Nepal to Establish First Sovereign AI Compute Center in Kathmandu

Nepal's Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle announced the establishment of a sovereign 'Matribhumi Fund' to finance strategic projects, including AI factories and a three-month fuel reserve. The government also plans to divest 34% of its shares in Nepal Telecom to the public, retaining a 66% controlling stake, with proceeds intended for developing Nepal as a technology hub.

The Government of Nepal has announced it will allocate one percent of its total capital expenditure towards science, technology, research, and innovation for the upcoming fiscal year 2083/84. This decision, presented by Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Waglé during the federal budget presentation, aims to foster technological advancement and support national development through increased R&D investment.

Tribhuvan University (TU) has signed a memorandum of understanding with global aerospace company Airbus to foster skilled human resources for Nepal's aerospace sector. The collaboration, attended by Nepal's Minister for Education and Sports Sasmit Pokharel and French Ambassador Virginie Corteval, aims to enhance educational development, research, training, and digital skills in aerospace technology.

Nepal's VayuDrishti, an AI-based air pollution monitoring platform developed by Bots Industries Pvt. Ltd., has been featured in the United Nations’ ‘STI Solutions Book 2026’ among the top 60 SDG-supporting technologies globally. The platform combines ground sensors, satellite data, and AI analytics to provide real-time air quality information and pollution forecasts, offering actionable recommendations to various stakeholders.