iLab in partnership with Ncell for Ratna Rajya School

From 14–19 Asar 2083, iLab was conducted at Ratna Rajya Secondary School with the support of the Ncell Foundation, engaging 30 students in a six-day hands-on innovation and entrepreneurship programme.
Through design thinking, teamwork, and prototyping, students transformed their ideas into practical solutions while learning how to identify problems, test concepts, and improve their projects through feedback.
One of the programme’s highlights was a student team that transformed recycled jeans into handmade bookmarks and keyrings. Other teams developed products such as homemade spices, educational games, and period kits. These student-led ventures quickly attracted interest within the school, with several products selling out within a remarkably short time. Through the process, students gained first-hand experience in product design, branding, pricing, marketing, customer engagement, and financial management.
The transformation in the students was particularly evident during the final presentations. The Principal of Ratna Rajya Secondary School expressed his surprise and appreciation at the students’ confidence, creativity, and presentation skills, remarking that their performance made him wonder whether these were the same students from Ratna Rajya or students from a private school.
Reflecting on the success of the programme, Sangita Dahal, Senior Project Officer, highlighted the potential to expand iLab to new schools in the future, enabling more students to experience this practical approach to learning, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
The programme demonstrated how hands-on, project-based learning can nurture creativity, communication, teamwork, confidence, and problem-solving skills while encouraging students to see themselves as innovators and young entrepreneurs.