The finale of international competition Dopper Changemaker 2019 was held at traditional water spout Hiti at Patan Durbar Square. Dopper Changemaker 2019 in Nepal is here to support students implement their thesis or graduation project on two major environmental issues: Water and/or plastic pollution. Dopper is a social enterprise from the Netherlands, introduced the Dopper Changemaker Challenge 2019 in Nepal.

According to a press statement released by Himalayan Climate Initiative, Anisha Maharjan, with her graduating research about creating a model to solve the urban flood problem of Kathmandu valley through research, pilot demonstration and policy advocacy, won the title of ‘Dopper Changemaker 2019’, Rs two hundred thousand research fund, network introductions and PR to make her idea groundbreaking. Meanwhile, Amrita Sigdel and Ashraf Pradhananga and team with their idea to produce alternatives to plastic secured the second and third place respectively, winning Rs 125,000 in research fund to make their idea come true.

The event was joined by Deputy Mayor of Lalitpur Municipality Gita Satyal, the top 10 finalist pitched their innovative ideas to solve plastic and water pollution problems. Quoting Satyal the press statement stated, “In the midst of the brain drain that Nepal is seeing, it is so encouraging to see the innovative ideas of youths who want to stay in Nepal and work on solve the most pressing issues of our country. I commit to do the best from my position to make sure that these ideas are put into policy and action.”

The press statement added that Dopper is a social enterprise from the Netherlands with a mission to create crystal clear water in all our waters. Dopper focusses on creating awareness, change and education. A panel of jury members including — Anil Chitrakar, Co-founder of HCI; Lenny Houwaart, Marketing Manager at Dopper; Roos Spekman, Project Manager at Dopper, Roshan Man Bajracharya, Soil and Water expert;  Shilshila Acharya CEO of HCI and Suman Shakya, Co-founder of SmartPaani—judged them on the basis of impact, innovation, feasibility and the presentation.

Together with the jury and partners Blinc Ventures, Smart Paani and CERAD, Dopper and HCI will guide all top 10 finalists to give their ideas a kickstart to turn them into solutions in the ground.