The Hult Prize 2025/26 at Khwopa College of Engineering (KhCE) successfully held its Orientation Programme on November 23, 2025, in Hall 1, Block A. The event attracted 106 enthusiastic participants, marking a promising start for the college in the world's largest student competition for social entrepreneurship.
Event Overview
The orientation program was designed to introduce students to the global Hult Prize movement, showcase its opportunities, and inspire entrepreneurial problem-solving at an early stage. Led by Campus Director Mr. Rohan Singh, the session included active participation from the organizing committee and featured distinguished speakers from Nepal's innovation and startup ecosystem.
Key Highlights
Opening Remarks
Deputy Campus Director Miss Supriya Poudel opened the program by highlighting the significance of youth engagement in tackling real-world challenges. Drawing from her experience as a former participant, she encouraged students to step outside their comfort zones, build strong teams, and view the Hult Prize process as a valuable learning opportunity.
Guest Speaker Sessions
The event featured three impactful guest sessions:
Ms. Saisha Shrestha, the National Community Coordinator for Hult Prize Nepal, introduced the foundation's mission and its global influence in promoting student-driven social entrepreneurship. She emphasized the importance of understanding entrepreneurship as a mindset focused on problem-solving, resilience, and social responsibility, rather than merely a business venture. Ms. Shrestha stressed that embracing this entrepreneurial spirit before entering competitions allows participants to see challenges as opportunities and to leverage innovation for meaningful social impact.
Mr. Santosh Magar, the Founder and CEO of Wevolve and Online Class Nepal, discussed the roles of storytelling, creativity, and entrepreneurship through his ventures, including Antaryatra and Maasya. He highlighted storytelling as essential for communicating purpose and connecting with audiences. Mr. Magar encouraged students to cultivate curiosity, embrace failure, and view entrepreneurship as a continuous journey of exploration while providing practical frameworks for creative thinking and building impactful enterprises.
Mr. Shakriya Pandey shared his journey from being a Hult Prize National Winner to securing NPR 1 crore on Shark Tank Nepal. He emphasized the importance of identifying genuine problems, balancing profitability with sustainability, and maintaining resilience. Mr. Pandey credited the Hult Prize for providing the mentorship and networks that shaped his entrepreneurial path, demonstrating how student ventures can attract significant investment and create lasting impact through disciplined execution.
Vision for KhCE
After the guest sessions, Campus Director Rohan Singh shared his vision and roadmap for the Hult Prize 2025/26 at KhCE. He detailed the upcoming activities, expectations, and support mechanisms for students interested in participating, encouraging active involvement in the competition's next stages.
Closing Remarks
The event concluded with remarks from Er. Dinesh Gothe, the Head of the Department of Computer and Electronics. He encouraged students to view education as more than just academic study. He emphasized that practical learning, initiative, and hands-on involvement are essential components of educational growth. Tokens of appreciation were presented to all guest speakers and dignitaries, and certificates were distributed to volunteers and team members in recognition of their contributions.
Looking Ahead
A total of 106 participants attended the orientation program, which successfully established a strong foundation for the Hult Prize journey at KhCE. The session helped raise students' awareness, motivation, and clarity, preparing them for the upcoming FAQ session and the subsequent phases of the competition.
This event represents a significant step toward fostering a culture of innovation and social entrepreneurship within the college community. It empowers students to develop solutions for global challenges while also enhancing their entrepreneurial skills.
