Impact Hub Kathmandu has opened applications for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and startups based in Bagmati Province, with operations across the country for its Root of Circularity (ROC) incubator program 2025.
This is the second cohort under Bagmati Province while it announced its first cohort for Lumbini Province in August last year.
What is a circular economy?
A circular economy is an economic model aimed at minimising waste and maximising the use of resources by keeping products, materials, and resources in use for as long as possible.
The incubator program spans 11 months and divided into two phases:
Phase I — Eight months of ideation and incubation stage, comprising 11 masterclasses and personal coaching sessions every month.
Phase II — Three months of pre acceleration, focusing on scaling and accessing additional funding
It has laid out the following criterias for eligibility:
- Startup enterprise from all sector are eligible (except trading business)
- Official registration must be done
- Active for 6-12 months in Bagmati province
- Past participants (in last 2 years) are not eligible
- Applicants with quality tested product that is already launched in market are encourage to apply
- Essentially, compliance with application procedure is required.
MSMEs and startups in Bagmati Province that meet the criteria should submit the application by 13th March 2025.
The program — funded by the European Union and implemented by Impact Hub aims to equip at least 10 businesses with capacity in circular business and prioritizes businesses led by women, youth and marginalized groups (such as Dalit, LGBTQIA+ amongst others).
Out of the 10 available participant slots, at least 5 will be allocated to women-owned enterprises and at least two to enterprises owned by individuals from the marginalized groups.
Impact Hub is a global network of locally-run spaces that function as incubators, accelerators, and coworking spaces, primarily focused on supporting social entrepreneurs and innovators.
