LocationsUNDP Accelerator Lab hosts InnoFest: An Innovation Carnival showcasing 15 unique ideas
November 7, 2022
Kathmandu, Nepal
InnoFest Carnival hosted by the UNDP Accelerator Lab on 2nd November in Patan Durbar Square Museum brought in over 300 people. The event showcased 15 innovative local solutions explored and tested by the Accelerator Lab Nepal that promote youth engagement in addressing emerging urban challenges such as pollution and unemployment.
The event brough together diverse stakeholders and partners including the German Delegation led by Honorable Dr. Bärbel Kofler, German Parliamentarian State Secretary to the Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development BMZ. The Delegation of Qatar led by His Excellency Yousef bin Mohammed Al-Hail, Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Nepal. Respected Mayor of Lalitpur Metropolitan City-Mr. Chiri Babu Maharjan and Respected Deputy Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City-Ms. Sunita Dangol.
The 15 local innovations on display were the major highlight of the event as each of the unique ideas dealt with challenges of urbanization and youth unemployment. The innovations included plastic bricks made of non-recyclable plastic waste materials, developed by UNDP Lab and Green Roads Waste Management Pvt. Ltd. A total of 40,000 non-recyclable plastic waste, such as wrappers, were used to make over 100 plastic bricks which were used to build a model toilet in Pokhara Metropolitan City. The bricks have been tested and approved by the Government authorities for use in building construction.
Talking about creating an enabling working environment for innovators Ms. Ayshanie Medagangoda- Labe, Resident Representative of UNDP Nepal said, “Nepal is home to innovative minds, we need to connect the dots and play our respective roles that would give opportunities to brilliant youths and motivate them to create more opportunities for others like them.”
While sharing her reflections on the event, Honorable Dr. Kofler, German Parliamentarian State Secretary said, “I thoroughly enjoyed the variety of ideas, they were clever, interesting & targets important issues. The priority for the UNDP Accelerator Lab and decision makers is to scale this both locally and globally. I am impressed by the brilliant innovators of Nepal.”
His Excellency Yousef bin Mohammed Al-Hail, Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Nepal said, “Waste is a major challenge for Nepal and to make sustainable impact, solutions should be linked with behavioral change from as early as possible. Like dealing with waste should be introduced to children at school level.”
The innovators were encouraged and motivated by their interaction with the Mayor of Lalitpur Metropolitan City and Deputy Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City.
The event was organized with the objective to share the progress, lesson, and achievements of the Accelerator lab in Nepal while nurturing the existing innovations of Nepalese youths and creating a network for young people to encourage collaboration and advocate for innovation.
The Germany Government and Qatar Fund for Development are the founding investors of the UNDP Accelerator Labs. Currently there are 91 Accelerator Labs operating in over 115 countries worldwide.