Kathmandu, May 1 — A new initiative aimed at bridging the gap between academic research and industry demands has been launched in Nepal. The Center for Academia-Industry Linkages and International Collaboration (CALIC) seeks to connect university research with real-world industrial needs and the broader economy.

Speaking about the initiative, CALIC Chief and Associate Professor at Advanced College of Engineering and Management, Dr. Shankar Dhakal, said the primary goal is to ensure that research conducted in universities does not remain confined to academic papers and theses but is translated into practical, market-driven innovations.

“Universities are producing research, while industries focus on consulting, manufacturing, and trade. However, there is a clear lack of innovation in the industrial sector, and academic research often remains unused. CALIC aims to bridge this gap,” said Dr. Dhakal.

The center plans to work closely with industries to identify their needs, challenges, and innovation gaps. Based on these insights, applied research and innovation projects will be carried out within universities, involving students, faculty members, and industry experts.

CALIC will also collaborate with international professors, researchers, and institutions to bring global expertise into Nepal’s innovation ecosystem. According to Dr. Dhakal, such partnerships are crucial for a developing country like Nepal to strengthen its research and development capacity.

The idea for CALIC was shaped by Dr. Dhakal’s academic and professional experiences in countries such as Japan and Australia, where he observed strong integration between academia and industry. He has also worked with institutions like the National Innovation Center and the Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST), gaining insights into Nepal’s innovation challenges.

The center aims to serve as a platform for nurturing young talent by supporting research, innovation, and entrepreneurship. It will help students and innovators secure funding and investment for their ideas, with a long-term vision of developing successful startups and businesses.

CALIC operates through a multi-stakeholder model, involving professionals from banking, engineering, law, government, and international advisory networks. It plans to expand beyond a single institution and scale its model nationwide across universities and colleges.

“We want this to become a role model that others can replicate. Our goal is to transform research into commercial success and contribute to the national economy,” Dr. Dhakal added.

Looking ahead, CALIC envisions launching advanced programs such as R&D accelerators and startup incubation initiatives. The center is also exploring the possibility of leading innovation-focused platforms similar to international models like “Shark Tank,” aimed at promoting commercialization of research and entrepreneurial ventures in Nepal.