On 21st March 2025, Dr. Biraj Singh Thapa, Associate Professor at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Kathmandu University, was awarded the Prime Minister National Talent Award in a special function organized by the Office of the Prime Minister.

The cabinet meeting held on December 3, 2018, decided to establish the National Talent Awards to honor two talented individuals each year who have made significant contributions in the fields of peace, good governance, innovation, scientific research, and development. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the distribution program was postponed and was held this year awarding 10 National talents for the last five years.

Dr. Biraj Singh Thapa has expertise in hydropower and hydrogen technology. Under his leadership, Kathmandu University (KU) established a green hydrogen laboratory and initiated systematic research on the production and end use of green hydron in Nepal. He has been leading several projects and conducting specialized research to introduce green hydrogen as an alternative transport fuel and for industrial products such as green fertilizer, green cement, green steel, and synthetic fuels for Nepal and the region. He is also a member of the Green Hydrogen Policy Coordination Committee of the Government of Nepal.

In collaboration with Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC), KU has established Nepal’s first green hydrogen refueling station and has successfully tested the hydrogen car in the country. The project was inaugurated by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on 30 August 2024.

Dr. Thapa was awarded the Prime Minister’s National Talent Award in the category of Science, Technology, and Innovation on Friday. The award was presented by Prime Minister Oli in recognition of his successful efforts in developing Nepal’s green hydrogen ecosystem. He received NPR 500,000 along with a certificate of recognition and was honored alongside several other recipients.

This accomplishment has brought pride to Kathmandu University, reinforcing its dedication to innovation, scientific research, and sustainable development in Nepal.