Government's Strategic Shift and a Comprehensive IT Ecosystem
Nepal's government is moving away from a fragmented approach to IT development towards a comprehensive strategy that actively integrates the contributions of the Nepali diaspora. This new policy framework, a "collaboration for strength sharing," aims to overcome challenges like bureaucratic hurdles and brain drain by creating a supportive national innovation ecosystem.
The strategy is built on key pillars
Enabling Policy Environment: The government plans to simplify regulations with a "Startup Nepal Action Plan" to encourage investment. It also aims to foster an innovation culture in academia through a policy that provides clear guidelines on intellectual property (IP) ownership for student and faculty startups.
Robust Infrastructure: Investments are being made in physical and digital infrastructure, including innovation labs in schools and Technology Business Incubators & Research Parks to support student entrepreneurs creating "Brain Gain" Opportunities. The government is seeking to retain and attract skilled professionals by creating fulfilling career paths within the country. A new mentorship platform will formally connect young entrepreneurs with experienced diaspora professionals to facilitate knowledge sharing. Targeted funding mechanisms like the Startup Nepal Seed Fund Scheme and a Government Startup Fund are being introduced to provide early-stage capital and make it easier for entrepreneurs to secure loans.
Key Industry Data and Global Presence
The IT sector's growing importance with strong data points: The ICT sector is projected to contribute 1.94% to Nepal's GDP in FY 2024/25, representing a consistent upward trend. IT service exports were valued at approximately USD 515 million in 2022, a substantial 64.2% growth from the previous year. Nepal’s startup ecosystem is ranked among the top 110 countries globally, with a government goal to incubate 10,000 new enterprises. The outsourcing industry is growing, with about 124 new IT and BPO companies registered in FY 2024/25, attracting foreign firms like Deloitte and IBM.
Nepali IT companies are gaining global recognition through organized delegations and individual efforts at events like the Shared Services and Outsourcing Week (SSOW) Conference in Orlando and the Nepal IT Roadshow Australia.
My Personal Contribution to Nepal's IT Landscape
As a pioneering figure I pioneered IT Education and Policy: Iinitiated Nepal's first formal academic IT programs and were instrumental in launching BE, ME, and PhD programs through a collaboration with IITs. You authored the government's first comprehensive report on the IT industry in the mid-1990s and advocated for high-quality education tailored to global standards. I championed Entrepreneurship and Global Representation: I founded one of Nepal's first software companies in 1991, training the first generation of IT professionals. I was also the first to represent Nepal’s technical capabilities internationally at events like CeBIT Hannover Expo. My recent global travels and leadership in chairing the ICT conference for NRNs from 59 countries demonstrate a continued commitment to promoting Nepal's IT sector globally.
I drove Social Impact: My "Nepal Has Got ICT Talents" movement has inspired young people to achieve international victories. Currently, I am focused on social services, promoting AI-assisted tools in agriculture, health, and education for rural students, including women empowerment.
In conclusion, there is a need fpr a crucial shift by the Nepali government to leverage the diaspora's talent and capital for national development. This comprehensive strategy, built on policy, infrastructure, and financial support, aims to transform Nepal into a competitive tech hub—a vision that aligns with and builds upon the pioneering efforts Ihave championed for decades.