We are excited to share that Mentorlab Education and Blackboard Nepal have secured loan financing under the NIIC 2 Fund through Global IME Bank, to further their missions of transforming education in Nepal. With guidance from OTW, both companies will expand their innovative platforms, enhance accessibility, and strengthen their impact on students, educators, and institutions nationwide.

Mentorlab Education, a Kathmandu-based EdTech leader, partners with global platforms like upGrad and Codingal to offer courses from kindergarten to professional levels. Their programs include career-focused certifications, coding classes for young learners, university admission guidance, and AI-powered mentorship. Through NIIC 2, Mentorlab aims to broaden its tech infrastructure, introduce new learning tools, and make quality education more accessible to both urban and rural communities.

Snighda Baral, Co-Founder of Mentorlab Education, said, “Working with NIIC 2 accelerates our vision of becoming Nepal’s leading education provider. We’re committed to empowering learners with innovative solutions that bridge gaps in access and quality.”

Blackboard Nepal, based in Dhangadhi, Kailali, is known for its Blackboard Learn+ App, a tool designed to simplify school management. The app supports online classes, QR-based attendance tracking, digital fee payments, real-time bus tracking, and performance analytics for teachers and parents. With NIIC 2’s support, Blackboard Nepal plans to refine its app’s features, scale its reach to underserved regions, and improve user engagement through targeted marketing and technical upgrades.

Yogesh Kamti, Senior Developer at Blackboard Nepal, shared, “This collaboration with NIIC 2 allows us to create a more connected educational ecosystem. We’re focused on making learning seamless for students, teachers, and parents, no matter where they are.”

OTW will provide both companies with tailored support beyond funding, including technical assistance for technical development, strategies to scale sales and marketing, and workshops to drive innovation. This holistic approach ensures sustainable growth and long-term adaptability in Nepal’s evolving education sector.

As Nepal continues to embrace digital learning, initiatives like these highlight the importance of collaboration between local innovators and strategic partners. By supporting platforms like Blackboard Learn+ and Mentorlab’s mentorship programs, NIIC 2 is helping build a future where technology empowers every learner, educator, and institution in Nepal.

The NIIC 2 Fund is supported by Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation and implemented by One to Watch.