ICT Award 2024: Semifinalists Announced Across Four Major Categories

The nomination process for the 9th ICT Award, a prestigious event in Nepal's information and communication technology sector, has concluded, with over 700 participants across 14 categories. A 14-member expert jury is currently selecting the best entries. Semifinalists have been announced for four categories:

1. Startup ICT Award 2024: Top 10 startups selected from 45 entries, including Abhiyantriki Karmashala, Basiyo Services, Crimson Tech, and more.
2. Product ICT Award 2024: Top 13 products selected from 40 nominations, including APIMS, Basio, EmediWare, and others.
3. Rising Star Innovation 2024: Top 12 innovations chosen from over 60 applications, such as AeroGuard, AI Image Detection, and SpeakUp Nepal.
4. Social Innovation ICT Award 2024: Top 13 innovations selected from 35 nominations, including AI Policy Tracker, GeoKrishi, and Safa Nepal.

These entries will be presented to the grand jury, after which the top 5 finalists from each category will be announced. The process includes public voting and office visits before winners are decided.

The jury is also reviewing nominations in digital education, services, and governance. Other individual award categories like Pioneer, Entrepreneurs, and Woman Icon will be selected post-Dashain. The South Asia Startup Award nominations are still ongoing, with jury members from India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan. Pre-event programs, such as the Startup Fest and Bootcamp, will begin after Tihar, leading up to the grand finale on December 20 at the Hyatt Regency. The organizers emphasize transparency and fairness throughout the selection process.