RUDRA-1 Rocket Launch: Innovation at the 9th PEC Tech Expo

4th February 2026, Kathmandu

The 9th PEC Tech Expo reached new heights this week as students from Pokhara Engineering College (PEC) successfully launched an experimental rocket, ‘RUDRA-1’.

RUDRA-1 Rocket Launch

The technical demonstration, held during the expo’s inauguration, served as a powerful testament to the growing culture of innovation and applied research among Nepalese engineering students.

The launch of RUDRA-1 wasn’t just a spectacle; it was a rigorous display of undergraduate engineering prowess. Led by Ronit Baniya Gupta and his team, Biplav Paudel and Sanjog Poudel, the project showcased months of design, fabrication, and testing.

RUDRA-1: A Technical Achievement

The experimental rocket was designed to demonstrate fundamental principles of aerospace engineering within a student-led framework. The successful ascent and recovery phases highlighted the team’s ability to translate theoretical classroom knowledge into a high-stakes, real-world application.

Highlights of the 9th PEC Tech Expo

The 9th PEC Tech Expo has become a premier platform for young innovators in Western Nepal. This year’s event focused on “Applied Innovation,” encouraging students to solve local problems through technology.

Key themes at the expo included:

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Aerospace & Robotics: Featuring the RUDRA-1 launch and automated drone displays.

Sustainable Infrastructure: Projects focused on earthquake-resilient designs for Nepalese terrain.

Software Solutions: AI-driven applications designed for local administrative efficiency.

Fostering a Research Culture in Nepal

The success of the RUDRA-1 project at the 9th PEC Tech Expo underscores a shift in the Nepalese education system toward hands-on, experiential learning. By providing a stage for such ambitious projects, Pokhara Engineering College is positioning its students to compete on a global scale.

“The RUDRA-1 launch is more than just a successful flight; it’s a signal that Nepali students are ready to lead in specialized fields like aerospace,” remarked an attendee at the inauguration.

Impact on Future Engineering Talent

The expo serves as a bridge between academia and industry. By showcasing successful launches and functional prototypes, students are catching the eyes of investors and government bodies interested in local technical capacity.

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