The National Innovation Center (NIC) has successfully developed and tested a ‘Paramotor,’ a device set to revolutionize adventure tourism in Nepal. The founder and chairman of the center, Mahabir Pun, shared a video of the paramotor’s test flight on his social media account, providing insights into the achievement.
According to Pun, Raju Thapa, who is part of the Innovation Center research team, spearheaded the paramotor’s design and construction. The device is powered by an Italian-made engine, which Pun highlighted as an improvement over previous prototypes built by the center. “Although we have developed similar machines before, this latest version is equipped with a superior engine, enhancing its performance,” Pun explained.
Despite the technological progress, Pun pointed out that earlier versions of such devices in Nepal failed to gain commercial traction. He emphasized that the paramotor is comparable to the ultralight aircraft currently operating in Pokhara but noted that the government has yet to take the necessary steps to legalize its use.
“Similar machines have been made before, but they haven’t been commercialized. This is similar to the ultralight aircraft operating in Pokhara. However, the government has not focused on giving it the required legal recognition. The Innovation Center will not push for commercialization, but if the government shows interest, it could be developed further. Unfortunately, I don’t believe that will happen,” Pun commented in an interview with Tekpana.
The successful testing of the paramotor opens up new possibilities for the adventure tourism sector in Nepal, but the device’s future depends on government approval and support for commercialization.
Source: TechPana
