ICT Award 2026 Opens Nominations in 16 Categories

The online nomination process for the 11th edition of the ICT Award 2026 has officially opened from Shrawan 1, inviting applications from startups, innovators, IT professionals, government and private institutions, educational organizations, digital service providers, and technology companies from across South Asia.

Organized by Living with ICT, the ICT Award is widely recognized as one of Nepal’s largest and most prestigious awards in the information and communication technology sector. The awards recognize outstanding contributions in startups, technological innovation, digital transformation, AI, digital services, and individual achievements in the ICT sector.

The nomination process is open in 16 award categories, divided into four major groups:

1. Startup and Innovation Categories

The first group focuses on startups, products, youth innovation, and technology-based solutions addressing social and environmental challenges.

• Startup ICT Award 2026: For technology-focused startups registered within the last five years.
• Product ICT Award 2026: For software, hardware, applications, AI-based products, and other digital products launched within the last two years.
• Rising Star Innovation ICT Award 2026: For students and youth below 27 years developing technology projects, research, AI innovations, prototypes, or industry solutions.
• Social Innovation ICT Award 2026: For technology-based innovations addressing challenges in areas such as health, education, agriculture, tourism, climate change, governance, and social inclusion.

2. Individual Contribution Awards

The second group recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to Nepal’s ICT sector.

• Pioneer ICT Award 2026: For individuals with at least 20 years of distinguished contribution to the ICT sector.
• Professional Excellence ICT Award 2026: For IT professionals with at least five years of experience and notable contributions.
• Professional Excellence ICT Award 2026 (Woman): For Nepali women IT professionals, entrepreneurs, leaders, and contributors with at least five years of experience.
• Nepali Diaspora ICT Award 2026: For Nepali-origin individuals living abroad who have contributed to Nepal’s digital ecosystem.
• Entrepreneur ICT Award 2026: For Nepali IT entrepreneurs with at least 10 years of business experience and significant contributions to technology, business growth, and employment generation.

3. Digital Transformation and Technology-Friendly Services

This group recognizes government bodies, educational institutions, and businesses that are using technology to improve services.

• Digital Governance ICT Award 2026: For government institutions and local levels using digital technology to improve public services.
• Digital Education ICT Award 2026 (Public Sector): For government and community schools and educational institutions using ICT to modernize education.
• Digital Education ICT Award 2026 (Private Sector): For private educational institutions making notable use of technology in teaching and management.
• Digital Services ICT Award 2026 (Enterprise Sector): For companies, banks, hospitals, insurance firms, and other organizations that have improved service delivery through digital transformation.
• Digital Services ICT Award 2026 (Emerging Sector): For innovative and scalable digital solutions based on AI, machine learning, blockchain, IoT, robotics, and other emerging technologies.

4. South Asian International Awards

The international categories are open to technology companies and startups from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.

• South Asia Startup ICT Award 2026: For technology startups registered within the last five years.
• South Asia AI Innovation ICT Award 2026: For outstanding AI-based products and solutions developed in South Asian countries.

In addition to the 16 categories, the Province Startup ICT Recognition 2026 will honor one outstanding technology startup from each of Nepal’s seven provinces.

The ICT Award 2026 will include more than 25 selection rounds, television programs, startup festivals, and dozens of pre-events over approximately six months before the Grand Finale. A panel of 20 national and international experts will serve on the jury, while an advisory committee comprising more than 15 respected figures from the government and private sector will also be formed.

The Grand Finale is scheduled for the first week of Poush and is expected to bring together more than 1,500 national and international participants. Nominations are open until August 31, and eligible individuals, companies, institutions, startups, and innovations can apply or be nominated by others. Applications are free of cost.