NTIC and Embassy of Brazil Explore Collaboration in Science, Technology, and Sustainable Development

The Nepal Technology Innovation Center (NTIC) has initiated a new phase of international cooperation by holding a strategic meeting with His Excellency Carlos Alberto Michaelsen den Hartog, the Ambassador of Brazil to Nepal, during the 11th Annual General Meeting of the Nepal–Brazil Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NBCCI), held around August 24, 2025.

The discussion centered on enhancing collaboration in science, technology, research, and sustainable development, identifying potential synergies between Nepal’s innovation ecosystem and Brazil’s globally recognized expertise in technological advancement and sustainability. Both sides expressed strong commitment to strengthening Nepal–Brazil cooperation in areas that can foster inclusive and long-term development.

Strengthening Bilateral Cooperation

Nepal and Brazil have maintained cordial diplomatic relations for decades, and the recent engagements reflect growing interest in broadening the scope of collaboration beyond trade and diplomacy. Brazil and Nepal already have an established mechanism for bilateral consultations, where the foreign ministries of both countries hold regular meetings to discuss mutual interests.

Ambassador Carlos Alberto Michaelsen den Hartog highlighted Brazil’s proactive approach to promoting science, technology, and innovation as vital instruments of sustainable development and as a pillar of its foreign policy. He noted that collaboration with Nepal in these areas can help drive innovation-led growth and offer mutual benefits in tackling shared challenges such as climate change, energy transition, and food security.

This initiative follows a courtesy call made by the Brazilian Ambassador on Nepal’s Foreign Secretary on July 30, 2025, during which both sides discussed broadening bilateral engagement, particularly in education, innovation, and environmental sustainability.

NTIC as a Catalyst for Innovation

Established in October 2023 with the support of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), the Nepal Technology Innovation Center operates under Kathmandu University with a mission to provide research, innovation, and technology-based services in several sectors including agriculture, energy, health, and rural development.

NTIC aims to function as a dynamic hub that connects academia, industry, and international partners to foster innovation and address development challenges. With Brazil’s extensive experience in biofuels, biosystems engineering, and sustainable agricultural technologies, the potential alignment between the two countries’ innovation agendas appears promising.

Academic and Professional Leadership

The meeting also brought attention to the leadership of Professor Dr. Bhim Shrestha, a key figure at Kathmandu University and Affiliate Professor at the University of Washington, Seattle, USA. Dr. Shrestha holds an impressive academic background with studies in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics at Tribhuvan University (Amrit Science Campus); Agriculture Mechanization at the University of Miyazaki, Japan; Farm Power Machinery and Energy at Kelappaji College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, India; Biosystems Engineering at Michigan State University, USA; and Life Science and Environment Conservation Engineering at Kagoshima University, Japan.

Under his guidance, NTIC has been working to establish itself as a collaborative hub that connects Nepal’s academic research and innovation ecosystem with international partners. His global perspective and technical expertise have been instrumental in fostering partnerships that contribute to sustainable development and innovation capacity in Nepal.

Linking with Brazilian Cooperation Agency

A key outcome of the discussions was the plan to connect NTIC with the Brazilian Cooperation Agency (ABC) — the government body responsible for coordinating Brazil’s international development cooperation. The partnership aims to facilitate joint research, technology exchange, and innovation-driven collaboration in areas such as renewable energy, climate adaptation, and sustainable agriculture.

Such a linkage would provide a formal mechanism for knowledge transfer and institutional collaboration, helping Nepal benefit from Brazil’s advancements in sustainable technologies and applied research.

In a gesture of appreciation, Dr. Bhim Shrestha expressed sincere thanks to Dr. Sanjiv Gupta, Prof. Dr. Anjana Singh, Ms. Shreesa Shrestha, Ms. Anuja Dahal, Er. Gaurav Adhikari, and Mr. Ujjwol Thapa for their valuable presentations and participation in the discussions held in the purview of COP30 in Belém, Brazil — the upcoming global Climate Summit scheduled for 2025

He also extended appreciation to the Embassy of Brazil in Kathmandu for its continuous support and for recognizing NTIC as a collaborative hub for Nepal–Brazil cooperation in science and technology.

Looking Ahead

As Nepal continues to advance its innovation and sustainability agenda, partnerships like the one emerging between NTIC and the Embassy of Brazil signal a positive direction for Nepal’s engagement in global research and technology networks. The convergence of Brazil’s scientific expertise and Nepal’s innovation potential could open new avenues for collaborative solutions in agriculture, renewable energy, and climate resilience.

This engagement marks an important step toward realizing a shared vision of sustainable and inclusive development, reaffirming the commitment of both nations to science diplomacy and international cooperation for a greener, more resilient future.