Keynote Speaker:
We are deeply honored to welcome a distinguished lineup of keynote speakers who stand at the forefront of global engineering, scientific research, and technological innovation. Our speakers are visionary industry executives, pioneering researchers, and respected policymakers who bring decades of combined leadership and field experience. Having managed multi-million dollar infrastructure projects, advanced breakthrough academic studies, and launched successful entrepreneurial ventures, they embody the highest standards of professional excellence. Their unique insights will bridge advanced technical strategy with practical, real-world solutions, offering our members an invaluable roadmap for building entrepreneurial capabilities and driving sustainable development.
Pravesh Rijal is the Executive Vice President (EVP) and Chief Data & AI Officer at Cross River, a U.S. technology-driven financial institution. He leads the company’s data and artificial intelligence strategy and previously founded and led its Quantitative Strategies division. Before joining Cross River, he held senior quantitative modeling roles at Citigroup. Rijal is originally from Biratnagar, Nepal, holds a Master’s degree in Financial Engineering from New York University, and is pursuing doctoral research at EDHEC Business School. He has been recognized among leading AI professionals for his work at the intersection of AI, quantitative finance, and fintech.
Guest Speakers:
ASNEngr proudly invites a dynamic group of guest speakers, ranging from local and national leaders to trailblazing entrepreneurs and technical experts. These prominent figures bring a wealth of civic insight, regulatory experience, and hands-on knowledge from both regional communities and national policy platforms.
Mr. Sharad Raj Aran is the Chargé d’Affaires a.i./Acting Ambassador at the Embassy of Nepal in Washington, D.C. He joined Nepal’s Civil Service in 2004 and the Foreign Service in 2009, with extensive experience in diplomacy, economic and trade affairs, consular services, and international negotiations.
Prior to his current assignment, he held senior positions at Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and served at Nepal’s embassies in Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, and Brazil. He holds a Master’s degree in Economics from Tribhuvan University and has represented Nepal at major international conferences and multilateral forums.
Entrepreneur Panel:
The ASNEngr Entrepreneur Panel serves as a dynamic launchpad to empower Nepalese engineering professionals with the entrepreneurial capabilities, startup insights, and policy frameworks needed to turn innovative ideas into global businesses. By bringing together visionary founders, industry trailblazers, and regulatory experts, this platform bridges real-world experience with practical mentorship. Attendees will gain the critical business tools and policy guidance necessary to navigate the startup ecosystem, build sustainable ventures, and lead the next wave of technological innovation.