Report on advancement in science and technology

Title page

                          REPORT

ADVANCEMENT IN THE FIELD OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN
NEPAL IN THE LAST TEN YEARS

Submitted to:
The Secretary
Ministry of Science and Technology
Singha Durbar, Kathmandu

Submitted by:
Dr. Narayan Bhattarai
Research Officer

10 January 2027

Introduction

Science and technology (S&T) are key forces for national development. Nepal has been a late starter because of its small economy, difficult geography and the earthquake of 2015, but it has made visible progress in the last ten years. This report describes the main developments in S&T in the period 2017 to 2026, discusses their significance and problems, and gives recommendations. It is based on government reports, publications of the Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST), and news articles. It covers information technology, energy, space, health and agriculture.

Discussion

1. Information and communication technology: 4G mobile internet has spread to most of the country; digital payment wallets and mobile banking are used by millions; the National ID, online government services and e-learning have grown. The number of software companies and start-ups has increased.
2. Energy: the 456 MW Upper Tamakoshi hydropower project was completed in 2021; electricity generation has increased several times, so that Nepal now exports power to India and Bangladesh in the wet season. Solar systems are spreading.
3. Space and research: NepaliSat-1, Nepal's first satellite, was built by Nepali engineers and launched in 2019, showing the capacity of young scientists. NAST and the universities have expanded their research programmes.
4. Health: telemedicine, digital health records and PCR laboratories were set up during the COVID-19 pandemic; modern diagnostic and surgical facilities have also been added.
5. Agriculture and environment: improved seeds, drip irrigation, weather forecasting and remote sensing are used more widely.
6. Education: the number of engineering and technical colleges, the use of online platforms and the number of research centres have increased.

However, challenges remain: research funding is below 0.5 percent of GDP, many skilled graduates migrate, laboratory facilities are limited, and the links between the universities, industry and the government are weak.

Conclusion

Nepal has made notable progress in S&T in the past decade, especially in ICT, hydropower and health. However, the progress is uneven, and it relies largely on imported technology. The country needs to increase research and local innovation to benefit fully from these advances.

Recommendations

1. Increase the research budget gradually to at least 1 percent of the national budget.
2. Establish science parks and incubation centres in each province.
3. Give incentives and scholarships to retain talented researchers.
4. Build close cooperation among universities, industries and the government.
5. Update school science education with laboratories and practical learning.
6. Promote open data, cyber security and digital literacy.
7. Develop a national policy on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and renewable energy.