Karnali iLab with Global IME and NIFRA Bank

EWB Nepal conducted the Innovation Lab (iLab) at Shree Karnali Secondary School, Jumla, from 14 to 19 June, with support from Global IME Bank Ltd. and Nepal Infrastructure Bank Limited (NIFRA). The six-day hands-on innovation programme engaged 47 Grade 9 students, providing them with an opportunity to identify problems around them, develop ideas, build prototypes, and explore how creativity can be transformed into practical solutions.
Throughout the programme, students learned through the process of design thinking, teamwork, prototyping, testing, and refinement. Rather than being provided with ready-made solutions, students were encouraged to observe challenges in their schools and communities, question existing practices, and develop solutions based on locally available resources.
The students developed five unique products addressing different local needs. Aranya, a team consisting of deaf students, developed Suganshup, an incense product made from locally available materials such as apple peels, flowers, cinnamon, dhupi salla, and other herbs. With the support of a sign language interpreter, the team actively participated throughout the entire innovation process by selecting ideas, experimenting with materials, discussing improvements, and refining their prototype. Their determination and creativity inspired other students participating in the programme.
Green Gems developed natural henna using green walnut husks and created a soil indicator using locally available materials. Kanjirowa Safety Trek designed Dr. Tracker, an emergency card equipped with a built-in siren to help trekkers seek attention during emergency situations. Soulmates explored ways to promote Jumla’s local agricultural products such as timur and jimbu by designing packaging that highlights the farmers behind these products. Sikshya Verse created Sikshya Yatra, a STEM-based board game that combines learning with mechanical construction and interactive play.
The journey was not only about the final products but also about the learning process. Students experienced the challenges of innovation by testing ideas, building prototypes that did not always work, receiving feedback, and improving their designs. They also learned important aspects of entrepreneurship, including understanding users, calculating costs, branding, and considering how their products could reach the market.
To celebrate the students’ achievements, Shree Karnali Secondary School organised an intra-school exhibition on 2 July, where students showcased their prototypes and shared their innovation journey with students from nearby schools.
The programme created opportunities for students who traditionally have limited access to technical and hands-on learning experiences. Girls represented 53% of the participants, and a complete team of deaf students actively contributed throughout the programme. Their participation demonstrated the importance of inclusive learning environments where every student has the opportunity to explore creativity and innovation.
The Innovation Accelerator Program is designed as the beginning of a longer journey rather than a single event. The students now have prototypes to improve and ideas to further develop, supported by the makerspace established at the school. The next phase will continue through iJatra, where students will revisit their projects, strengthen their prototypes, and showcase their progress.
The programme received strong appreciation from the supporting partners. Mr. Suwarn Kumar Singh, representing NIFRA, expressed his happiness in partnering with EWB Nepal and supporting initiatives that encourage young people to develop practical solutions through innovation and creativity.
Mr. Yogesh Pokharel, Public Relations Manager at Global IME Bank Ltd., also expressed his excitement for the upcoming iJatra and shared his enthusiasm to see students continue developing their ideas and transforming their prototypes into impactful solutions.
Through the support of Global IME Bank Ltd. and NIFRA, EWB Nepal continues to promote youth-led innovation and problem-solving in communities across Nepal. The biggest achievement of the programme may not only be the products created, but the mindset developed among students: looking at challenges around them and asking a new question:
“What can we make to solve this?”