In one of the poorest and least developed countries in Asia, a significant educational program has been built to launch a world-class science and technology university. Audacious, and one could say it is even implausible, yet, it is moving forward and beginning to gain prominence and support, not just in the home country but internationally. Development efforts are driven by Prof. Rajendra Dhoj Joshi, a Nepali who passionately believes such a university can play a pivotal role in building a prosperous and equitable Nepal. The university aims to produce graduates and research outputs that will give a technological edge to Nepal’s industries and agriculture, as well as help the country respond to the challenges of climate changeThe university is based on three core ideas.

1. 1. Nepal needs a strong science and technology university to advance the economy and support the country’s social well-being, which is critically dependent on the scientific and technological capabilities of the country.
   2. An outstanding academic institution requires independence, both from political interference and financial fragility – all existing universities in Nepal have suffered from these issues.
   3. The university must generate graduates and research outputs relevant to Nepal’s industries, agriculture, and larger societal problems, especially directly related to climate challenge –ensuring national support for the program and reducing the risk of “brain drain,” i.e., well-trained graduates leaving the country for better jobs elsewhere 
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 Although the university is government-funded, the university leadership is keenly aware that the government’s ability to provide adequate funding for a world-class university is limited. Therefore, from the outset, the university is making every effort to raise funds from donors, both in Nepal and internationally.

Prof. Joshi combines experiences in teaching/research (he holds a Ph.D. in electrical engineering), management of an institute of engineering, and a career at the World Bank as an education expert. After his retirement from the World Bank, opportunities came his way to lead an effort to establish a new university of science and technology in his country. In each case, he was uncompromising on the issue of a transparent and independent governance structure. It took him nearly 7 years to convince the political leaders that such a governance structure was essential. Finally, in August 2022, the Madan Bhandari University of Science and Technology (MBUST) Act was promulgated to establish a university under an independent Board of Trustees. It was an unprecedented structure in Nepali public institutions, something few people thought possible.

Although the university is government-funded, the university leadership is keenly aware that the government’s ability to provide adequate funding for a world-class university is limited. Therefore, from the outset, the university is making every effort to raise funds from donors, both in Nepal and internationally.