Kathmandu, 13 July 2025 - In a landmark achievement for Nepal’s innovation and startup ecosystem, Vayudrishti, a Nepali student-led startup, has been selected among the top 20 global finalists in the prestigious Hult Prize Competition 2025, emerging from a pool of over 15,000 startups worldwide.
The Hult Prize widely recognized as the Nobel Prize for student entrepreneurship-draws participation from hundreds of universities and over 200,000 students across 130+ countries each year. This is the first time a Nepali team has advanced to the final stage of the competition, making Vayudrishti a symbol of national pride and youth innovation.
Set to be held at Google Headquarters in London, the final round will award a $1 million (approximately NPR 140 million) prize to the winning team with the most impactful and scalable social enterprise.
Air Quality Innovation with Global Potential
Vayudrishti introduces a patented-in-process technology that monitors and purifies air quality using an AI-powered model capable of predicting pollution levels up to seven days in advance. Designed as a cost-effective, climate-resilient solution, the startup bridges the gap between health security and environmental protection—especially critical for pollution-vulnerable cities like Kathmandu.
“This innovation is not just for Nepal—it’s designed to be globally scalable, with the potential to contribute meaningfully to climate action and public health,” said the team in a joint statement.
Young Leadership, Global Ambition
Led by 19-year-old Shakrya Pandey from Saraswati Multiple Campus, the team includes Shrisha Pandey and Manjila Pandey, whose vision is to bring Nepal’s environmental challenges to the forefront of global innovation.
Their advancement to the final round marks a transformative moment for Nepali students and the country’s growing startup landscape. It reflects how youth-led initiatives from developing nations can offer powerful, tech-driven responses to global crises.
A New Chapter for Nepal’s Green Entrepreneurship
As Nepal confronts increasing air pollution and the growing impacts of climate change, initiatives like Vayudrishti offer a glimpse into a more sustainable, tech-integrated future. Their journey also sends a powerful message to aspiring youth: with vision and determination, even the most ambitious global platforms are within reach.
Ecosphere News extends its congratulations to the Vayudrishti team and will continue following their progress at the Hult Prize 2025 finals.
