Nepali Drone Startup GarudX Tops US–Nepal Startup Weekend Challenge

Nepal’s growing startup ecosystem gained fresh momentum after GarudX, a homegrown professional drone company, was announced as the winner of the US–Nepal Startup Weekend Challenge, earning Rs 350,000 in seed capital. The programme was designed to encourage innovation by exposing Nepali entrepreneurs to globally proven startup practices.

The first runner-up position was secured by Fully Charged Nepal Enterprise, which received Rs 200,000, while Kanoon Portal finished as second runner-up with Rs 100,000 in funding support. The challenge saw strong participation nationwide, with 283 applications submitted. Following a screening process, 25 teams were selected for the final three-day accelerator programme.

Over the course of the event, participants worked intensively on refining their business ideas through structured workshops, practical sessions, and personalised mentoring. Founders benefited from guidance provided by experts from Nepal and the United States, helping them strengthen their business models and pitching skills.

Nine teams advanced to the final pitching round — Ameca Academy of Innovation, Lucy AI, Fully Charged Nepal, Samparka Digital Loyalty, ATS Nepal, Sakal BioEnzyme, Business Online Services (Aina – One Stop Delivery Solutions), GarudX, and Kanoon Portal. Their presentations were evaluated by a jury panel that included Mike Harker, Juna Mathema, Sachin Karanjit, and Suman Joshi.

At the opening ceremony, Scott Urbom highlighted the importance of the initiative in deepening cooperation between Nepal and the United States. He noted that programmes like this help bridge local talent with international expertise and reaffirmed continued support for startup development and innovation-led growth.

The challenge was supported by the U.S. Embassy Nepal and implemented by One to Watch, in collaboration with the American Chamber of Commerce in Nepal, Confederation of Nepalese Industries Young Entrepreneurs Forum, Federation of Women Entrepreneurs Association of Nepal, Market Edge, Nepal Association of Software and IT Services Companies, and the Nepalese Young Entrepreneurs Forum.

Organisers believe the programme will play a key role in nurturing early-stage startups and accelerating Nepal’s journey toward a more innovation-driven economy.