Introduction/ Background

Integrated Rural Development Project (IRDP) is a project funded by the government of the Republic of Korea. It is jointly managed by Kathmandu University (KU) Nepal and Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), Korea. Kathmandu University has formally established Nepal Technology Innovation Center (NTIC) as an entity in Nepal as a major milestone of “Integrated Rural Development of Nepal through Strengthening Research and Development capacity of Kathmandu University.”

The main objectives of IRDP/NTIC are:

1. Contribute for integrated rural development of Nepal by strengthening research and development capacity of Kathmandu University.
2. Promote technology innovation for improving quality of life and income status of people in rural communities in Nepal mainly in the fields of Agriculture & Rural Development, Alternative and Renewable Energy and Health related Livelihood.

 

IRDP/NTIC works mainly on three priority area namely, Agriculture and Rural Development, Alternative and Renewable Energy, and Health Related Livelihood. Currently, it has seven different support/ functional programs in the intersection of all those 3 priority areas.

Figure i: Priority and support/ functional programs of IRDP/NTIC

Technology database and networking is one of the seven support programs of Nepal Technology Innovation Center (NTIC). One of the goals of the technology database and networking program is to expand domestic and overseas networks. The expansion of NTIC’s network is achieved through hosting and participation in seminars, symposiums, forums, interaction visits and other networking events to create synergies through collaboration in areas of mutual benefit.

As envisioned in the master and action plan of Nepal Technology Innovation Center (NTIC), a team of two staff led by the Project Coordinator planned and executed a preparatory visit to explore areas of mutual interest with Western Region Campus (WRC), Pokhara, Gandaki and Agriculture & Forestry University. A preparatory visit plan to explore the areas of mutual interest for future collaboration was prepared and approval from PMC was received on xx date. After the approval, an official letter from the Team Leader was sent to the focal person of each institution informing the date and details of visit. On the basis of their response, IRDP/NTIC team prepared the visit plan from 13 January to 16 January 2022. The details of the visit schedule is presented below:

Day	Time	Activity	Person In-Charge	Remarks
Thursday 13 January	6:00 Am	Departure from Kathmandu University	Dipak Timalsina
Thursday 13 January	3:00 Pm	Meeting with representative from DoAME, WRC	Dr. Binaya K.C.	Presentation from both sides and discussion on areas of mutual interest & benefit.
Friday 14 January	10:00 Am	Meeting with representatives from NITEC, Pokhara University	Dr. Binaya K.C.
Friday 14 January	2:00 Pm	Meeting with representative from Research & Innovation Center, Gandaki University	Dr. Binaya K.C.
Saturday 15 January	11:00 Am	Travel to Chitwan	Dipak Timalsina
Sunday 16 January	11:00 Am	Meeting with representative from DoREX, Agriculture & Forestry University	Dr. Binaya K.C.	Presentation from both sides and discussion on areas of mutual interest & benefit.
Sunday 16 January	3:00 Pm	Return to KU	Dipak Timalsina

Table 1 Time plan of the interaction visit

Objective

The major objective of the interaction meeting were as follows:

1. Exchange of information related to technology, innovation and policy.
2. Promote research and grant management learning and experience of IRDP/ NTIC.
3. Identification of mutual working areas and explore collaboration opportunities in techno based community business/ entrepreneurship.
   

4. Develop a detailed plan along with a timeline for communication and follow up.

Interaction Meeting

1. Institute of Engineering (IoE), Pashchimanchal Campus

The team of IoE, Pashchimanchal Campus lead by the campus chief welcomed the IRDP/NTIC. The following personalities were present in the interaction meeting:

S.N.	Name	Organization	Designation
1.	Er. Nirmal Pd. Baral	IoE, Paschimanchal Campus	Campus Chief
2.	Asst. Prof. Hari Saran Adhikari, PhD	Department of Applied Science, IoE, Paschimanchal Campus	Head of the Department
3.	Dr. Hari Pd. Baral	Department of Electronics and Computer Engineering, IoE, Paschimanchal Campus	Head of the Department
4.	Dr. Prabij Joshi	Department of Automobile & Mechanical Engineering IoE, Paschimanchal Campus	Head of the Department
5.	Ms. Menuka Karki	Department of Electronics and Computer Engineering , IoE, Paschimanchal Campus	Faculty Member
6.	Dr. Binaya K.C.	IRDP/NTIC, KU	Project Coordinator
7.	Mr. Dipak Timalsina	IRDP/NTIC, KU	Research Assistant

Table 2 Participants in the interaction meeting with IoE, WRC

Discussion and Outcomes

The campus chief, Mr. Niraml pd. Baral formally welcomed all the participants and briefly explained the status of bachelor and master’s program along with research and development culture of IoE, Pashchimanchal Campus. Furthermore, he emphasized on the importance of such kind of interaction visit for future collaboration under common theme of IRDP/NTIC and IoE, Pashchimanchal Campus.

The Project coordinator, Dr. Binaya K.C. thanked the campus chief and presented an overview of history, ongoing activates and common areas for potential collaboration, especially in Startup Incubation and Research and Business Development Activities.

With formal introduction from all the participants, the meeting moved towards brainstorming and joint discussion session based on the points listed on the objective of the visit.

The interaction meeting resulted in following major points:

• IoE, Pashchimanchal Campus has basic research and development resources such as physical infrastructure and equipment along with human resources and it has been working on the pressing issues of the local communities in agriculture and livestock.
• Research and Development activities on agriculture and livestock and can be converted into business ideas by sharing the available resources, such as physical infrastructure and equipment, funding opportunities and expertise of IRDP/NTIC.
• A method can be set to convert ideas into business opportunities by either setting up a startup and incubation lab at IoE, Pashchimanchal Campus or by creating a pool of ideas and sending them to IRDP/NTIC, KU for incubation through open call or on invitation basis.
• Training program on startup and incubation related activities can be provided to faculties who are involved in research and development activities at IoE, Pashchimanchal Campus.

Figure ii Group photo between IoE, WRC and IRDP/NTIC team

2. Pokhara University

The team of Pokhara University lead by the Vice Chancellor welcomed the IRDP/NTIC team. The following personalities were present in the interaction meeting:

S.N.	Name	Organization	Designation
1.	Prof. Prem Narayan Aryal, PhD	Pokhara University, PU	Vice Chancellor
2.	Prof. Dipak Bahadur Bhandari, PhD	Pokhara University, PU	Registrar
3.	Asso. Prof. Dr. Namraj Dhami, PhD	Pokhara University Research Center	Executive Director
4.	Dr. Binaya K.C.	IRDP/NTIC, KU	Project Coordinator
5.	Mr. Dipak Timalsina	IRDP/NTIC, KU	Research Assistant

Table 3 Participants in the interaction meeting with PU

Discussion and Outcomes

The registrar of the Pokhara University, Prof. Dipak Bahadur Bhandari, PhD formally started the interaction meeting.

The Project coordinator, Dr. Binaya K.C. thanked the delegates presented in the meeting and presented the brief history, activities of IRDP/NTIC and the purpose of the visit.

The vice chancellor of the Pokhara University, Prof. Prem Narayan Aryal, PhD expressed that such kind of dialogue for collaborative activities are important and should be held on a periodic basis. Moreover, he requested the Executive Director, Research Center at Pokhara University to lead and prepare a working level group to initiate the collaborative actives with IRDP/NTIC, KU.

Executive Director, Dr. Namaraj Dhaami, Research Center of Pokhara University shared his experience of working with international funding agencies along with multiple stakeholders and expressed that the team is willing to put an extra effort to collaborate with IRDP/NTIC, KU.

The interaction meeting resulted in following major points:

• A common priority area can be identified as Research Center at Pokhara University has been working with multiple donor agencies on Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and the IRDP/NTIC has its own 3 thematic areas.
• A cross cutting area can be identified
• request to add

Figure iii Group photo of PU team and IRDP/NTIC team

 

 

3. Gandaki University

The team of Gandaki University lead by Chancellor Prof. Ganesh Man Gurung, PhD, Vice Chancellor Prof. Naba Raj Devkota, PhD and the Registrar Dr. Kailash Timalsina welcomed the IRDP/NTIC team. The following personalities were present in the meeting:

S.N.	Name	Organization	Designation
1.	Prof. Ganesh Man Gurung, PhD	Gandaki University	Chancellor
2.	Prof. Naba Raj Devkota, PhD	Gandaki University	Vice Chancellor
3.	Dr. Kailash Timalsina	Gandaki University	Registrar
3.	Dr. Dev Pd. Pandey	Reseacrh Center, Gandaki University	Director
4.	Dr. Kapil Adhikari	Gandaki University	Dean
5.	Prof. Dr. Medani Pd. Bhandari	Gandaki University	Professor
6.	Dr. Binaya K.C.	IRDP/NTIC, KU	Project Coordinator
7.	Mr. Dipak Timalsina	IRDP/NTIC, KU	Research Assistant

Table 3 Participants in the interaction meeting GU

 

Discussion and Outcome

After the formal introduction, Vice chancellor of the Gandaki University formally opened the discussion session with general background and progress of the university. The chancellor added that the Gandaki University is evolving and such type of collaboration in research and development, and engagement with research, innovation centers and industries is crucial.

The project coordinator of IRDP/NTIC shared brief background and functional programs of IRDP/NTIC. Extra emphasis was given to the Testing and Accreditation, Research and Business Development and Startup Incubation.

Vice Chancellor recommended to form a working level taskforce for identification of working areas and plan development. In addition, he further recommended to visit the Gandaki University research center.

Based on the recommendation, a tentative workforce from Gandaki University and IRDP/NTIC visited the research center with special interest in available equipment and machinery.

The interaction meeting resulted in following major points:

• The collaboration can be initiated with the major objective of working in community based issues through research and business development.
• Resources available at Research and Innovation center of Gandaki University can be utilized for product development whereas equipment available at NTIC is more suitable for product testing and verification.
• Strengthening the human resource required for research and innovation center at Gandaki University by providing training service through Testing & Accreditation and Education & Training program.
• Supporting student’s scalable business ideas in thematic areas of IRDP/NTIC through Startup Incubation program.

 

Figure iv Group photo with Gandaki University and IRDP/NTIC team after interaction meeting

Figure v Group photo with associates of research center at Gandaki University

 

4. Agriculture and Forestry University

The team of Agriculture and Forestry University lead by the Vice Chancellor welcomed the IRDP/NTIC team and started the meeting. The following participants were present in the meeting:

S.N.	Name	Organization	Designation
1.	Prof. Punya Prasad Regmi, PhD	Agriculture & Forestry University	Vice Chancellor
2.	Prof. Sharada Thapaliya, PhD	Agriculture & Forestry University	Registrar
3.	Assoc. Prof. Shiva Chandra Dhakal, PhD	Directorate of Planning, AFU	Director
4.	Prof. Arjun Kumar Shrestha, PhD	Directorate of Research & Extension, AFU	Director
5.	Dr. Nirajan Bhattarai	Agriculture & Forestry University	Associate Professor
6.	Dr. Binaya K.C.	IRDP/NTIC, KU	Project Coordinator
7.	Mr. Dipak Timalsina	IRDP/NTIC, KU	Research Assistant

Table 4 Participants in the interaction meeting with AFU

 

Discussion and outcomes

The meeting was facilitated by the Director of DoREX with formal introduction from all the participants. After the end of introduction session, IRDP/NTIC project coordinator presented the past activities, current functional programs and their objectives. An added emphasis was given to the Startup Incubation, Testing and Accreditation and Management of Technology (MoT) program running at IRDP/NTIC.

On startup incubation, the Registrar and the director of DoREX, AFU, jointly shared that AFU is a home of promising ideas with solid data in many segment of agriculture and forestry, plant based cosmetic being one of them.  They added that despite having numerous solution to the burning issues, AFU is still in growing phase to facilitate incubation for such ideas.

Outreach and research centers at AFU, human competencies required to sustainably run those centers, research activities in kitchen gardening, cold water fishery, food preservation and supply chain and logistics of agricultural commodities were discussed in the meeting. Strengthening the human competencies to run the lab equipment through Testing and Accreditation program were also discussed.

Similarly, the possibility to jointly launching short term certified course on “Mountain Agriculture” in collaboration with ICIMOD for domestic as well as international individuals was discussed. Details of the course such as objective, syllabus, potential stakeholders and promotion planning to attract international students were also discussed.

Lastly, the Vice Chancellor thanked IRDP/NTIC team along with the team leader for initiating such kind of approach for collaboration. He further recommended to form a joint working level group to prepare a solid action plan and explore ideas to submit proposal for different grants.

The interaction meeting resulted in following major points:

• Identification of priority area and screening student’s promising idea with entrepreneurial mindset and recommending those ideas to Startup and Incubation program of IRDP/NTIC.
• Developing and implementation a joint startup and incubation training package to the final year students having business outlook.
• Strengthening human competencies at different labs of AFU through training programs under Testing and Accreditation program at IRDP/NTIC.
• Jointly planning, developing and implementation short term certified course in “Mountain Agriculture” targeting both domestic and international individual.

 

 

Figure vii Group photo with AFU after interaction meeting

Conclusion

Integrated Rural Development Project/ Nepal Technology Innovation Center (IRDP/NTIC) being  the government to government project and targeted audience being all Nepalese citizen, it is essential to promote our existence and activities to institution working in similar context. This preparatory visit to explore areas of mutual collaboration for future has proven eye-opening for IRDP/NTIC team and we believe that such kind of visit will assist in lateral growth of Nepal Technology Innovation Center (NTIC) while serving as ice breaker to initiate complementing collaboration among research and innovation centers.

Through this visit, research and development activities going on the above mentioned universities has been acknowledged. Furthermore, intersecting and win-win situation creating ideas has been recognized to initiate collaboration with research and innovation centers under above mentioned universities. Some of the intersecting and convenient points are listed below:

1. Involvement of students and researchers from above mentioned universities in startup and incubation program of IRDP/NTIC either through open competition or on invitation basis.
2. Resources such as machinery and equipment sharing between research centers of above mentioned universities and IRDP/NTIC, and human competency development through training programs under Testing and Accreditation program of IRDP/NTIC.
3. Plan, develop and implement short term certified training course in “Mountain Agriculture” in collaboration with Agriculture and forestry and ICIMOD.

Lastly, IRDP/NTIC believes that collaboration among research institutes working in similar domain is essential for growth and sustainability of those institutes. Also, we believe that such kind of visit to explore areas for collaboration should be conducted jointly by Nepal Technology Innovation Center and Project Management Consulting (PMC).