Tamang (Director of ACT 360) and the panelists were Bibhusan Bista (CEO of YoungInnovation Pvt Ltd), Karbika Thapa (Founder & CEO of Kimbu Tech), Shanti Rai (Director of Everest PSL), Suden Shrestha (Managing Director of Chandika Print Pack), Aasharam Tandukar (Managing Director, Yoso International Pvt Ltd) and Babita Gurung (Dental Health Coordinator).
"If you are trying to jump into entrepreneurship, you are jumping into – ‘I might fail but- I will do mindset’", said one of the panelists, Bibhsuan Bista (CEO, YoungInnovation Pvt Ltd).
Likewise, Suden Shrestha (Managing Director, Chandika Print Pvt Ltd) encouraged the participation of students in the incubation centre by saying, "The earlier you start, the better."
Overall, it was an impactful event that concluded with a powerful speech by Dr.Kabi Raj Bantawa who spoke on the importance of entrepreneurship and business innovation for building a prosperous Nepal.
