Kathmandu/  The ICT Award 2024, recognized as the most prestigious and popular award in Nepal’s ICT sector, has announced the top 5 nominees in four categories. These categories are Startup ICT Award, Product ICT Award, Rising Star Innovation ICT Award, and Social Innovation ICT Award.

The selection process for the top 5 nominees included a Grand Jury Session conducted on Mangsir 1 from 7 AM to 7 PM. The semifinalists presented their ideas, innovations, and startups to a panel of 14 expert jury members through presentations and speed dating sessions.  

Special television episodes showcasing these presentations are being broadcast on Kantipur Television, highlighting the innovation and ideas of the participants.  

Top 5 Nominees in Various Categories
- Startup ICT Award: Basiyo Services Pvt. Ltd., Crimson Tech Pvt. Ltd., Fantasy Games Pvt. Ltd., Geovation Nepal Pvt. Ltd., and Health Yad Aayo Pvt. Ltd.  
- Product ICT Award : APIMS Management System, E - Nirman, G kavach, Khatapana Web, and Koili.  

- Rising Star Innovation ICT Award: Bali Bigyan, Dr. Fish, Hypers, SpeakUp Nepal, and Write on AI.  
- Social Innovation ICT Award: Kataho, eKagajpatra, GeoKrishi, LMC Alert, and Safa Nepal.  

Over 300 nominations were received across these four categories. Previously, semifinalists were selected and participated in mentorship sessions, boot camps, industry visits, and the Techspire Startup Idea Fest 2024 held on Kartik 29 and 30.
With the announcement of the top 5, public voting has commenced. Voting can be done via the Hamro Pay platform. The winners in each category will be determined through a combination of jury evaluation and public votes.  
Semifinalists are also eligible to compete for the Public Choice ICT Award 2024. The participant with the highest number of votes through Hamro Pay will receive this award.  

Grand Finale and Other Awards

The winners will be honored at the Grand Finale of the ICT Award 2024, scheduled for Poush 8, at the Hyatt Regency, Bouddha.  

In addition to these categories, the selection process for other individual and institutional awards is ongoing. These include categories such as Professional Excellence, Pioneer, Entrepreneur, Woman Icon, and Nepali Diaspora ICT Award (individuals); and Digital Education, Digital Governance, and Digital Services (institutions).  

The South Asia Startup ICT Award category is also in progress, with over 100 applications received from SAARC countries. Jury members from India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka are involved in the selection process.  
Additionally, one startup from each of Nepal’s seven provinces will receive the Provincial Startup ICT Recognition, promoting startups in regional areas. Startup meetups were conducted in all seven provinces as part of this initiative.  

About the ICT Award

Organized by Living with ICT since 2016, the ICT Award is now in its ninth edition. The selection process, which spans six months, includes over 25 jury meetings and numerous pre-events.  

The award is supported by the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, the Department of Information Technology, Nepal Telecommunications Authority, and NAST. Key collaborators include Ncell, Nepal QR (In Association), and Smarten Technologies (Powered By). Other partners include Rastriya Banijya Bank, MIT College, Hamro Patro, and the ICT Foundation.  
The event features 14 jury members and a 13-member advisory committee and is regarded as the premier award in Nepal’s ICT sector.