Adelaide: The Adelaide University of Australia has presented the ‘Bright Spark Award’ to a Nepali student for developing a communication tool to assist in the mining industry works with the use of Artificial Intelligence. Shyam Sundar Shrestha, 22, of Kathmandu, a Bachelor level student, was rewarded with the prestigious award amidst a special programme hosted on the occasion of its Silver Jubilee.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the University has clarified that the award was conferred on Nepali student Shrestha and his team with high recognition for developing an AI Module for the mining industry. The tool they innovated can be used to facilitate communication between the workers of JDA tunnel (mine area) and an AI agent through Walkie Talkie.
The University explained that the technology can promptly provide technical data, safety protocol, and other vital information to the workers without requiring new infrastructural developments. During the final pitch competition, attended by 300 prestigious industrialists and entrepreneurs, Shrestha showcased the technology through a technical demo while wearing mining safety gear.
After being honoured with the award for his significant contribution to innovation, Shrestha expressed to RSS that studying in Australia and being able to enhance the honour and reputation of Nepal and its people was a moment of pride for him. The university has been recognizing young students involved in inventive activities since 2001, aiming to make creative work related to innovation and entrepreneurship more accessible. This initiative has reportedly helped launch more than 1,100 startups.