Celebrating Innovation at the Future Roots Awards 2025
- MIT Group Foundation
- Apr 1
- 2 min read
The Sustainable Startup & Entrepreneurship Conference 2025, hosted by the MIT Group Foundation, took place on March 29 at Hotel Himalaya, Lalitpur. Centred on the theme "From Roots to Growth: Mobilising Diaspora Investments and Innovation to Power Nepal’s Sustainable Economy", the event brought together a vibrant network of entrepreneurs, investors, and change agents to explore how innovation and collaboration can drive long-term, sustainable development in Nepal.
A major highlight of the day was the Future Roots Awards 2025, an initiative by the MIT Group Foundation to recognise high-impact, youth-led startups that demonstrate bold, scalable, and sustainable solutions.
About the Future Roots AwardThis award honours the startup with the most innovative and impactful concept that advances sustainability—be it environmental, social, or economic. Judged by an esteemed panel of experts, the award seeks to spotlight the future leaders of Nepal’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Judging Panel:
Andrew Poudel – Co-founder & Director, Grace International Group
Juna Mathema – Executive Committee Member, FNCCI & Chairperson, Startup and Innovation Forum, FNCCI
Gaurav Agarwal – Founder & President, NYEF; Managing Director, Marriott Hotel Nepal; Chairman, Shikhar Insurance
Anu Joshi Shrestha – Rural Enterprise and Value Chain Development Specialist, ICIMOD
🏆 Grand Prize Winner – Khona Farm (NPR 1.5 Lakh)Khona Farm is transforming organic waste management in Nepal through Black Soldier Fly (BSF) technology. Their innovative solution produces affordable, high-protein animal feed and organic fertiliser—cutting feed costs by 33% and empowering smallholder farmers. A scalable and climate-resilient model that’s setting new standards in sustainable agriculture.
🥈 Second Prize Winner – Bhoomithan (NPR 1 Lakh) Bhoomithan’s Phoolbatti, a rope incense made from recycled flowers and natural ingredients, is more than just eco-friendly—it’s a social enterprise. The product is handcrafted by women who receive free training, creating opportunities while reducing floral waste. A shining example of circular economy and community upliftment.
🥉 Third Prize Winner – VayuDrishti (NPR 50,000)VayuDrishti’s affordable air quality monitoring device is an essential step toward cleaner, healthier communities. Their solution is accessible, impactful, and data-driven—putting environmental health into the hands of citizens and decision-makers alike.
The MIT Group Foundation, founded by Dr. Shesh Ghale and Jamuna Gurung Ghale, remains committed to fostering sustainable innovation and youth entrepreneurship in Nepal. Through initiatives like the Future Roots Awards, we aim to champion ideas that create lasting value for communities and the environment.
