Kathmandu, Nepal - Nepal’s emerging climate-technology startup VayuDrishti has been selected as the official National Nominee for the 2025 World Summit Awards (WSA), positioning Nepal prominently on a prestigious global platform that honours impactful digital innovations.
The World Summit Awards, supported by UN initiatives, recognise digital solutions that meaningfully address global challenges across public health, environment, education, social inclusion, and public service delivery. Each member country nominates its best digital innovation, and VayuDrishti will now represent Nepal among competitors from more than 180 countries.
Championing Low-Cost, High-Impact Climate Technology
VayuDrishti’s nomination marks a significant moment for Nepal’s growing climate-tech ecosystem. The startup has been pioneering affordable, data-driven air quality monitoring tools designed specifically for South Asia’s pollution-prone regions. Its innovations include:
Low-cost air quality monitoring devices
AI-powered forecasting models
Real-time air pollution dashboards
School-based environmental literacy programs
Through this integrated system, VayuDrishti aims to make clean air a basic right, not a privilege limited to urban or high-income communities.
A Global Recognition of Nepal’s Innovation Capacity
“This recognition carries great significance for us and for Nepal,” the VayuDrishti team said in a statement. “Being selected as Nepal’s national nominee means our impact in air quality monitoring is being acknowledged at a global level. It encourages us to continue building scalable and accessible climate solutions.”
The startup has gained increasing national and international attention. It previously secured all-sharks investment on Shark Tank Nepal, reached the Top 24 at the Hult Prize Accelerator in the UK, pitched at Google Headquarters London, and presented at the Global Finals in the Tate Modern. The team has also built partnerships with academic institutions, technical experts, and regional environmental organizations.
Moving Toward the Global Stage
As the national nominee, VayuDrishti will now enter the International Jury Round, where global digital innovation experts will assess its technological impact and scalability. Successful entries will advance to the Grand Jury and ultimately to the WSA Global Award stage.
The WSA 2025 winners are expected to be announced in early 2026, with finalists receiving international visibility, mentorship opportunities, and access to a UN-aligned network of global innovators.
