Assistant Professor Dr. Pratisthit Lal Shrestha, Principal Investigator of Design Lab, Kathmandu University School of Engineering, delivered a keynote address at the Summer STEAM Camp and Expo 2083 organized by Astronova Foundation Nepal and Hetauda Research and Innovation Center (HRIC) in Hetauda.
The expo brought together school and college students from across the region to showcase innovative projects in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM). The event served as a platform for young innovators to present solutions addressing real-world challenges through engineering, robotics, artificial intelligence, agriculture, environmental sustainability, and smart technologies. Dr.Shrestha’s keynote, titled “Inspiring Innovation, Building Nation,” encouraged students to view engineering beyond coding and technology, emphasizing problem-solving as the core of engineering practice. Drawing examples from the diverse projects exhibited at the expo, he highlighted how students were already engaging with multiple engineering disciplines, including mechanical, electrical, biomedical, agricultural, environmental, robotics, and software engineering.
Sharing experiences from his work in assistive technology and prosthetic design, Dr. Shrestha encouraged participants to identify challenges within their own communities and develop practical solutions that can improve people’s lives. He stressed that innovation begins not with technology itself, but with a genuine desire to solve meaningful problems.
The Summer STEAM Camp and Expo 2083 aligns with Astronova Foundation Nepal’s mission of fostering creativity, innovation, entrepreneurship, and research among young students by providing platforms for hands-on learning and project-based innovation.
Design Lab appreciates the efforts of Astronova Foundation Nepal, HRIC, participating schools, mentors, and students for creating an inspiring environment that nurtures the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers in Nepal.