Robotics Association of Nepal kicks off Yantra 9.0 festival in Kathmandu

KATHMANDU: Robotics Association of Nepal (RAN) has begun Yantra 9.0, a festival focusing on science, technology, and entrepreneurship, in Kathmandu. 

The festival, supported by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MoEST), Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST), and the Association of Engineering Colleges of Nepal, was inaugurated at the Dashrath Stadium Covered Hall in Tripureshowor, Kathmandu, on Sunday.

Dignitaries including former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, MoEST Secretary Pramila Devi Bajracharya, and NAST Secretary Rabindra Prasad Dhakal attended the opening ceremony. In his address, former Prime Minister Oli said, "The future of science and technology is vast. It's essential for our country's development, economy, and other sectors. Events like this help to expand and share young people's knowledge and experience."

This year's Yantra 9.0 event includes various activities such as Yantra Wars, Yantra Business Cup Expo, and Yantra Swarmanoid. The theme is "Climate Change and Future of Work". The international robotic competition features participants from India, Bangladesh, and the Ivory Coast. The winning team will receive a cash prize.

RAN President Bikash Gurung concluded the opening ceremony by reflecting on the journey from Yantra 8.0 to Yantra 9.0 and wishing all participants good luck in the competition. The festival will conclude on March 3, 2024.

RAN, a non-governmental and non-profit organisation, provides a platform for tech enthusiasts and students to explore, promote, and compete in robotics. The organisation encourages young people to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and has helped raise awareness of the importance of robotics. By 2030, RAN aims to establish a robotics industry in Nepal.