Nepali youth Prabidhi Adhikari joins international Young Scientist Program

KATHMANDU: Nepali youth Prabidhi Adhikari has officially joined the international Young Scientist Program, STEM.org and Dursikchya Education Network said, marking a significant step for young women entering Nepal’s technology sector.

The initiative, backed by STEM.org and Dursikchya Education Network, focuses on developing advanced computing skills and analytical logic among children to address real-world challenges, the organisations said. The competitive programme equips participants with technical capabilities including computer programming, game design logic and collaborative problem-solving.

By taking part in the programme, Adhikari aims to advance her own knowledge while setting a precedent for other young girls in Nepal who want to build technology.

Adhikari grew up with strong guidance from family members who are prominent figures in Nepal’s IT and cybersecurity fields. Her father, Chiranjibi Adhikari, is the Acting President of the Federation of Computer Association Nepal (CAN Federation) and Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the cybersecurity company One Cover. Her mother is the founder and president of a leading bilingual technology publication in the country.

The technical training is provided through Dursikchya Education Network, which has partnered with STEM.org, the oldest STEM research and credentialing body in the United States. The collaboration brings international educational methodologies to Nepal, allowing students to learn structured analytical thinking alongside technical skills.

The two organisations said Adhikari’s participation reflects a wider shift in Nepal’s digital development as more young people, particularly girls, pursue technology education and careers.