Falling Walls Lab Kathmandu 2025

Falling Walls Lab is a unique pitch competition that provides young researchers and entrepreneurs with a platform to present their research project, business plan or social initiative. The DAAD Regional Office New Delhi and the Kathmandu University conducted the Falling Walls Lab in Kathmandu, Nepal on 8 May 2025. The winner, Mitesh Shrestha, will participate in the Falling Walls Lab finale on 8 November 2025 in Berlin.

Winners of Falling Walls Lab Kathmandu, 8 May 2025

Winner

Mitesh Shrestha, Tribhuvan University
Breaking the Wall of Synthetic Fertilizers and Pesticides

Winner in 2nd Place
Monima Karmacharya, Research Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology (RIBB)
Breaking the Wall of Dairy Wastewater

Winner in 3rd Place
Prince Chaudhary, National College, Kathmandu University
Breaking the Wall of Youth Disengagement and inactive Democracy: Speakup Nepal

Audience Choice Winner
Shristi Bhattarai, Kathmandu University
Breaking the Wall of Superbugs

Members of the Jury

Dr Katja Lasch
Director, German Academic Exchange Sevice
Mr Brijesh Adhikary
Associate Dean, School of Engineering, Kathmandu University
Mr Sebastian Woitsch
Director, Goethe-Zentrum Kathmandu
Dr Babita Paudel
Founder and Head, Center for Natural and Applied Sciences (CENAS)
Mr Rupesh Shrestha
Vice-President, NEGAAS

Finalists

Anupam Bajracharya
Kings College (Westcliff University)
Heritage Advocate working to preserve Patan’s ancient Buddhist monasteries and helping young people reconnect with the Newar culture.
Deepti Gautam
Kathmandu University
Bringing space within reach through a tactile, Braille-integrated solar system model that replicates planetary features for visually impaired and marginalized students.
Dinesh Mani Bhandari
Asian Institute of Technology
Blending Robotics, GIS and Agriculture to craft sustainable, tech-powered solutions that drive education, innovation and real-world development impact.
Kedar Nath Dhakal
Tribhuvan University
PhD (Polymer Chemistry) and working as a postdoctoral fellow at Central Department of Chemistry, Tribhuvan University.
Mitesh Shrestha
Tribhuvan University
PhD Scholar developing eco-friendly Streptomyces consortia to boost plant growth, suppress pests, and revitalize soil for sustainable agriculture.
Monima Karmacharya
Research Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology (RIBB)
Transforming dairy wastewater using microalgae into functional foods—bridging environmental cleanup with sustainable nutrition and bio innovation.
Prabina Raut
Tribhuvan University
Environmental scientist innovating low-cost leaf- based biosorbents for cadmium removal from contaminated water.
Prajwal Dahal
Agriculture and Forestry University
Working on Wheyve, an initiative exploring protein extraction from whey waste to promote sustainable nutrition and circular food systems.
Prince Chaudhary
National College, Kathmandu University
Co-founder of ‘SpeakUp Nepal’, Nepal’s first e-petition platform empowering citizens to voice concerns, demand accountability and drive social change for a better future.
Roshan Ojha
Kathmandu University
A mechanical engineer developing sustainable textiles from banana waste to create green alternatives and reduce environmental impact.
Sahil Bagla
Kathmandu University
Mechanical Engineering Student working to overcome geographical challenges in the Nepalese healthcare system using a specially designed drone.
Shristi Bhattarai
Kathmandu University
Biotechnology student passionate about research, problem-solving, and sustainability,
committed to creating meaningful impact by translating biological innovations into real-world solutions.
Tushar Dhakal
Kathmandu University
Breaking the wall of e-waste from EV batteries.

What is the Falling Walls Lab?

Falling Walls Lab is a pitch competition to present breakthrough ideas that create a positive impact on science and society. Convince an international jury of scientists, entrepreneurs and founders in 3 minutes!

Application are invited from

University students
Entrepreneurs
Early-career researchers
Academics

Ideas from all disciplines are welcome. Please go through the detailed FAQs and eligibility criteria before applying.

Announcement and Application

Call for Applications
Falling Walls Lab Kathmandu 2025

Please note that A and B (read below) are the two necessary components for your application to be complete:

A. Video

Making the video

You need to create a 2 to 3 minute video stating and explaining the problem as well as your solution.
The aim of the video is to help the evaluators understand the problem and the solution clearly.
It is important that they see and hear the applicant speak.
No complex editing or professional film is required. It can be a simple video shot with a smartphone or a camera.
As far as possible only the applicant should be seen in the video. If others are helping with the instrument, holding something etc., that is acceptable.
While there can be animations in the film, a completely animated film will not be accepted
There should be no voice-over/another person speaking on behalf of the applicant/machine voice.

Hosting and sharing the video

Host the video on any platform (ex. YouTube, Vimeo etc.) or on any cloud server (ex. Google Drive, Dropbox etc.). Do make sure that the video remains available there till the results are announced. You will need to use the link to the video in your application form.
The focus is on the concept and communication. The video will be used only for shortlisting and will not be shared with anybody except with the express consent of the applicant.

B. Online Application

Fill up the online application form, remember to include the link to your video in it, and apply.
Link for application: https: falling-walls.com/falling-walls-lab-kathmandu

Your application is complete only when you do complete both, Step A and Step B.

Falling Walls Lab Kathmandu: 8 May 2025

In case of questions contact fwl.in@daad.de