10th ICT Awards finale highlights ICT role in disaster response, election readiness

KATHMANDU: The finale of the 10th ICT Awards took place in Lalitpur on Friday. Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Jagadish Kharel, was the chief guest at the event organised annually by Living with ICT.

Addressing the programme, Minister Kharel said the proper use of information and communication technology helped minimise the impact of natural disasters — floods and landslides — this time. He added that the government would consult this year’s ICT award winners and urged organisers to pick award candidates who would inspire efforts to make the forthcoming March 5 election technology‑friendly. According to him, ICT can be utilised for progress in health, education, employment and public service.

Minister Kharel, who is also the government spokesperson, said, “I remember the Gen‑Z youths who were martyred on September 8. The Digital Nepal and good governance were envisioned by the youths. The government is with the youths who are committed to innovation.”

On the occasion, Vice‑Chairman of National Planning Commission, Dr Prakash Kumar Shrestha, reminded attendees that the 16th periodic plan aims at increasing production and productivity by leveraging ICT.

Razan Lamsal, Founder and Chairperson of the ICT Awards, said the organisation has spent 10 years identifying, connecting and building an ecosystem for those striving to create an impact within the country. “While the government seems to be the main driver of ICT development, the private sector also needs encouragement for involvement and participation,” he said.

The award is presented to those who have made outstanding achievements and shown excellence in the field of Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

This year’s winners in category A included ARKBO Technologies, which won the inDrive Startup ICT Award 2025, and QuickCCA, which won the Product ICT Award 2025. Mind Bridge received the Rising Star Innovation Award 2025, and Kataho Digital Address received the Social Innovation Award 2025.

In category B, the Pioneer ICT Award 2025 was presented to Allen Bailochan Tuladhar, and the Entrepreneur ICT Award 2025 was awarded to Bibhusan Bista. The Professional Excellence ICT Award 2025 was presented to Ram Krishna Pariyar, Munni Rajbhandari received the Women Icon ICT Award 2025, and the Nepal Diaspora ICT Award went to Dinesh Silwal.

Category C winners included the Social Security Fund, which received the Digital Governance Award 2025; Narayani Model Secondary School, which won the Digital Education ICT Award 2025 (public sector); and Kopila Valley School, which won the Digital Education ICT Award 2025 (private sector). NMB Bank won the Digital Services ICT Award 2025 (enterprise sector), while Ambition Guru was awarded the Digital Services ICT Award 2025 (neo sector).

In category D, Priyoshop.com of Bangladesh won the South Asia Startup ICT Award 2025. The HamroPay Public Choice ICT Award 2025 was presented to Trip Turbo, and the Jury Mention ICT Award 2025 was given to VayuDrishti.

In category E, the Province Startup ICT Recognition 2025 went to Medicab Technologies in Koshi; Janaki Soft International in Madhesh; Cloud Mandap in Bagmati; Brand Builder in Gandaki; Golden Technosoft IT Solutions in Lumbini; Everest Wireless Networks in Karnali; and BG Infotechs in Sudurpaschim.

The award show stands as evidence that Nepal’s ICT sector is growing and has potential. It encourages individuals and groups to innovate, create and think outside the box, and to demonstrate their capabilities to the world.