Government To Support Promising Nepali Innovations Stalled By Lack Of Funding

The government has announced plans to support Nepali researchers and innovators whose promising inventions have remained unfinished because of limited funding, equipment or other necessary resources.

Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Mahabir Pun said the ministry would examine useful prototypes developed in previous years and provide assistance to help selected projects move forward.

In a Facebook post on Tuesday, Pun invited researchers and innovators who have created practical products or services but have been unable to continue their work because of resource shortages to prepare to approach the ministry.

Ministry To Review Existing Prototypes

Pun said the initiative would focus on prototypes that have already been developed through practical research but could not progress to the next stage.

The ministry plans to review the prototypes before deciding what kind of support may be required.

Depending on the project, assistance could potentially involve further testing, technical improvement, research support or links with institutions capable of helping the product develop. However, the ministry has not yet published detailed eligibility conditions, funding limits or selection procedures.

Pun said a formal notice inviting proposals would be issued soon.

Innovators Asked To Wait For Official Call

The announcement is particularly aimed at researchers and creators who have already built a working model or early version of a useful product or service.

Pun wrote that the ministry would examine such prototypes and provide the assistance considered necessary.

The announcement does not mean that every submitted project will automatically receive funding. Applicants are expected to wait for the official proposal notice, which should clarify:

• Who can apply

• Which sectors are eligible

• What documents must be submitted

• How prototypes will be evaluated

• What form of support will be available

• How projects will be selected and monitored

Focus On Turning Research Into Products

Many innovations in Nepal remain limited to demonstrations, academic projects or small-scale prototypes because creators lack the money and institutional support needed for testing, certification and production.

The ministry says it wants to connect practical research with manufacturing, public services and commercial use.

This could help inventions move through important stages such as:

• Prototype improvement

• Technical testing

• Safety assessment

• Intellectual property protection

• Product certification

• Pilot production

• Market testing

• Commercial manufacturing

The success of the programme will depend on whether the government creates a transparent selection system and provides support beyond one-time funding.

New Ministry Still Building Its Structure

The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation is a newly created government body and is still developing the laws, policies and institutional systems required for its full operation.

Pun has said the ministry’s priority is to establish a proper legal framework for research and innovation. The ministry is working on several pieces of legislation while planning public innovation hubs and innovation laboratories at universities.

Because those structures are still being developed, the exact process for providing financial or technical support to prototype creators has not yet been made public.

Innovation Laboratories Planned At Universities

Pun has also proposed establishing innovation laboratories in universities, where students and researchers could develop, test and improve new ideas.

Separate public innovation hubs are planned to give ordinary citizens, entrepreneurs and independent inventors access to facilities and professional support.

Such facilities could become important for innovators who currently lack access to laboratories, tools and testing equipment.

Nepali Scientists Abroad Encouraged To Return

The minister has also appealed to Nepali scientists, engineers and specialists living overseas to contribute their knowledge and experience to Nepal.

The government hopes to connect skilled members of the diaspora with universities, research institutions, industries and national development projects.

Pun has argued that creating opportunities through science and innovation could help reduce the pressure on young Nepalis to leave the country in search of work.

New Science And Innovation Law In Preparation

The ministry is preparing new laws and policies to establish clearer systems for research funding, innovation management and cooperation between universities, industries and government agencies.

Pun has said the lack of an effective legal framework is one of the biggest barriers facing the new ministry.

A strong law could help define:

• How government research funds are distributed

• How proposals are evaluated

• Who owns intellectual property developed with public funding

• How universities and industries can work together

• How innovations can be tested and commercialised

• How misuse of public funds will be prevented

Local Governments Asked To Invest In Innovation

Pun has also urged provincial and local governments to allocate one percent of their capital expenditure to science, research and innovation.

The federal budget has similarly included a commitment to allocate at least one percent of capital expenditure to innovation-related activities.

If implemented properly, this could allow local governments to support innovations designed to solve problems in agriculture, healthcare, education, infrastructure, energy and public-service delivery.

Which Innovations Could Benefit?

Although the ministry has not yet announced eligible categories, practical innovations with clear public or commercial value may receive attention.

Possible areas could include:

• Agricultural machinery and technology

• Medical equipment

• Renewable energy

• Waste management

• Disaster preparedness

• Educational technology

• Public transportation

• Software and digital services

• Tools for small industries

• Technology for rural communities

The official call for proposals will determine which projects qualify.

Selection Process Must Remain Transparent

The announcement has created hope among researchers who have struggled to obtain support, but the programme will need strong safeguards.

Clear evaluation criteria will be essential to ensure that public funding goes to technically realistic and socially useful projects rather than proposals selected through political or personal influence.

Independent experts may also be needed to assess technical quality, market potential, public benefit and the readiness of each prototype.