KATHMANDU, July 28: The US Embassy on Thursday opened a new 'Makerspace' at the embassy-supported Innovation Hub located inside the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry building in Teku.
The 'Makerspace' was inaugurated by Macon Phillips, US Department of State coordinator for IIP. Addressing the inauguration function, Phillips informed that 'Makerspace' is a space and platform where people can come and make things and learn to make things.
“Makerspaces are dynamic additions to our American Spave worldwide. This space will give Nepali students, entrepreneurs and citizens access to modern tools to design, build and manufacture just about anything,” Phillips said, adding: “I have seen that Nepal has passion for making things. We hope to see many new entrepreneurs emerge from Nepal through the use of our Makerspace.”
Phillips also said that the new Makerspace would help to generate economic opportunities in Nepal.
The US Embassy opened the Makerspace to encourage entrepreneurship by providing a technology-centered space where young Nepali innovators and entrepreneurs can explore and develop a culture of creating and nurture peer-to-peer learning in an informal setting. The space includes new technology, including 3D printers and laser cutters.
On the occasion, Leanne Gluck of America Makes said that American Spaces in Nepal and the new 'Makerspace' will help to unlock people's imagination, ideas, economic opportunities and entrepreneurship in Nepal.
The US Embassy is partnering with Karkhana -- an education company with unique approach to learning -- to run the Makerspace.