Kathmandu: When a panel of seasoned industry leaders offered to invest in student-built businesses and expressed interest in hiring the young founders behind them, it marked a significant moment at Premier International IB Continuum School.

“Futurepreneurs: Putting Nepal on the Global Map,” the school’s annual entrepreneurial showcase, brought together IBDP Year 1 and NEB Grade 11 students, industry leaders, and families for a dynamic display of student-led enterprise. The program challenged students to conceptualize and pitch full-fledged business ventures rooted in locally sourced Nepali products, mirroring real-world startup ecosystems and providing hands-on learning beyond the classroom.

Six innovative businesses were presented to a distinguished judging panel comprising Birgit Lienhart, founder of KAR-MA Coffee; Bini Bajracharya, founder of Abir and a Shark Tank Nepal participant; and Jitendra Ranjit, founder of Avani Advertising.

The student teams presented a diverse range of concepts, including a natural mosquito repellent mist, a healthy furandana-based snack, a vegan dairy alternative product line, a dhaka fabric fashion venture, a pickle business representing all seven provinces of Nepal, and a sustainable wooden products line.

Among the entries, the dhaka-based fashion venture “Dhakacouture” was awarded Best Pitch Overall, recognizing its strong concept and execution. Both Dhakacouture and the mosquito repellent mist attracted genuine investment interest from the panel, while the vegan dairy alternative caught the attention of KAR-MA Coffee as a potential procurement product highlighting real-world market validation for a student-led idea.

Reflecting on the quality of ideas, Jitendra Ranjit remarked, “In Grade 11, you are already thinking like MBA graduates. I would love to hire you as soon as you’re done with high school.”

The initiative underscores the effectiveness of the school’s IB Continuum framework in fostering practical skills. By engaging students in real-world business challenges; from market research and product development to investor pitching, Premier International IB Continuum School equips learners with critical thinking, creativity, and entrepreneurial confidence.

Parents and attendees witnessed the professionalism and passion with which students presented their ideas, demonstrating the impact of experiential learning. The event also highlighted how local resources can be transformed into globally relevant solutions.

“Futurepreneurs: Putting Nepal on the Global Map” reaffirms the school’s commitment to innovative education—encouraging students to think boldly, act locally, and envision their place on the global stage.

प्रतिक्रिया दिनुहोस्