By Blake Jackson
A Kentucky State University graduate student has received a $15,000 award through the 2026 Kentucky Commercialization Ventures IMPACT Competition for developing an artificial intelligence tool aimed at helping Kentucky woodland owners better manage their forests.
Nischal Sapkota, who is pursuing a Master of Science in Environmental Science and Technology in the College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources, created AI-Forester as part of his graduate research under the guidance of Dr. Manisha Parajuli.
The technology is designed to identify tree species while providing information on timber value, forest health, tree care, and potential pest or disease issues.
“My master’s research uses artificial intelligence to recognize tree species and assess tree conditions,” Sapkota said.
“AI-Forester takes that science and turns it into a practical tool a landowner can use. The goal is to help Kentucky families understand, utilize, and protect what they own.”
Unlike standard nature identification apps, AI-Forester is intended to deliver forestry-specific insights, including commercial timber value, management recommendations, and connections to professional forestry resources.
The tool is specifically designed for Kentucky’s hardwood forests, where most forestland is privately owned and many landowners have limited access to forestry expertise.
Dr. Parajuli said the recognition demonstrates how academic research can solve real-world challenges.
“AI-Forester has the potential to make forestry knowledge more accessible to landowners and help them make informed decisions about tree identification, timber value, and forest health,” Dr. Parajuli said.
The Kentucky Commercialization Ventures IMPACT Competition supports university researchers in transforming innovative ideas into practical solutions that benefit communities across the Commonwealth.
Over the next 12 months, Sapkota and Dr. Parajuli will develop a working prototype, build a Kentucky-focused image library of hardwood tree species, and test the application with woodland owners. Their long-term objective is to make AI-Forester widely available throughout Kentucky.
“Winning this award is an honor, and it is also an opportunity to represent Kentucky State,” Sapkota said.
“It gives this idea a real chance to grow into something that can serve Kentucky’s woodland families for years to come. I would like to thank my adviser, Dr. Parajuli, for encouraging me to apply for this opportunity and for guiding me throughout the development of this idea.”
Photo Credit: gettyimages-paul-hartley
Categories: Kentucky, Education