Energy, innovation, and purpose filled the room as aspiring entrepreneurs, partners, and stakeholders gathered for the Demo Day, on May 27th 2026, of the Climate Smart Livelihood Solutions Incubation Program, a celebration of ideas that are not only building businesses, but also shaping a more climate resilient future for communities of Nepal.
Organized by Impact Hub Kathmandu in support of Plan of International Nepal, this day marked as an epitome of growing climate resilience innovations which was a culmination of 6 months long incubation program of learning, coaching and growth of our 6 enthusiastic and dedicated incubatees. Demo day provided a platform for our 6 incubatees to present their business ideas and showcase how local innovation can create meaningful environmental and social impact.
The event featured a comprehensive overview of the six month incubation program, highlighting the progress, key outcomes, and learnings of the incubatees’ journey. Based on baseline and endline surveys conducted on a scale of 1-5 (with 1 being low and 5 being high), the program showed clear improvements in several areas, including confidence in entrepreneurship (rising from 3.83 to 4.17 and 3.4 to 4.17), knowledge on where to seek support (2.17 to 3.67), ability to ask for help (2.17 to 3.17), and sense of community and belonging (2.5 to 3.67).
From sustainable organic farming to eco-friendly livelihood solutions, our incubatees proudly presented their businesses, mission and vision and the problem that their business aims to solve with climate smart technologies and techniques. Being their first time ever presenting in a formal setting as this, their dedication, perseverance and hard work really pulled off their performance and further enhanced their skill and ability in pitching their business mission.
Lets meet our Incubatees:
Usman is a 27 year old entrepreneur from Bansgadhi who aims to run a sustainable venture producing bamboo based everyday essentials such as toothbrushes and hairbrushes as ecofriendly alternatives to plastic, with options for customization to promote reuse and meaningful branding.
Sushma is a 24 year old entrepreneur from Badaiyatal who runs a registered dairy business focused on improved cattle farming, high quality milk production, and organic fertilizer production from cow dung, with plans to scale her farm into a more commercial and sustainable enterprise.
Bina is a 30 year old farmer and homemaker from Madhuban with training in agricultural technology and Ayurveda, who plans to establish a vermicompost business in collaboration with her family, peers, and farmer groups to promote ecofriendly alternatives to chemical fertilizers.
Binita is a 24 year old dairy entrepreneur from Badaiyatal, Bardia who runs a registered dairy business producing high quality probiotic yogurt and other dairy products using local milk sources, including dahi, paneer, ghee, and more.
Swostika is a 21 year old management student from Badaiyatal who plans to establish a compost fertilizer business using cow dung, food waste, and forest materials through heap and pit methods to improve soil fertility and reduce waste.
Gita is a 27 year old farmer entrepreneur from Rajapur focused on organic, chemical free vegetable production by integrating modern agricultural techniques to promote soil health and sustainable farming practices.
Adding a powerful visual dimension to the program, a compelling video screening brought the incubatees’ journeys to life through stories from their own communities and working environments. The videos highlighted the real-life climate challenges these entrepreneurs face and showcased their innovative approaches toward building more climate resilient businesses. The screening also increased the visibility and reach of the incubatees and their ideas, while strengthening their confidence and communication skills in presenting their businesses to a wider audience. You can access the video through this link.
The event was also graced by relevant stakeholders, and representatives from various organizations and government institutions. We were honored by the presence of our special guest, respected Chandra Budha, Agriculture Officer at the National Agriculture Modernization Program; our chief guest, respected Binoy Dil Lama, Technical Advisor at Banke UNESCO Club; Ravi Kumar Tuladhar, Executive Director of Banke UNESCO Club; Raj Kumar Khadka, Project Coordinator; and Ramesh Ghimire, Project Specialist from the supporting organization, Plan International Nepal. We extend our sincere gratitude to all of them for joining the event and sharing their valuable insights, encouragement, and inspiring words with our incubatees as they continue their entrepreneurial journeys.
Bringing the day to a meaningful close, Padmakshi Rana, PhD, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Impact Hub Kathmandu, shared a heartfelt and motivating ending remark summarizing the 6 month incubation journey and words of encouragement to the incubatees to continue driving innovative and climate resilient solutions with confidence and determination. The session concluded with an engaging networking opportunity, where participants, and stakeholders connected with the incubatees to exchange ideas, discuss the next steps in their business journeys, and explore possibilities for future collaboration and growth.
The demo day was marked not only as a showcase of ideas, but also as a reminder that bold thinking, local action, and shared commitment can drive meaningful change in the face of climate challenges. With strengthened networks, renewed confidence, and clearer visions for the future, the incubatees leave not at the end of a program, but at the beginning of their next chapter, one filled with opportunity, resilience, and impact. We would also like to extend our sincere gratitude to Plan International Nepal for their invaluable support throughout the incubation program, which made this journey possible. The journey ahead is theirs to shape, and the possibilities are as wide as their ambition.
