Message from the Vice-Chancellor
The ongoing trend of students seeking education abroad is a matter of concern. The high unemployment rate and a staggering student outflow paint a grim picture. This exodus is largely driven by the fear of limited job opportunities back home. With the industrial sector contributing minimal to GDP, Nepal’s economy is facing major headwinds. It is clear that Nepal needs a collaborative effort to address these interconnected issues to create a larger labor market. There is a need for academia and industry to address common challenges together.
Kathmandu University’s campaign to bridge the academia-industry gap is a step in the right direction, aiming to tackle unemployment, stem the student outflow, and foster knowledge and skill transfer. Academia and industry need to work in tandem to fulfill each other’s requirements. AICKU is one such platform that facilitates ongoing communication through regular interactions, discussions and collaboration between academia, industry and government to collectively address challenges.
Our commitment to bridging the gap between academia and industry sets the stage for a more cohesive and mutually beneficial relationship, ultimately contributing to the holistic development of Nepal. I urge everyone—academics, industry leaders, and policymakers—to take part in this journey of exploring new partnership opportunities and don’t hesitate to reach out with any ideas or challenges.
Prof. Bhola Thapa, PhD
Vice-Chancellor, KU
Message from the Coordinator
As the Coordinator of the Academia-Industry Cooperation, Kathmandu University, I’m thrilled to lead the initiative to establish the incredible synergy between our institution and industries as well as government bodies. AICKU is established to bridge the gap between academia and industry for skill and knowledge transfer through the campaign “from campus to community”.
Our aim is to provide job and internship opportunities to deserving students through MOUs and potential agreements. Our dream is to facilitate groundbreaking research to fuel real-world solutions, innovate internships to ignite future careers and collaborate on projects that bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. Students will gain invaluable industry experience, as companies are tapping into fresh perspectives and academic expertise. It’s a win-win situation that’s not only propelling individual success but also driving societal progress.
The collaboration between academia and industry is more important than ever in the fast-paced dynamic world of today. Our goal is to combine these two fields to advance research, promote economic growth, and open doors for both professionals and students. We are committed to fostering innovation, advancing research, and putting the workforce of the future in a setting where academia and industry can work together seamlessly. We can all contribute to creating a future that is more promising and prosperous. I would like to appeal all stakeholders to join hands in shaping a brighter future for our nation.
Dr. Ram Lama
Coordinator, AICKU