18th June 2025, Kathmandu
Kathmandu University School of Engineering (KUSoE) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Practical Action Nepal. This new partnership will boost student learning, research development, and innovation.
KU Practical Action MoU Signed
Formal Signing Ceremony Held At KU
The signing event took place at Kathmandu University. Prof. Dr. Manish Pokharel, Dean of KUSoE, and Ms. Pooja Sharma, Country Director of Practical Action Nepal, signed the agreement. Both institutions agreed to promote collaboration in multiple areas.
The partnership focuses on research, student internships, and joint development projects. The MoU reflects a shared goal—connecting academic knowledge with real-world applications.
Enhancing Student Exposure
One of the key objectives of the collaboration is to give engineering students practical field experience. Through internships with Practical Action, students will work on real development challenges. These challenges include issues related to energy access, climate resilience, and community development.
The internship program will help students apply classroom knowledge to real-life situations. They will also learn to work with rural communities and development experts. This exposure will prepare them for future careers in engineering and sustainable development.
Research That Solves Real Problems
Beyond internships, the MoU will support joint research initiatives. These projects will tackle current issues facing Nepal, such as renewable energy, disaster risk reduction, and water management. Researchers from both institutions will work together to design innovative solutions.
Practical Action will offer insights from the field, while KU will provide academic expertise. Together, they will develop technologies that benefit local communities.
The collaboration will also promote the use of low-cost, sustainable technologies. These solutions will align with Nepal’s development goals and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
A Key Role For Dr. Bijendra Shrestha
To ensure smooth coordination, Assistant Prof. Dr. Bijendra Shrestha from the Department of Mechanical Engineering has been appointed the focal person. He will oversee the activities under this agreement.
Dr. Shrestha will work closely with both institutions. He will help identify suitable students for internships and select areas for joint research. He will also assist in organizing workshops and monitoring progress.
Voices From The Institutions
Prof. Dr. Manish Pokharel highlighted the importance of practical experience in engineering education. He noted that the MoU would help students gain real-world skills and broaden their perspectives. “Partnerships like this are essential to shaping well-rounded engineers,” he said.
Ms. Pooja Sharma also expressed her optimism about the collaboration. “We are excited to work with Kathmandu University. This partnership helps us nurture a new generation of professionals who care about people and the planet,” she stated.
She added that combining research and development efforts would create long-term impacts across rural Nepal.
Building A Sustainable Future Together
This partnership aims to bridge the gap between academic theory and practical action. Students will gain hands-on knowledge. Researchers will solve real problems. Development workers will get access to the latest ideas and innovations.
In the long term, this collaboration may lead to the creation of new technologies for rural areas. It could also influence public policy and development planning in Nepal.
Both Kathmandu University and Practical Action Nepal are committed to using education and innovation to bring change. This MoU stands as a powerful example of how academic and development sectors can work together.
By working side by side, the two institutions hope to promote sustainable development, student empowerment, and inclusive innovation in Nepal.
For more:- KU Practical Action MoU Signed