Kathmandu, February 11, 2025 – The three-day national-level symposium and exhibition, INNOCHEM 2025, commenced on Monday at Pulchowk Campus in Lalitpur. Organized by the Students’ Society of Chemical Engineering (SSoChE), the event focuses on the theme "Innovating for a Circular Economy."
Aimed at inspiring professionals, academics, and industry leaders to explore innovations in chemical engineering, the symposium seeks to advance sustainable practices and local production initiatives. The inauguration ceremony included a message from Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, emphasizing the importance of utilizing Nepal’s medicinal herbs and natural resources to bolster the industrial economy and promote self-sufficiency.
Highlighting the role of chemical engineers in achieving these goals, the event's discussions revolve around policy-making, sustainability, and waste management. The first session, titled "Chemical Engineers in Government Policy," featured speakers like Dipak Kumar Khadka from the Policy Research Institute, Sushil Bhattarai from Nepal Oil Corporation, and former Minister of Foreign Affairs Pradeep Gyawali. Gyawali stressed the importance of fostering industrial growth through innovative engineering solutions.
Another session, "Waste into Wealth: Challenges and Opportunities in the Circular Economy," explored resource management strategies and circular economy principles.
The symposium also includes competitive events such as the ChemE Plant Design Competition, Energy-Efficient Design Competition, ChemE Car Competition, and Waste-to-Energy Challenge. Over 3,000 visitors are expected to attend the event, which features exhibitions showcasing innovative projects developed by BE and +2 students.
SSoChE President Alisha Budha remarked, “This year’s theme highlights the need to rethink resource use, recycling, and regenerative materials for long-term environmental and economic benefits.”
The event underscores the critical need for chemical engineers in addressing Nepal’s developmental and environmental challenges, serving as a platform to inspire the next generation of innovators.
