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David Swicegood speaking at the American Center in Kathmandu, Nepal under the U.S. Speaker Program

International Press

Nepal Shouldn't Adopt AI for AI's Sake, Says US AI Entrepreneur David Swicegood

Republica (Kathmandu, Nepal) · August 1, 2026 · By Sara Pahari

7Lift.ai founder and Chief AI Officer David Swicegood was selected by the US State Department to speak on artificial intelligence in Nepal under the U.S. Embassy's Speaker Program. During his five-day visit, he met with business leaders, startup founders, policymakers, university students, and entrepreneurs to discuss how AI can support business growth, innovation, and Nepal's digital economy.

In an interview with Republica, Nepal's leading English-language daily, Swicegood urged businesses to start with the problem, not the technology:

"A business leader doesn't have to come up with money out of nowhere to pay for AI. They're already wasting money in a certain area, and if AI can solve that problem, the money to pay for that service is right there in the solution of the problem."

Read the Full Article on Republica →

On the Ground in Nepal

Highlights from David Swicegood's week-long U.S. Speaker Program visit to Kathmandu — trainings, conferences, and roundtables with business leaders, startup founders, policymakers, and students.

David Swicegood presenting an AI workshop to founders and entrepreneurs in Kathmandu, Nepal — Leading a workshop for founders and entrepreneurs on applying AI to real business problems.

David Swicegood at a roundtable discussion at iHub Kathmandu with U.S. Embassy representatives — Roundtable at iHub Kathmandu with business and innovation leaders.

Audience members asking questions during David Swicegood's AI session in Kathmandu, featured by the U.S. Embassy Nepal — Audience Q&A during a session in Kathmandu — featured by the U.S. Embassy Nepal.

David Swicegood speaking with a microphone during an AI training session in Nepal — Sharing practical, problem-first AI strategies with Nepali business leaders.

David Swicegood on a panel with policymakers and private-sector leaders in Kathmandu, Nepal — Panel session with investors, policymakers, and private-sector leaders.

A young founder asking a question during David Swicegood's session on monetizing AI solutions in Nepal — Young founders discussing how to monetize AI solutions and find customer demand.

David Swicegood networking with entrepreneurs and community members in Kathmandu, Nepal — Connecting with entrepreneurs and community members after a session.

Why This Matters for Your Business

The same practical, ROI-first approach to AI that earned international recognition is what we bring to every client engagement in the Inland Northwest and beyond:

Recognized Expertise

Selected by the US State Department to represent American AI expertise abroad — the same guidance is available to businesses in Coeur d'Alene, Spokane, and across the Inland Northwest.

Problem-First AI

Don't adopt AI for AI's sake. We start with the operational problems already costing you money, then apply AI where the return pays for the investment.

Work With Internationally Recognized AI Leadership

Schedule a strategy call with David Swicegood to discuss how a problem-first AI approach can deliver measurable results in your business.

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