From Janakpur to Thailand: LOCUS Winner Devraj Pradhan Nominated for Asia Pacific Conference of Young Scientists 2026
18th July 2026, Kathmandu
16-year-old Devraj Pradhan from Janakpur is set to represent Nepal at APCYS 2026 in Thailand with ‘Swar-Sathi,’ a voice-controlled, solar-powered smart EV Go-Kart. Discover how you can sponsor or partner with this young prodigy.
LOCUS Winner Devraj Pradhan
A Grade 10 student at Janakpur Public English Boarding School, Devraj, has officially been selected by the Nepal Polymer Institute (NPI) to represent Nepal at the prestigious Asia Pacific Conference of Young Scientists (APCYS) 2026.
The international summit will take place from October 25–29, 2026, at the Surawiwat School, Suranaree University of Technology in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.
Devraj’s ticket to the global stage is “Swar-Sathi,” a groundbreaking, intelligent, foldable, solar-powered, and voice-controlled EV Go-Kart equipped with an advanced anti-collision system.
The Innovation: What is Swar-Sathi?
Swar-Sathi (which translates to “Voice Companion”) is not just a typical electric vehicle; it is a fusion of sustainability, accessibility, and artificial intelligence designed for the modern world.
Key Features of the Swar-Sathi EV Go-Kart
Voice-Controlled Navigation: Built to be accessible, the vehicle responds directly to vocal commands, opening up new possibilities for assistive mobility.
Solar-Powered & Eco-Friendly: Integrated solar panels ensure the EV taps into renewable energy, tackling fuel dependency head-on.
Foldable Design: Engineered for urban practicality, its space-saving, foldable chassis makes it easy to store and transport.
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Anti-Collision Safety System: Equipped with smart sensors, the Go-Kart actively detects obstacles to prevent accidents, ensuring maximum driver safety.
A Proven Track Record of Excellence
Devraj’s journey to the international arena is backed by major national accolades. Swar-Sathi has already been rigorously tested and lauded by Nepal’s top scientific minds, securing:
1st Position at LOCUS 2026 (Institute of Engineering, Pulchowk Campus) – the premier national tech festival.
3rd Position at the 10th Young Scientists Summit (YSS 2025) – organized by the Nepal Polymer Institute (NPI) and the National Institute of Engineering and Technology (NIET).
“Your performance and dedication to scientific excellence have earned you this prestigious opportunity to represent Nepal at the international level,” stated the Nepal Polymer Institute in their official eligibility confirmation.
The Road to APCYS 2026: An Opportunity for Tech Backers and Sponsors
While Devraj has the genius and the official nomination, bridging the gap between a local breakthrough and global impact requires collaboration. To successfully showcase Swar-Sathi in Thailand this October.
Join the Journey
Devraj Pradhan is a testament to what young Nepalese minds can achieve when passion meets perseverance. As APCYS 2026 approaches, the call is out to tech leaders, investors, and media houses to back this young prodigy.
Let’s ensure that Nepal’s brightest young scientists have the wings to fly and the platform to make the nation proud.
For more: LOCUS Winner Devraj Pradhan
