
Kathmandu Model College (KMC), Bagbazar, will host the 12th International Joint Conference on Convergence (IJCC 2026) from February 3 to 6, 2026, alongside the prestigious Korean-led International Design and Exchange Exhibition from February 2 to 4, 2026. These events position Nepal as a growing hub for global academic exchange in artificial intelligence, convergence technologies, innovation, culture, and sustainability.
IJCC 2026 provides a timely forum for high-level scholarly discussion and policy-oriented intervention at the intersections of AI, digital governance, sustainability, and interdisciplinary innovation. The conference addresses global and regional demand for applied, ethical convergence research that bridges advanced technologies with the developmental challenges of emerging economies such as Nepal. Organized in collaboration with leading Korean institutions, including the International Institute of Business Convergence (IIBC), International Promotion Agency for Culture Technology (IPACT), Visual Information Design of Korea (VIDAK), and Knowledge Forest, along with Nepal Open University (NOU), the event will gather over 70 scholars from more than 10 Korean universities alongside Nepali academicians.
Keynote addresses will be delivered by Prof. Subarna Shakya of the Institute of Engineering, Pulchowk Campus, Tribhuvan University, on “The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Transforming E-Government Services.” A dedicated AI seminar will follow, featuring Prof. Yeonhee Kim of Hoseo University in Korea, who will speak on “Semiconductor Packaging and the Era of Artificial Intelligence.” The conference will also feature a concluding keynote address by Prof. Sung-do Chi of Korea Aerospace University on “AI Meets Buddhism,” underscoring the academic, cultural, and policy dimensions of the event.
The scholarly program of IJCC 2026 features poster sessions chaired by Prof. Gyoosuck Choi, Prof. Sunmun Park, and Prof. Kihong Kim, along with five parallel technical sessions led by senior scholars from Korea and Nepal. Under the theme “Advanced and Applied Convergence for a Smarter, Sustainable Future,” research presentations will span AI engineering, IoT, blockchain, environmental AI, smart manufacturing, fintech, hydropower sustainability, education technology, and social sciences. These sessions will foster critical discussion and debate, generating actionable insights for academics, policymakers, and industry stakeholders while highlighting both global innovation and Nepal-specific applications.
The conference will facilitate multiple MoU signings among Korean and Nepali universities and research centers, establishing a framework for long-term collaboration in research, academic mobility, and capacity building.
Speaking ahead of the event, Mr. Surendra Subedi, Campus Chief of KMC, expressed: “IJCC 2026 is more than a conference for us; it represents a collective academic mission. At KMC, we are deeply committed to fostering a vibrant research culture by creating platforms where global scholarship meets the Nepalese local context.” He emphasized that hosting this event reflects KMC’s vision to function as a dynamic platform for transdisciplinary research and to strengthen connections between Nepali scholars and the global community.
Complementing the academic sessions, the 2026 VIDAK [K_Color]: International Exchange Exhibition will be held from February 2 to 4 at the Model Institute of Technology (MIT). Organized by VIDAK, the exhibition explores Korean and Nepali color philosophy, culture, and design, highlighting shared spiritual and aesthetic traditions.
The event will conclude with award distributions and certification ceremonies, reinforcing KMC’s role as a catalyst for research leadership and international collaboration in the region.
Date : February 3-6, 2026
Venue: KMC, Bagbazar, Kathmandu, Nepal
Mode: Fully in-person
Conference Details: http://eng.iibc.kr/iconf/ijcc2026/index.php