Scholarship support gave Abhishek Kansakar the chance to study at his global university of choice – and now he’s giving back by generating positive change in Melbourne.
The Nepal native is taking great strides in his emerging career, launching Electrify Infinite just two years after completing his Master of Finance at Melbourne Business School, part of the University of Melbourne.
Abhishek’s start-up is a software solution that will help make electric vehicles and their charging stations more efficient and convenient for consumers.
“My company Electrify Infinite aims to enable sustainable transportation one charge at a time,” he said.
For Abhishek, his start-up is more than just a business. It fulfils a personal goal he is passionate about – contributing to Victoria and Australia’s net-zero greenhouse gas emission targets.
“I am dedicated to the mission of Electrify Infinite and I draw inspiration from my past experiences and a profound belief in the planet's abundant natural resources,” said Abhishek.
He feels that innovative ideas that can help Australians live more sustainably are needed now more than ever.
“As the Earth's temperature briefly surpassed the critical 2-degree Celsius threshold above pre-industrial levels, it serves as a stark warning, urging immediate action.”
From Nepal to Melbourne
Abhishek said that from an early age, his answer to what he wanted to be when he grew up was “consistently centred around wanting to be an entrepreneur”.
Throughout school, Abhishek pursued classes in business and mathematics, knowing this would put him on the right path to realise his dreams.
When it came time to attend university, Abhishek had many scholarship offers for support from institutions around the world. In the end, he followed his intuition to make the decision.
“An inner voice guided me towards Victoria as the ideal place to pursue my academic and personal goals,” said Abhishek.
“Whether it was the distinguished reputation of the University of Melbourne, considered the top university in Australia, or the vibrant atmosphere of Melbourne as a city, I was certain that this was the destination where I could thrive.”
And so, Abhishek enrolled in a Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Melbourne in 2016.
Although he felt privileged to be able to attend university, it came with its challenges as he was the first in the family to do so.
“There was no familial precedent or guidance, making the transition into higher education more self-directed,” said Abhishek.
“Balancing the demands of coursework, part-time employment, and cultural assimilation required time management skills and perseverance.”
Specifically, Abhishek recalled the difficulty of settling into Melbourne without any family or friends nearby to support him.
“I began working in hospitality within weeks of arriving in Melbourne while adjusting to a new education system and the expectations of university life.”
Thankfully, through the support of several scholarships and awards, Abhishek received some financial support that allowed him to focus on what mattered most.
“The scholarships I received allowed me to concentrate on my studies without the constant concern about financial constraints,” said Abhishek.
“This focus not only enabled me to excel academically but also positioned me to secure additional scholarships and awards.”
Abhishek receiving the Victorian International Alumnus of the Year award from the State Government of Victoria in 2023.
In addition to his diligent efforts and dedication, Abhishek partly credits his achievement of First Class Honours for his Master of Finance to the support he received. He was also the recipient of the prestigious Melbourne Business School Deputy Dean Award.
As such, he knows how valuable financial support is to deserving students in need.
“Scholarships empower students to channel their efforts wholeheartedly into academic pursuits and achieving their goals,” he explained.
“This, in turn, creates an environment where individuals can truly realise their academic potential.”
He also noted that scholarships not only help students immensely during university but can also enable greater opportunities afterwards.
Harnessing support
One way that scholarships and awards can achieve this is by gifting students precious time that they can use to develop additional skills and networks.
In Abhishek’s case, he lived at the residential college International House during his time at the University and the support he received helped him leverage every opportunity the college provided him.
“During my time there, I held essential roles such as the Library Assistant and Residential Assistant, which enhanced my sense of responsibility,” he said.
He also took on committee roles in student clubs, including the University of Melbourne Student Union International and MINT.
“The combination of scholarships, club involvement, and staff positions not only facilitated the completion of my degree but also served as a comprehensive preparation for my future career.”
With his young career already well underway, Abhishek was honoured with the Victorian International Alumnus of the Year award by the State Government of Victoria in 2023 for his contributions to the Victorian community.
Further to these achievements, Abhishek also has long-term ambitions for Electrify Infinite and the impact it can have in Australia.
“Through collaboration with partners and government entities, I aim to propel the transition to electric vehicles and envision a future where sustainable practices flourish,” he said.
Beyond his burgeoning start-up, Abhishek also plans to spread his talents throughout other areas of sustainable businesses in Victoria and Australia, and ultimately, create a brighter future for all.
“My aspiration is to not only expand Electrify Infinite but also immerse myself in additional renewable energy projects,” he said.
“I want to foster a sustainable future for generations to come.”