eSewa to host three-day hackathon in Sauraha, Chitwan

KATHMANDU: eSewa, Nepal’s leading digital payment service provider, is set to hold the 'eSewa Hackathon 2026' from May 29 to 31 in Sauraha, Chitwan. The event is being organised in collaboration with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

Twenty teams with 63 participants selected from across the country will take part in the three-day residential competition. Participants are expected to present fintech designs and solution prototypes that can be applied in real-world settings, with an emphasis on digital system development, cybersecurity and environmental sustainability.

eSewa said the hackathon aims to bring young people together to share ideas, build digital solutions and encourage innovation and entrepreneurship in the technology sector. During the event, teams will receive mentoring from leaders in fintech, cybersecurity and information technology to help refine their ideas and develop workable prototypes.

eSewa Chief Executive Officer Jagdish Khadka said he expects the hackathon to help develop problem-solving thinking among youth and contribute to sustainable development. “The eSewa Hackathon will bring developers, designers, and innovators together on a single platform to create effective solutions related to digital system development, cybersecurity, and environmental sustainability,” Khadka said. “We believe that initiatives like this not only encourage innovative thinking and creativity among young people, but also play an important role in building a secure fintech ecosystem and supporting environmental conservation.”

The top teams will receive cash prizes at the close of the event. The winning team will be awarded Rs 300,000, while the second and third-place teams will receive Rs 200,000 and Rs 100,000, respectively.