Hey everyone! I am Binayak Jha, currently a rising sophomore at Franklin & Marshall College, pursuing a double degree in Computer Science & Mathematics, with a minor in Music. Originally from Nepal, I have spent the past year studying in the U.S., but this summer, I got the opportunity to return back to Nepal and work as an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Intern at Xuno, and it was really a transformative experience for me!
Why Xuno?
Choosing to intern at Xuno was a decision driven by both personal and professional motivations. As someone deeply connected to Nepal, having grown up immersed in its rich culture and traditions, getting a chance to work in my own country was not just a professional journey but also a personal journey. It allowed me to reconnect with my roots, spend time with my family, and immerse myself once again in the vibrant life of Kathmandu.
Nepal’s tech scene is evolving rapidly, and Xuno is at the forefront of this transformation. With a focus on innovative solutions to real-world challenges, particularly in the fintech domain, Xuno’s mission—“Driven by the mission of shepherding the world into an equitable and borderless economy”—resonated deeply with me. The company’s emphasis on using AI to solve complex problems in a developing country like Nepal aligned perfectly with my passion for leveraging technology to create tangible impacts.
Personal Connection with my work
One of the most compelling reasons I chose to intern at Xuno was their commitment to solving the challenges of cross-border payments. Having experienced firsthand the difficulties my family and I faced with international money transfers, working on a solution to this issue felt deeply personal and meaningful. The opportunity to contribute to a project that directly addresses a problem affecting so many people in Nepal and around the world was incredibly fulfilling.
Diving into AI at Xuno
During my internship, I was particularly drawn to Xuno’s innovative approach to integrating AI into their projects. This aligned perfectly with my academic interests and provided me with the opportunity to apply my own skills in a real-world context. I worked on projects such as USD to NPR exchange rate analysis and the development of Xuno Matrix, a new infrastructure project. The experience was both challenging and rewarding, as I worked with a talented team of professionals who brought over more than 10+ years of expertise in this field and shared a collective passion for making a difference.
Getting Transformative Experiences and Mentorship
The two months I spent at Xuno were nothing short of transformative. I honed my existing skills, acquired new ones, and gained invaluable insights into the tech and fintech industries within the context of a developing country. This experience not only increased my understanding of AI and its applications but also reinforced my commitment to using technology to drive positive change. Having been interested in the fintech field long before this internship, I was fortunate to have mentors like Bal Dai (Founder) and Rupesh Dai (COO). Their unique perspectives and guidance were instrumental in shaping my approach to problem-solving and innovation in this dynamic industry.
Looking Ahead
Interning at Xuno has been a great moment in my academic and professional journey. It has provided me with experiences that will undoubtedly shape my future career in data science and technology. I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to work with such an inspiring team and to contribute to a company that is making a significant impact in Nepal.
This experience has left me more committed than ever to using technology as a force for good, particularly in contexts where it can have a meaningful and lasting impact.