Birat Trade Expo Showcases Innovation from Koshi’s Startup Scene

The Birat Trade Expo 2025, organised by the Morang Chamber of Commerce and Industry from December 24 to January 3, spotlighted the growing startup ecosystem in Koshi Province, with ideas ranging from education technology to sustainable agriculture.

A total of 52 business concepts from 10 districts were presented at the expo. Of these, 14 proposals were shortlisted for recognition under the startup category.

Supporting Children with Dyslexia

Jeevan Kumar Kushwaha from Bara drew inspiration from the Bollywood film Taare Zameen Par, which portrays a child struggling with dyslexia. The film prompted him to question why children with similar learning difficulties often lack proper support.

While studying at Dharan Engineering College, Kushwaha met Kritam Bhattarai, Dipesh Acharya and Kushal Adhikari, who shared a common interest in inclusive education. Together, they developed Mind Bridge, an application designed to help students with dyslexia learn through interactive tools such as games, drawings, songs and practical exercises.

The app enables users to improve reading and writing skills through mobile phones, computers or laptops. Presented at the expo, Mind Bridge was selected among the top four proposals. The team pitched for Rs 3 million in investment for a 10 percent equity stake and has drawn interest from investors and industry professionals.

Azolla-Based Livestock Feed

Vision Pratap Khatri from Biratchowk, Morang, proposed producing livestock feed using Azolla, a fast-growing aquatic fern rich in protein, calcium, iron and vitamins. The feed aims to improve animal health while reducing costs for farmers.

The concept earned Khatri a place among the top four proposals at the Koshi Province level and is now attracting interest for commercial-scale production.

Edible Tea Cups

Ayush Acharya from Sunsari introduced Eco Bite, an edible and biodegradable alternative to plastic cups made from grains such as wheat and millet. Each cup costs about Rs 7 to produce.

Acharya said the plan is to establish a small-scale industry with an investment of Rs 3.5 to 4 million and gradually expand production for domestic and international markets. The proposal has already generated investor interest.

Full Use of Banana Plants

Bishnu Pokharel from Kamal Rural Municipality in Jhapa presented Dibyadrishti, a venture that utilises all parts of the banana plant to produce fibre and related products. The proposal includes installing machinery to process banana stems, leaves and fruit.

Selected among the top four proposals, the project is expected to create seasonal employment for around 65 people and permanent jobs for seven.

Growing Startup Ecosystem

Nepal’s startup ecosystem in Koshi Province is gaining momentum, particularly in agriculture, forest-based industries, tourism and manufacturing, according to a recent Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) study.

The report, based on data from 160 startups that applied for loans through the Industrial Enterprise Development Institute, shows a combined investment of Rs 2.56 billion. Of this, 61.3 percent was funded through equity and 38.7 percent through loans.

Agriculture and forest-based industries account for 41.3 percent of startups, followed by manufacturing (18 percent), services (17.5 percent), tourism (13.8 percent) and information technology (9.4 percent). When asked about growth potential, 43.1 percent identified agriculture and forest-based industries as the most promising sector.

Geographically, 66.9 percent of startups are located in the Tarai, 22.5 percent in the hills and 10.6 percent in the Himalayan region. Entrepreneurs aged 36 to 50 make up the largest group, followed by those aged 21 to 35. Men account for 74.4 percent of founders, while women represent 25.6 percent.

NRB stressed the need for seed capital, co-investment models, venture capital, tax incentives and easier access to credit. It also called for stronger coordination between government and the private sector, including expanded incubation centres, skills training and technical support at all levels of government.

Anupam Rathi, chairman of the Morang Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the chamber would support promising startups by reviewing proposals and helping them move forward.

“Proposals eligible for investment and programmes are selected from the idea pitch, and we are prepared to provide all necessary support,” he said, adding that the initiative aims to generate both investment and employment.