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My Journey from Research Assistant to Chief Technology Officer of Airlift Technology

The Beginning: A Passion for Innovation

My journey began at the research center where I initially joined as a volunteer, driven by my passion for innovation and problem-solving through technology. During my time as the president of the Advanced Robotics Club, I had the privilege of meeting Mr. Sojan Prajapati, the head of Research and Innovation at our college. Our shared vision for driving change through technology led him to hire me as a Research Assistant under his mentorship. However, our relationship was more than that of a mentor and assistant; we became changemakers, united by the common goal of transforming ideas into impactful solutions.

Fostering Innovation: Introducing 3D Printing Technology

Together, we introduced 3D printing technology to the college, building a 3D printer from scratch and making strides in fostering innovation among students. This marked the beginning of my journey into groundbreaking technologies. During this time, I began my research on drones, envisioning a way to address societal challenges using advanced technology. With the support of the college, the research center, and my mentor, I successfully built a drone entirely from scratch.

This drone became the cornerstone of our efforts to tackle the issue of unplanned development in Nepal by facilitating drone mapping to aid urban and rural planning.

Overcoming Challenges: Building and Scaling Drone Technology

The journey of building and testing this self-made drone was one of learning, perseverance, and discovery. After numerous experiments and refinements, the drone was successfully used for aerial surveys. This milestone laid the groundwork for scaling up, and we later acquired commercial drones to conduct more extensive mapping projects.

Our work extended beyond academia as we ventured into industry collaboration, bridging the gap between academia and industry. We were among the first Nepali consultants to:

  • Collaborate with cement industries

  • Conduct customer churn analysis for one of Nepal’s largest ISPs

Shaping the Future: Leveraging Technology for Global Impact

My role as a Research Assistant instilled in me the ability to leverage technology for global impact while addressing local challenges. This experience honed my skills in innovation, problem-solving, and creating solutions that resonate beyond boundaries. Following this transformative period, I joined a pioneering agricultural company where I introduced drone technology for precision farming, revolutionizing traditional farming methods in Nepal. This opportunity further cemented my belief in the power of technology to enhance lives and optimize processes.

Leading Innovations at Airlift Technology

Eventually, I joined Airlift Technology, where I could truly harness my skills and vision. As the Chief Technology Officer (CTO), I had the privilege to:

  • Lead and execute innovative projects from inception to implementation

  • Oversee technological strategies and explore solutions to real-world problems

Some standout projects at Airlift include:

  • Mapping entire municipalities

  • Creating 3D models of infrastructure

  • Developing virtual tours of historical sites to aid cultural preservation

  • Spearheading the globally recognized Everest Cleanup Project, the first project of its kind in the world, highlighting Nepal’s potential for contributing to global environmental solutions

A Principle to Live By: Local Solutions for Global Impact

Throughout my journey, I have been driven by a simple yet profound principle: leveraging local solutions to create a global impact. From introducing 3D printing in college to spearheading drone mapping for development planning, and from precision farming to the Everest Cleanup Project, my experiences have taught me the boundless potential of technology to address critical challenges and improve lives.

This journey has been a testament to the power of innovation, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to creating meaningful change.