Steal these ideas!

Here's a list of proposals, ready to be worked on! These are the ideas I believe will change the way people live and interact with their social and physical environments. These ideas are meant to preserve and promote local culture, architecture and cuisines, while economically benefitting the communities implementing them.

I've put lots of time and effort into thinking through them. Feel free to steal them if you wish. I'd like it if you gave me the credit, and reached out to me for collaboration. I can be reached at innovation@shirish.me.

Some of the following proposals are on the rougher side to read. I'm cleaning them up as you read this. The posts will also get a nicer look with header images. This is still a work in progress.

Feb 2025 Note: I created a mess a year ago by assuming genAI would be a useful assistant in writing these essays and expanding my ideas. I was terribly wrong. Even the worst piece of my writing is better than the trite, boring, repetitive slop that LLM's generate. I'm not linking them here for the moment. This feature WILL be back soon.

Encouraging and Enabling Electric Tuk-Tuks in Kathmandu as smart public transport means

Kathmandu faces a multitude of pollution-related problems such as poor air quality, noise pollution, and reliance on fossil fuels. Public transport plays a big role...

Reducing Littering in Nepal's National Parks Through Behavioral Incentives and Community Engagement

This proposal outlines a project designed to significantly reduce littering in Nepal’s national parks, such as Shivapuri and Nagarjuna National park. It proposes a multi-pronged...

Consolidating Kathmandu's school bus system to save fuel, student commute, and fix traffic

This proposal outlines a plan to consolidate Kathmandu’s school bus system, leveraging its potential to reduce traffic, optimize resources, and ultimately improve the educational experience...

Leveraging Budhanilkantha School's Unique Assets for an Innovation Edge

This proposal outlines an innovative roadmap for BNKS, leveraging its unique assets to empower students, create positive societal impact, and solidify its position as a...

Black Soldierfly for a novel municipal household waste management mechanism in Kathmandu Valley

The thesis of this proposal is to solve municipal waste management using BSFL (black soldier fly larvae) in Kathmandu. BSFL is profit on all sides:...

Caps of Nepal: A business idea to celebrate Nepal's cultural diversity

Nepal is rich in a diversity of cultures and traditions. Each is expressed through unique art forms, languages, and attire. Headwear, particularly traditional caps, plays...

Taking Nepal's traditional rice drink Chhyang to the next level by modernizing production, marketing and sales of Chhyang

Imagine the intoxicating aroma of fermenting rice filling your kitchen, the warm glow of community spirit around you, and the satisfaction of preserving a rich...

Upskilling Nepali migrant workers for increased wages and improved workplace leverage

This proposal presents a solution for the low-skilled Nepali migrant problem: a well-rounded skills upskilling program designed to empower low-skilled Nepali migrant workers seeking employment...

A radical proposal: market-funded reconstruction of old/dying heritage houses for shared profits, shared culture

This proposal presents a unique and sustainable approach to preserving and revitalizing the traditional houses in the core cultural areas of Kathmandu and Lalitpur, Nepal....

Exploring the Wonders of Nepali Marcha through collection of samples from across Nepal

Marcha, the yeast and mold colony at the heart of Nepal’s beloved fermented rice drink chhyang, remains largely undocumented, its diverse recipes passed down through...

Woodcarving for the masses: Preserving and Expanding Nepali Woodcarving Traditions through Digital Fabrication

Nepal boasts a rich cultural heritage evident in its intricate woodcarving artistry, adorning temples, houses, and public spaces for centuries. However, traditionally handcrafted woodcarvings are...

Using Nepal's municipal websites as a proxy for transparency: strengthening local government accountability data-driven efforts

This proposal outlines the establishment of a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting transparency and accountability among local governments in Nepal. By focusing on automating data...

Establishing high-tech research labs in Kathmandu to outsource research and innovation from foreign Universities

This proposal outlines the establishment of research labs in Kathmandu, capitalizing on the success stories of existing organizations like Phutung Labs. By replicating and expanding...

Plant trees, build riverfront restaurants, encourage boat-markets. Riverfront renewal in Kathmandu valley by aligning business and governance interests

By drawing inspiration from successful models, aligning diverse interests, and supporting a spirit of shared prosperity, riverfront rejuvenation in Kathmandu and Lalitpur can change neglected...

Reviving rural Nepal by hosting and aggressive marketing long-term residential tourism in remote scenic villages

Nepal has breathtaking scenery and rich cultural heritage, attracting tourists worldwide. However, many remote villages suffer from out-migration, leaving abandoned houses and untapped potential. This...

Using student driven awareness and cleanliness campaigns to improving public hygeine and sanitation in Kathmandu valley

Kathmandu and Lalitpur, the colorful and loud heart of Nepal, face a critical challenge: inadequate public hygiene. Littering, improper waste disposal, and a lack of...

Upscaling Nepali tourism: changing the marketing strategy to attract tourists to increase revenue per visitor

Upscaling Nepali tourism will lead to increased revenue, better infrastructure, and improved living standards. We should focus on luxury experiences and attracting premium tourists. Both...

Organizing ward-level festivals in Kathmandu and Lalitpur to strengthen the Spirit of the historic cities

This proposal presents a solution. Ward-level festivals are designed to strengthen local spirit. The idea is to cultivate a sense of community ownership, and encourage...

Shirish Pokharel