Yarsa Tech is producing electronic materials in Nepal

For years, there has been a prevailing belief that nothing is manufactured in Nepal, not even needles. The country is often considered lacking in possibilities and opportunities, a sentiment echoed by foreigners. However, there exists a young generation that sees potential and opportunities within the country.

This new generation is leading the way in entrepreneurship, instilling hope in the future of Nepal. Yarsa Tech is one such company that embodies this hope. It is a consumer electronics manufacturing company based in Nepal.

Presently, Nepal imports electronic materials worth billions of dollars each year. This not only drains the country’s finances but also results in inadequate after-sales service. Yarsa Tech was established to address this problem.

Eeda Rijal, the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Yarsa Tech, proudly represents the first electronics manufacturing company in Nepal. She emphasizes the current trend of importing billions of dollars’ worth of electronic materials, stating, “Yarsa Tech was founded to produce essential electrical materials for consumers.”

Rijal notes the increasing interest in electrical materials but laments the poor after-sales service. She explains, “We are attracted to many electronic goods nowadays, but all those products come from abroad, and their after-sales service is unsatisfactory.”

She highlights the challenges in obtaining warranty and after-sales service for lower-priced goods, often leading to disposal of these items and contributing to the growing issue of electrical waste.

With this understanding, Yarsa Tech has made the strategic decision to produce consumer electronics materials within Nepal. The company’s headquarters, officially registered in November, is located in Pokhara. The manufacturing unit and processing plant are also situated in Pokhara, while the contact office operates in Kathmandu. This distribution signifies the company’s efforts to decentralize its operations beyond the capital city.

Although federalism has been implemented in Nepal, most companies remain concentrated in Kathmandu. Yarsa Tech, on the other hand, has established its main office in Pokhara while maintaining a liaison office in Kathmandu, aiming to create a decentralized image.

Yarsa Tech is currently focusing on two main products: a backup power system called ‘NIZI Power’ and an automatic light sensor for streetlights known as ‘Junkiri.’ Rijal announces that both NIZI Power and Junkiri will be officially launched on August 4.

The backup power system allows users to power WiFi routers or charge mobile phones during electricity outages and provides 6 to 8 hours of backup. Pre-orders are now open, with some customers already receiving their products. Users have praised the product, noting its quality and no discernible difference from foreign alternatives, bolstering the team’s motivation.

Rijal emphasizes that Yarsa Tech aims to convey the message that Nepal is capable of technological advancements. She states, “In the beginning, someone had to take the lead. We are making that effort and trying to showcase that progress is happening in Nepal too.”

While Nepal has made significant strides in the software sector, the hardware sector has been largely neglected. Rijal highlights the lack of clear government policies for electronics manufacturing, urging the implementation of tax exemptions for raw materials and comprehensive regulations to address emerging technologies.

Foreign-made products often fail to meet the specific needs of Nepal, resulting in subpar performance or incompatibility. Yarsa Tech aims to develop products tailored to the local context, as Rijal explains, “We design our products based on the problems and requirements specific to Nepal.”

Yarsa Tech also plans to establish service centers across the country to provide quality after-sales services. Despite the challenges of competing with foreign companies, especially as a startup, Yarsa Tech remains determined to continue its efforts.

Rijal believes that even a 1% reduction in current exports through domestic production could benefit the country significantly. This approach ensures consumers receive quality products and satisfactory service.

In Nepal, women have traditionally been overlooked in the field of technology. The number of women studying and working in technology remains low. However, Yarsa Tech places special emphasis on prioritizing women. Women hold leadership positions within the company, as Rijal proudly mentions.

Therefore, in Yarsa Tech, women are actively engaged in technical professions. Although they may face questions such as “Where is the boss?” or Don’t you have any engineers for technical discussions? or “Don’t you have any men here?” regarding their presence, Eeda Rijal shares her positive experience of how working with the company’s support and assistance has made their journey easier. Yarsa Tech has recently provided employment opportunities to 20 individuals, symbolizing the company’s commitment to inclusivity and progress.

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