Author: Kriti

Nexus welcomes Molly Stephenson, Director of the Press and Public Diplomacy Office!

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Molly Stephenson visited the Nexus Startup Hub at the American Center on the 10th of February. Director Stephenson is a member of the Senior Foreign Service, serving as Director of the Press and Public Diplomacy Office in the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs (SCA) since October 2021. She also serves as SCA’s lead champion of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) issues. The event was attended by eleven startups from Cohort 17.

Molly was welcomed by Erik Azulay, Executive Director, who briefed her about the program. She then addressed the startups while mentioning that she had been reading about Nexus for quite some time and was excited to be here. She was keen on meeting the founders in person and having a conversation about their startups and the work they do. The founders got a chance to discuss their ideas and talk about the opportunities for the future with her.

The small meet and greet was rounded off with high tea and a group picture.

Nexus Kicks Off 20th Cohort with Record-Breaking Applications

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Nexus proudly announces the launch of its 20th Cohort, following an overwhelming response of 300+ applications. After a highly competitive selection process, 18 startups from 9 states were chosen to join the program.

The Opening Day, attended by State Department Officers, Adelle Gillen, Public Diplomacy Officer and David Moyer, Education and Cultural Affairs Counselor, began with a welcome note, to set the stage for an exciting adventure ahead

In the first week, startups will focus on refining their Value Propositions and mastering the Art of Pitching, followed by mentoring sessions. In the coming weeks, masterclasses and workshops led by industry experts will cover key topics like finance, funding, marketing, and intellectual property.

We’re thrilled to support these innovators on their transformative journey!

Nexus Graduates its 19th Cohort!

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Nexus is delighted to announce the graduation of its 19th Cohort, with 15 startups hailing from 8 states across India. Remarkably, nearly 47% of these graduating startups are led by women founders.

The graduation ceremony was chaired by Carly Van Orman, Foreign Service Officer at the U.S. State Department. At the ceremony, Carly highlighted the impact of the Nexus program and emphasized the importance of continued collaboration even after the program’s conclusion.

The announcement of the winner of the prestigious Nexus Startup Development Grant was also revealed at the ceremony. The $10,000 grant was given to Thales Cleantech. Thales Cleantech’s patented technology produces clear, drinkable water from air at cheaper rates than conventional alternatives, with zero carbon emission.

Nexus takes immense pride in witnessing the remarkable growth of the startups throughout the intensive nine-week training period. As they embark on the next chapter of their entrepreneurship journey, we wish them all the success!

Deputy Secretary of State, Richard R. Verma, Engages with Nexus Startups

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Deputy Secretary of State for Management & Resources, Richard R. Verma, the second-highest-ranking official in the U.S. Department of State, visited the Nexus Incubator. Excitement filled the air as Deputy Secretary Verma interacted with the innovative startups of Cohort 19.

With keen interest in innovation and entrepreneurship, Deputy Secretary Verma immersed himself in the vibrant ecosystem of ideas. He was genuinely intrigued by the diverse range of startups and the passion with which each entrepreneur pursued their goals. Every startup had the opportunity to introduce themselves. Eager to delve deeper into their endeavors, Deputy Secretary Verma posed some questions, sparking engaging discussions in the room. He was curious to understand their business models, the challenges they encountered, and their strategies for scaling their ventures globally. His presence served as a source of inspiration for the budding entrepreneurs, reaffirming their belief in the transformative power of their ideas.

As he departed, he left behind a message of encouragement and support, highlighting the impact of each startup on the lives of many at the very ground level, motivating the startups to continue striving for success and positive change.

Nexus Launches Cohort 19: Igniting Innovation and Collaboration!

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In a record-breaking surge of enthusiasm, Nexus proudly announces the commencement of its 19th Cohort. The response surpassed all expectations, with an overwhelming 300+ applications for the program. Amongst the intense competition, Nexus meticulously selected 17 startups, spread across 8 states of the country, for the program.

The startups were welcomed by David Moyer, the Education and Cultural Affairs Counselor at the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi, who shared valuable insights and set the tone for an exciting journey ahead.

The inaugural week is dedicated to laying the groundwork. Startups will delve into crucial topics such as defining their Value Proposition and crafting a Technology Description. Additionally, there will be two masterclasses, facilitated by Startup India and Starters’ CFO, that will provide valuable perspectives on navigating the startup landscape.

The upcoming weeks will feature one on one mentoring sessions as well as workshops by American and Indian industry experts. These workshops will cover a spectrum of topics, including finances, funding strategies, marketing essentials, intellectual property, and more. The startups can look forward to a holistic learning experience.

We extend a warm welcome to the innovative minds embarking on this transformative journey.

Nexus is proud to announce its partnership with ALEAP!

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Women entrepreneurs significantly contribute to economic growth and poverty reduction worldwide. While the number of women operating their businesses is increasing globally, they continue to face huge obstacles, such as a lack of capital, strict social constraints, and limited skill training that stunt the growth of their businesses. To bridge this gap, a group of women bonded together and formed the “Association of Lady Entrepreneurs” (ALEAP).

ALEAP acts as a facilitator and helps women acquire entrepreneurial skills and become economically independent. ALEAP assists these women entrepreneurs across their enterprising endeavours.

Our partnership with ALEAP reflects our commitment to creating a diverse entrepreneurial ecosystem. We aim to empower women entrepreneurs, foster their growth, and create a more inclusive startup community ecosystem. By empowering women, we are actively working towards breaking down barriers and fostering gender equality in entrepreneurship.

We believe that by joining forces, we can build a future where women-led startups thrive and contribute to innovation, economic growth, and social progress.