Student-Led Startups Taking Shape through Prime

Student-Led Startups Taking Shape through Prime

Entrepreneurship Bootcamp

At Prime College, we believe that entrepreneurship is more than just starting a business, it is about identifying real-world problems and creating sustainable solutions. After an intensive bootcamp focused on problem identification, market validation, and business planning, we are thrilled to showcase the top five student-led ventures recently selected from the Prime Entrepreneurship Bootcamp. These ideas reflect a strong blend of innovation, social responsibility, and market relevance, aligned with Nepal’s evolving economic and environmental needs.

1. Yak-Na: Gamifying Language Preservation
Founder: Samikshya Giri, Pranish Maharjan and the team

As languages like Nepali and various ethnic mother tongues see a decline in fluency among younger generations and diaspora communities, Yak-Na steps in with a digital solution. This gamified language-learning platform transforms education into an engaging experience, featuring interactive lessons, quizzes, and cultural stories.

• The Problem: Traditional methods fail to capture the attention of a digital-first generation, leading to a loss of cultural identity.

• The Solution: A platform that is 70% gamified to make learning as addictive as a mobile game, supported by an AI-powered conversation layer and a token-based E-Library for local creators.

2. Oleo Candle Nepal: Revolutionizing the Wellness Industry
Founder: Diwanshu Dangol, Hasilla Lama, and Subha Thapa

• The Problem: Spa owners often deal with unhygienic and costly workflows involving separate oils, heating pots, and candles.

• The Solution: A single, cost-effective candle (NPR 150 vs. the usual NPR 250) that ensures individual hygiene for every guest and reduces preparation time for therapists.

3. Elite Pawns Chess Academy: Shaping Young Minds
Founder: Bijendra Prasad Shrestha

Elite Pawns Chess Academy uses chess as a powerful medium to develop critical thinking, concentration, and decision-making in students from Grade 4 and above.

• The Problem: A lack of structured, affordable chess education in Nepal, with many schools lacking trained instructors or a standardized curriculum.

• The Solution: A hybrid model offering both online and in-person training with a specialized curriculum focused on both competitive play and cognitive development.

4. Nepal Eco Creation Pvt. Ltd (NEECO): Redefining Sustainability
Founder: Mandip Khatri and Sirisha Kunwar

Focused on reducing plastic waste in the food and beverage industry, NEECO is pioneering the production of edible cups in Nepal.

• The Problem: The rising environmental threat from single-use plastics in cafes and restaurants.

• The Solution: Innovative, biodegradable cups that can either be consumed after use or naturally decompose without harming the environment. Currently, the team produces 15,000 cups per month for local cafes.

5. Quillique: Elevating Nepali Craftsmanship
Founder: Aayushree Pradhan and Jenny Adhikari

Quillique is a “Made in Nepal” startup that specializes in handcrafted paper quilling art, including customized greeting cards, earrings, and wall decor.

• The Problem: The market for handcrafted gifts in Nepal is often fragmented, with consumers facing inconsistent quality and limited variety.

• The Solution: A digital-first platform that blends traditional artistry with modern design. By using eco-friendly materials and managing production in-house, Quillique ensures every piece is unique and high-quality. The Prime Entrepreneurship Bootcamp is a months-long intensive incubation program supported by the University Grants Commission (UGC) Nepal under its Entrepreneurship Support Program (ESP). The initiative is designed to empower undergraduate students from IT and Management backgrounds to turn their innovative ideas into viable startup models through structured workshops, mentorship, and hands-on learning.

Key Workshops Conducted:

• Building an entrepreneurial mindset
• Market Research & Customer Discovery – understanding customer pain & gain points
• Business Legalities – learning the laws behind every startup
• Business Model Development – structuring ideas through Lean Canvas
• Branding & Marketing – building brands that connect
• Operations & Growth Strategy – learning how to sustain and scale
• Product Development & Prototyping – designing for others, not just ourselves
• Fundraising & Pitching – executing ideas that earn investor trust