Govt builds supportive ecosystem for youth entrepreneurship and innovation: Dr. Timilsina

Kathmandu, Oct 9: Minister for Information and Communication Dr.Bikram Timilsina has highlighted the government’s efforts to foster a supportive environment for youth engagement in entrepreneurship and innovation.

He came with the views while addressing the fifth edition of the ‘Nepal Youth Entrepreneurship Conference 2026 here in the capital today.

He emphasized that the economic prosperity of Nepal can be achieved by leveraging the knowledge, skills, creativity, and technology of the youth. Minister Timilsina called for increased investment in research and innovation, asserting that the government must create conducive conditions while the private sector should actively participate in this initiative.

The Minister noted a global trend of rising youth interest in entrepreneurship, which is also evident in Nepal, where the potential of young individuals is being harnessed in production, services, and technology sectors.

He stressed the importance of collaboration among the government, private sector, educational institutions, and other stakeholders to advance entrepreneurship and innovation.

Furthermore, Timilsina pointed out the development of new talent in information technology, which he views as a critical opportunity for the country’s economic transformation. He advocated for a shift in focus from exporting labour to promoting Nepali services in the global market through technological advancements.

Minister Timilsina highlighted the essential relationship between technology and human creativity, asserting that technology should enhance rather than diminish human roles. He emphasized that while technology can transform work processes, it must be utilized as a tool to maximize human potential rather than replace it.

Timilsina also pointed out that the government’s role extends beyond policy formulation to include effective implementation, which is crucial for benefiting citizens, entrepreneurs, and the economy. In discussing the evolution of education and skill development, he noted a shift from prioritizing formal educational qualifications to focusing on skills and abilities that align with future market demands. He advocated for preparing youth for entrepreneurship by equipping them with relevant skills.

Similarly, Sudan Jha, a member of the National Planning Commission, acknowledged the gradual improvement of Nepal’s position in artificial intelligence (AI), although he recognized it remains relatively weak.

He reported an increase in the participation of Nepali youth in AI and entrepreneurship, alongside growing investments in information technology. Jha stressed the government’s commitment to effectively implementing AI-related policies to enhance service delivery, boost economic contributions, ensure data security, and create diverse employment opportunities.

The event is organized by Nepal Business Institute (NBI) in collaboration with the Confederation of Banks and Financial Institutions Nepal (CBFIN) focusing on the main topics of AI, youth entrepreneurship and employment. #nepal #rss