About EU Youth Fest

International Youth Day is a global moment to recognise the role young people play in shaping their communities and futures. To mark the occasion, the Delegation of the European Union to Nepal, together with partners Youth Innovation Lab and Swisscontact, and Erasmus Nepal, presents a one-day youth fest in Kathmandu.

The event brings together innovation, mentorship, and celebration, offering young people a chance to explore new technologies, connect with industry leaders and fellow youth, and mark the spirit of Youth Day together.

Hightligths

  • Sneak peek of "Lost in Mandala", Nepal's first animated film
  • Expert guidance on the responsible use of AI for content creation, animation basics, and vibe coding
  • Direct mentorship from entrepreneurs and innovators
  • Information session on the Erasmus+ programme, a fully funded EU scholarship for graduate studies
  • Hands-on experience with 3D modelling and printing
  • A look at how drones work with a live demonstration
  • AI-powered interactive business simulation exercises with fellow participants
  • A ballet show by renowned performers
  • A chance to meet and network with fellow young leaders

Schedule

Time

Activity

10:30 – 11:00 a.m. 

Registration

11:00 – 11:30 a.m. 

Opening ceremony:

  • Welcome remarks by EU Ambassador H.E. Veronique Lorenzo

  • Keynote speech by the Kiran Bhakta Joshi and Deepa Chipalu Joshi, the founders of Incessant Rain

  • Sneak peek of "Lost in Mandala"

11:30 – 11:40 a.m. 

Presentations on EU-supported opportunities for youth:

  • Unleashing Digital Acceleration and Ambition of Nepali Youth (UDAAN) by Youth Innovation Lab

  • Creating Opportunities for youth in Digital Economy (CODE) by Swisscontact

11:50 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Parallel sessions:

  • Expert-led session 1: Use of AI, Ethics and Bias

  • Innovation expo: 3D modelling and printing, drone mechanics, AI-powered business decision making, Sikshya.org platform, and more

  • Speed mentoring (Round 1: 11:45 AM – 12:45 PM)

1:00 – 1:45 p.m.

Parallel sessions:

  • Expert-led session 2: Flash hackathon by Youth Innovation Lab

  • Speed mentoring (Round 2: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM)

1:45 – 2:30 p.m.

Expert-led session 3: Introduction to animation by Women in Animation

2:30 – 3:00 p.m.

Snack break

3:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Information session: Applying for Erasmus+ programme by Erasmus Nepal

4:10 – 4:30 p.m.

Closing ceremony:

  • Ballet performance

  • Closing remarks

LIST OF ACTIVITIES

Free entry, but registration is required.

Free entry, but registration is required. Please arrive on time. As seats are limited, places will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Expert-led session 1: Use of AI, Ethics and Bias

Available seats: 55 (First come, first served) | 11:50 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. ( 1 hr 10 min)

Facilitators:

  • Labbi Karmacharya, Technical Architect at  Equitech Futures & Lecturer, Islington College
  • Deepson Shrestha, Associate Engineering Manager, Maitri Services 

Description: This session is for people who already use AI tools and want to understand what is happening underneath them. We look at where AI already sits in everyday life, how people are using it well, and where it should not be used at all. We spend time on what these tools get wrong, including the confident answers that turn out to be invented. We also look at bias in what they produce, and at the questions of ethics and governance that follow. The session runs on demonstration and discussion, and participants leave with a short guide they can keep.

Note for participants: You can bring your own laptop or mobile phone.

Expert-led session 2: Flash hackathon by Youth Innovation Lab and NAAMII

Available seats: 55 (First come, first served) | 1:00 – 1:45 p.m. (45 min)

Facilitators:

  • Swastika KC, Youth Innovation Lab
  • Manyata Pokharel, Youth Innovation Lab
  • Drabid Subedi, NAAMII

Description: The session will begin with a brief overview of web structure and how web pages and web applications are built. The facilitators will then introduce the use of AI for web application development. Next, participants will use AI chat tools to create their own web application based on a given problem statement. Finally, participants will have the opportunity to present their web applications to the rest of the group.

Note for participants: You are encouraged to bring your own laptop or mobile phone.

Information session: Applying for Erasmus+ programme by Erasmus Nepal

Available seats: 55 (First come, first served) | 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Facilitators: Erasmus Nepal

Description:

Delivered by Erasmus Nepal, this information session will provide an overview of the Erasmus+ programme and the study and mobility opportunities available to Nepali students. Participants will learn about the application process, key application timelines, eligibility requirements, required documents, and practical tips for preparing a strong application. The session will also highlight important considerations for Nepali applicants and conclude with an opportunity for questions and answers.  

Expert-led session 3: Introduction to animation by Women in Animation

Available seats: 55 (First come, first served) | 1:45 – 2:30 p.m. (45 min)

The details will be updated soon.

Innovation Expo

12:00 – 4:00 p.m. (4 hrs)

The Innovation Expo will showcase information, products, and innovations from EU partner organisations, including Youth Innovation Lab, Swisscontact, Women in Animation, Nepal Applied Mathematics and Informatics Institute for Research (NAAMII), Restless Development, and the Robotics Association of Nepal. The exhibition will remain open throughout the event. Participants are invited to explore the exhibition booths, observe demonstrations, interact with team members, and take part in a range of engaging activities.

3D Printing Demonstration

This demonstration will showcase the complete 3D printing workflow, from designing a model using 3D modelling software to preparing it with slicing software and producing the final object using a 3D printer. Participants will observe a live demonstration and gain practical insights into each stage of the 3D printing process.

Drone Mechanics and Simulation

Participants will be introduced to the fundamentals of drone technology, including drone components, mechanical structure, and control systems. A live drone simulation will demonstrate how drones are operated using a physical remote controller, providing attendees with practical exposure to drone navigation, mechanics, and flight controls.

Business Simulation Game

CYAN Innovations is an EdTech company that develops AI-powered simulation and experiential learning solutions to help educational institutions and organisations build practical skills, strengthen decision-making, and improve workforce readiness through immersive, real-world learning experiences. During this session, participants will engage in an interactive business simulation where they will navigate realistic business scenarios, make strategic decisions, and experience the opportunities and challenges of running a business in a risk-free environment.

Shikshya.org Course Showcase

Visit the Shikshya.org booth to explore a range of free online courses designed to build digital and professional skills. Participants can learn about the platform, receive guidance on course selection, and can sign up for courses.

Animation Showcase

Discover the world of animation through an interactive display featuring animation projects and creative workflows. Participants will learn about the animation production process, explore career and training opportunities in the creative sector, and engage with students and experts from Women in Animation.

AI and Innovation Challenges

Learn about upcoming AI programmes, hackathons, and innovation challenges organised by Youth Innovation Lab. Participants can explore opportunities to develop their skills, collaborate with peers, solve real-world problems, and connect with Nepal's growing innovation and technology ecosystem.

Speed Mentoring

Available seats: 40 | 11:45 – 2 p.m. (1 hr x 2 rounds)

The session connects experienced professionals with university students and recent graduates interested in entrepreneurship, innovation, technology, leadership, education, and social impact. Designed to facilitate short, focused conversations, it offers participants the opportunity to gain insights, seek advice, expand their professional networks, and build connections that may continue beyond the event.

Our mentors will be announced soon.