Heading to Kathmandu! Exploring Ancient Heritage and Social Innovation, Witnessing the Sustainable Transformation of the City of Gods

The NTU Office of International Affairs (OIA), in collaboration with Impact Hub Taipei and Impact Hub Kathmandu, leveraged local resources to host the "#2026 NTU Nepal – Ancient Heritage and Social Innovation." This initiative led 14 cross-disciplinary students from the NTU System deep into Nepal's innovation hubs for an in-depth exploration combining profound cultural roots with sustainable, inclusive entrepreneurship.

Under the professional guidance of Impact Hub Kathmandu Co-founders Dr. Padmakshi Rana and Aarati Shrestha, along with their team, students learned basic Spoken Nepali and witnessed firsthand how local startups translate societal challenges into sustainable business solutions. The itinerary focused closely on the "Heritage-to-Innovation" pathway: visiting FabLab Nepal to observe sustainable textiles and assistive technologies; deeply engaging with the plastic recycling social enterprise Paramendo to learn how they upcycle discarded plastics into eco-friendly building materials; and exchanging ideas with local textile entrepreneur Rekriti and Mountain BEE. Through these experiences, students learned how Nepal utilizes "Human-Centered Design (HCD)" and "Inclusive Entrepreneurship" to create employment for marginalized and rural communities, thereby building a comprehensive talent cultivation system.

A standout highlight was the exclusive exchange session with Er. Umesh Kumar Gupta, Executive Director of the Industrial Enterprise Development Institute (IEDI), Nepal, who graciously visited the delegation. Through his insightful sharing, students gained a macro-level understanding of Nepal's national innovation framework and overall development landscape, learning how institutional policy tools support local startups and drive social transformation.

Beyond professional field studies and craft workshops, the team also traversed Patan Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, the most sacred Tibetan Buddhist site—Boudha Stupa, and Pashupatinath Temple—all UNESCO World Heritage Sites—seeking innovative inspiration amidst deep history. This eight-day journey allowed students to experience the pure culture of the mountain kingdom while witnessing Kathmandu's transformation from an ancient historical sanctuary into a dynamic "Social Innovation City."

More about the Overseas Internship Program: https://internshipabroad.ntu.edu.tw/

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