Kathmandu, 24 April – In a landmark collaboration aimed at fostering entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainable development, The British College (TBC) and Phikkal Rural Municipality, Sindhuli, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to empower local communities through skill development, startup incubation, and digital transformation.

The MoU was signed by Mr. Mahendra Raj Kandel, co-founder and Executive Director of The British College, and Ms. Parbati Sunuwar, President of Phikkal Rural Municipality, in a ceremony witnessed by Mr. Ganesh Paudyal, Head of TBC Incubation Center, and Mr. Raju Baral, Vice-President of Phikkal Rural Municipality.
This collaboration aims to bridge the rural-urban innovation gap through a range of impactful initiatives, including:
- Startup incubation and mentorship for local entrepreneurs
- Skill development workshops in digital literacy, business, and technology
- Support for agri-tech, rural tourism, and handicraft-based startups
- Promotion of smart village and digital governance models
- Support in Policy formulation related to entrepreneurship
- Enhanced market and funding access for rural innovators

Mr. Mahendra Raj Kandel, Founder and Executive Director of The British College, stated: "This partnership reflects TBC’s commitment to grassroots innovation. By leveraging our incubation expertise, we aim to unlock the entrepreneurial potential of Phikkal’s youth and farmers, driving sustainable growth."

Ms. Parbati Sunuwar, President of Phikkal Rural Municipality, remarked: This MoU is a transformative step for our community. Together with TBC, we will create jobs, enhance skills, and build a resilient local economy."

Speaking at the signing, Mr. Ganesh Paudyal, Head of TBC Incubation Center, stated: "This partnership reflects our commitment to decentralizing innovation and creating inclusive economic opportunities. Together, we aim to build a model for community-connected incubation that can be replicated across Nepal."

As part of the agreement, both institutions will jointly form a Steering Committee to oversee the planning, implementation, and evaluation of activities. Initial programs will be launched through shared resources, with scope for external funding and CSR support for larger projects.

This partnership signifies a transformative step towards nurturing local talent, driving innovation from the grassroots, and empowering rural communities through education and entrepreneurship.