Hi, I am Shrawan Upadhaya Dahal and I had the opportunity to work as a Communication Intern at FabLab Nepal, part of the vibrant innovation ecosystem at Impact Hub Kathmandu. When I first walked into FabLab Nepal, the makerspace immediately captured my curiosity. The lab was filled with machines, prototypes, tools, and ongoing experiments. It was a space where ideas could be turned into tangible creations through technology. What began as an internship quickly turned into an immersive learning experience, one that introduced me not only to digital fabrication technologies but also to a culture of collaboration, curiosity, and continuous growth.
At the beginning, much of it felt unfamiliar. Each machine had its own purpose, process, and learning curve. But that initial curiosity quickly became motivation. Day by day, I began to understand the role of different digital fabrication tools and how they contribute to prototyping and innovation. While everything started as observing and asking questions gradually it evolved into hands-on learning. Over time, I moved from simply understanding what the machines did to being able to operate some of them independently. Seeing a concept move from a digital design to a physical output was incredibly rewarding.
As a Communication Intern, my role extended beyond the machines themselves. I had the chance to observe and document the activities happening within the lab and the wider Impact Hub community. This gave me a deeper understanding of how innovation spaces operate, not just through technology, but through stories, collaboration, and community engagement. Being part of this environment allowed me to see how communication plays an important role in connecting people, ideas, and initiatives within a makerspace. Every project, workshop, and experiment carried a story of learning and creativity. Being able to observe and interact within this community allowed me to see how technology, collaboration, and social innovation intersect. Every day brought new conversations, perspectives, and learning opportunities.
One of the most memorable aspects of my time at FabLab Nepal was the people. From the very beginning, everyone I interacted with was welcoming, humble, and always willing to guide me. No matter what question I had, whether it was about a machine, a process, or an idea, someone was always ready to explain, demonstrate, and help me learn. That openness created an environment where curiosity was encouraged and experimentation was welcomed. More importantly, the people around me were not only supportive but also constantly pushing me forward. Their energy and enthusiasm made every day feel productive and inspiring. While my internship initially centered around FabLab Nepal, becoming familiar with the broader ecosystem of Impact Hub Kathmandu expanded my experience even further.
Interestingly, my internship was connected to the Drone Fundamentals Training under the DEAP Project. My journey with the program itself felt like a full-circle moment. I had originally been selected as an alternative candidate for the training. Later, I was selected to participate. What I did not expect was that this path would eventually lead me to complete an internship within the same organization. Sometimes opportunities unfold in ways we do not anticipate, and this experience was a reminder of how unexpected pathways can lead to meaningful growth.
As this was my first internship, I initially expected to take things slowly and simply go with the flow. However, the dynamic environment of FabLab Nepal and the motivation of the people around me made it impossible to stay passive. Each day presented new learning opportunities and challenges. Instead of simply observing, I found myself increasingly engaged, asking more questions, learning new skills, and understanding the culture of innovation that defines space. Although the internship period was short, every day at FabLab Nepal was memorable. The experience helped me grow not only in technical understanding but also in confidence, curiosity, and professional learning.
Experiences like this show how powerful collaborative spaces can be. FabLab Nepal and Impact Hub Kathmandu create an environment where learning, creativity, and community come together. If the opportunity ever arises again, I would be more than happy to be part of this inspiring community once more, continuing to learn, contribute, and grow alongside such an amazing team.
