Nepal’s technological landscape is evolving fast, and the ICT Award 2025 is emerging as a pivotal platform that recognizes and supports the brightest ideas, products, and startups in the country. Recently, the organizers unveiled the semifinalists across multiple categories startups, products, rising innovations, and social impact projects marking an important milestone in Nepal’s digital journey.

The Scale and Scope of ICT Award 2025

This year’s ICT Award received over 300 nominations nationwide, reflecting how deeply technology is penetrating every sector. The selection process is rigorous: after an initial evaluation, the top contenders moved to the semifinal round. These startups and innovations now enter a phase of mentoring, pitch sessions, and expert reviews, building momentum toward the grand finale.

A jury of 14 domain experts from Nepal, along with several international advisors, is guiding this process. Their role is not just to pick winners, but to help shape and nurture the next generation of tech leaders. The award spans four main categories:

• Startups – recognizing scalable ventures with strong business fundamentals
• Products – focusing on tech solutions that serve real-world needs
• Rising Innovations – ideas and projects from emerging developers or students
• Social Innovation – tech with a purpose, solving social or public challenges

By covering this wide spectrum, the ICT Awards send a strong message: whether your idea is commercial or socially driven, there’s space for it.

Who Made the Semifinals: A Snapshot of the Leading Contenders

The list of semifinalists is diverse, representing various sectors like fintech, health tech, agriculture, logistics, and more. For example:

• Under Startups, names like ARKBO Technologies, Connect Kisan, Bots Industries, and Wiser Esports reflect a broad entrepreneurial base tackling everything from rural connectivity to digital entertainment.
• In the Product category, options such as BizForce360, MY QR, Fitflow, and Lungta eCommerce show how Nepali developers are building tools that streamline business operations and consumer experiences.
• The Rising Innovation section includes bold, forward-looking projects many driven by student teams or early-stage developers like federated learning in healthcare and AI-based utilities.
• The Social Innovation category highlights projects pushing technology toward inclusion, from digital address systems to community health and governance solutions.

This cross-section of participants demonstrates how the Nepali tech ecosystem is no longer niche it’s growing in depth, breadth, and ambition.

What Comes Next: Mentorship, Pitching & the Final Showdown

Semifinalists won’t just wait behind screens—workshops, mentoring sessions, and “speed-dating” with domain experts will help accelerate their growth. They’ll also face rigorous jury presentations, where clarity, impact, and execution matter. After these stages, the Top 5 finalists in each category will be announced, leading up to the grand finale event.

One exciting highlight: the journey will be showcased on television, giving finalists wider recognition and exposure. For many startups and innovators, this could be a career-defining boost, attracting investors, partners, and media attention.

Another key aspect is the integration of provincial startup awards, creating regional pathways for tech recognition across Nepal, not just in Kathmandu. That expansion helps ensure innovation is not confined to one city but spreads to remote areas.

Why ICT Award 2025 Matters for Nepal’s Future

Validates Local Innovation
Many promising ideas in Nepal struggle to gain visibility. This award gives them a platform and legitimacy. Startups that reach the semifinal stage are already standing out in a crowded field.

Strengthens the Ecosystem
With mentoring, exposure, and networking baked into the process, the ICT Award is building a bridge between ideas and sustainability. Participants can gain connections, guidance, and resources they might not otherwise access.

Elevates Tech with Purpose
By including social innovation, the awards emphasize that technology isn’t just for profit but should solve real challenges health, education, governance, environment. That encourages developers to think beyond code and more about impact.

Promotes Equity Across Regions
The focus on provincial startups ensures that innovation isn’t limited to the capital or tech hubs. It invites participation from all provinces, enabling local solutions to rise to national prominence.

Showcases Nepal on a Broader Stage
With international jury members and regional awards, ICT Award 2025 positions Nepal as a growing player in South Asia’s tech map. It signals to investors, partners, and global networks that Nepal’s tech potential is real.

Reflection & Outlook

ICT Award 2025 has done more than name a few winners it’s creating a narrative: innovation belongs to all Nepalis. With over 300 entries, dozens of semifinalists, and a clear roadmap toward the grand finale, the award catalyzes momentum.

For entrepreneurs, this means opportunity. Projects that make it this far can attract investment, partnerships, or media attention. For students or new developers, it’s a chance to prototype and test ideas. For Nepal as a country, it’s proof that technology is becoming central to its growth story.

In the months ahead, watch for the finalists who make their mark not just with polished presentations, but with living, impactful solutions. And no matter who wins, the visibility and energy generated will push Nepal’s tech community forward stronger than ever.

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