The Nepal-India Chamber of Commerce & Industry (NICCI) and Kathmandu University School of Management (KUSOM) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to foster strategic collaboration aimed at bridging the gap between academia and industry.

The MoU was signed on Monday by NICCI Director General Keshab Man Singh and KUSOM Dean Prof. Dr. Bijay KC, representing their respective institutions. The agreement outlines joint efforts in areas including internship and job placements, research initiatives, academic-industry exchanges, capacity-building programs, and co-hosting of workshops, conferences, and summits.

The partnership seeks to create a dynamic interface between academic knowledge and industry practices, equipping students with practical skills while promoting innovation and entrepreneurship. Under the MoU, NICCI member companies will provide structured internship opportunities, explore employment pathways for students, and collaborate on research projects covering business, policy, technology, sustainability, tourism, energy, and regional economic cooperation, according a press statement issued by the NICCI.

The agreement also envisages the design and delivery of training sessions, certification programs, and capacity-building workshops for students, faculty, and industry professionals. Additionally, both institutions will organize summits, symposiums, conferences, and guest lectures to facilitate knowledge sharing between academia and industry leaders.

“The partnership will enable the exchange of research papers, policy briefs, newsletters, and other publications, providing industry insights to align academic programs with emerging market trends and enhance student employability,” the MoU states. It also outlines plans to support entrepreneurship through mentorship, incubation programs, pitch events, and exposure visits.

Founded in 1993 by visionary entrepreneurs including Prabhakar SJB Rana, NICCI is a bi-national, non-governmental, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting economic relations between Nepal and India. It serves as a platform for cross-border cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, logistics, energy, infrastructure, and industrial collaboration.

Kathmandu University, also established in 1993, introduced Nepal’s first Master of Business Administration (MBA) program based on internationally recognized standards. KUSOM is recognized for excellence in teaching, research, and innovation, contributing significantly to higher education in the country.