Mr. Tushar Shah is a 17 year old young Innovator from Saptari. He is passionate about using economics and technology to drive social impact. His work showcases how dedication and visionary thinking can create a more equitable future. Tushar proves that age is just a number when you have ambition and belief in your vision.

 His Work

Two years ago, he questioned whether the entire local business ecosystem could be brought online and confidently answered “Yes.” This led to the creation of Work Root Venture, a free web-based application designed to connect investors, mentors, and local entrepreneurs, fostering a vibrant business community. The platform aims to help local entrepreneurs thrive and provides them with valuable resources. He has witnessed positive impacts on over 60 local businesses and is expanding the project to remote areas.

His second project, DevTrack, is a web-based application aimed at enhancing transparency in government projects within Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC). It offers comprehensive details on budgets, contractors, and project schedules, addressing critical transparency issues in democracy. He is working with KMC to integrate DevTrack, transforming it from a student initiative into a national tool for monitoring and accountability.

 Impact

Work Root Venture has positively impacted small local businesses across Saptari and Lalitpur municipalities. Participants include owners of stationary shops, grocery stores, poultry farms, and homemade pickle businesses. Many lacked capital and guidance, leading to frequent failures. The initiative provides free mentorship and networking opportunities, significantly improving their business management. For instance, Upakar Bastola, who ran a small stationary shop, saw a 44% increase in monthly profits after joining. By offering training on product placement and customer pitching, “Work Root Venture” has helped local businesses thrive and make a positive societal impact.