NavaNexa Tech launches NChat, Nepal's first communication-first super app

KATHMANDU: NavaNexa Tech launched NChat, Nepal’s first communication‑first super app, at a public event held at KMC College in Kathmandu on Saturday.

NavaNexa said NChat, developed in Nepal over nearly 11 months, is available for download on iOS and Android from today, and is designed around a CPS model — Communication, Payments and Services. The company said the app allows users to message, make voice and video calls, send voice notes and use real‑time translation, and that users can make payments, book services and shop directly from conversations.

“NChat is built for Nepal’s realities — simple to use, fast, and designed to bring multiple daily needs into one trusted platform,” said Dhiren Hamal, founder and chief executive officer of NavaNexa Tech.

The company said the app is designed to be inclusive and accessible across age groups, including senior citizens and users who may face challenges with typing or reading. Features include real‑time English‑to‑Nepali translation, text‑to‑audio functionality and voice‑to‑text conversion, with plans to add more local languages.

A key element of NChat is an in‑app app store and a mini‑app ecosystem that NavaNexa said will allow startups and local businesses to create simple web pages or mini‑apps without coding. The company said business owners can use a drag‑and‑drop interface to showcase products, communicate with customers and receive orders. “NChat empowers entrepreneurs to go online quickly and connect directly with their customers,” said Charles Shahi, chief technology officer at NavaNexa Tech.

The launch ceremony included a symbolic inauguration by representatives of five generations — Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, Generation Z and Generation Alpha — which organisers said underlined the app’s aim to be inclusive across age groups.

Speakers at the event welcomed the initiative. Dr Nanda Bahadur Singh, senior professor and former vice‑chancellor of Mid‑West University, said NChat has the potential to strengthen Nepal’s digital ecosystem and urged the development of enabling policies and legal frameworks. Dr Tshering Lama, executive chairperson and co‑founder of Idea Studio Nepal, encouraged public support for a national technology platform and stressed the importance of continuous improvement.

The launch programme featured a video premiere, leadership presentations, a live product overview, a moderated question‑and‑answer session, media interaction and networking.

NavaNexa Tech is a Nepal‑based technology company focused on building digital products to simplify communication and support business growth. NChat is described by the company as a Nepal‑built super app based on the CPS model, offering chat, calls, translation and a growing mini‑app ecosystem.