ICT Award 2021 calls for online nominations in 11 different categories

Living with ICT has started the online nomination of the sixth edition of the ICT Award from 22 June 2021 up to 31 July 2021 with nominations in 11 different categories.

Interested individuals, organizations, companies, and products, or anyone on behalf of them can register via ictaward.org and select the relevant category and fill the form.

Alleged as one of the prestigious awards in the field of Information and Communication Technology, the nomination of this edition of ICT Awards has been opened online in view of the declining rates of the second wave of COVID-19. Last year, amid the transition period of the first wave, winners of the ICT Award 2020 across 12 categories were honored at a special event at the Soaltee Hotel on 23 December 23 2020 through the nomination including the selection process through a virtual medium.

This year, even the selection committee meetings will be virtual that comprise above two dozen jury and advisors.

The ICT Award commenced in 2016 and has honored over 50 individuals, organizations, companies, and products in several categories.

Living with ICT reported more than 400 online applications in last year’s Huawei ICT Award. This year, more than 12 individuals will be selecting winners in different stages conducting different selection processes for 3 months. After 3 rounds of selection in the Startup, Product, Student Star Innovation category, public voting will be conducted by declaring the top 5. Similarly, in the other genres, 4 different stages of virtual selection and field visits will also be conducted.

Speaking at the conference, Razan Lamsal, coordinator of the organizing committee, said that the award needs to be refined and expanded every year. He added that the ICT Award is a campaign to explore possibilities and excellence in the field of communication and technology.

Similarly, Jury Coordinator Sushil Pokhrel and Chief Jury Coordinator Hempal Shrestha stated that the ICT Award should be made standard and credible from all quarters. PhD.Dr. Shuvarna Shakya said that the ICT award was the most reliable and fairest of the awards held in Nepal.

Former Minister Ganesh Shah also said that the ICT sector should be expanded, and this award has been making it meaningful.

Award winners will receive various services and facilities with special honors. Winners of Startup, Product, Rising Star categories will also get concessional loan facility and investment opportunity.

Now, let’s quickly take a look at each award category in ICT Award sixth edition.

Startup ICT Award

Companies registered during the last 3 years can apply in this category. They must be registered while operating in accordance with the prevailing laws of Nepal. The Startup promotes and encourages companies working in the field of IT products, services, and innovation. Last year, Cryptogen Nepal Pvt. Ltd. was the winner in this category.

Product ICT Award

Nominations for IT and Innovative Products developed by any Nepali company, organization, group, or individual can be registered in the ICT Product Award. Nominations can be registered in this category for the IT products that have been made public from Baisakh 2077 to mid-Chaitra 2078. Last year CPFDS AML & KYC Management System was the winner.

Rising Star Innovation ICT Award

Nominations can be registered for the Rising Star Innovation ICT Award for research, innovation, and projects prepared by college and university students and youths under 30 years of age. Last year, St. Xavier’s College’s Student ‘Sanchai Chhau’ won the award in this category.

Pioneer ICT Award

This award is given to a veteran who has made outstanding contributions in the field of information and communication technology. Last year, Nilkantha Upreti was honored with this award.

Nepali Diaspora ICT Award

This award will be given to a person of Nepalese origin who is living abroad by appreciating his / her contribution in the field of information technology of the country. Last year, Nepali Gaurav Raj Upadhyaya working at Amazon received the award.

Entrepreneur ICT Award

Entrepreneur ICT Award will be given to Nepali entrepreneurs active in the field of information technology. Last year, Vinay Bohara, Managing Director of Vianet, was the winner in this category.

Woman ICON ICT Award

The Woman Icon ICT Award is aimed at Nepalese women working in the field of information technology. Last year, Prof. Timila Yami Thapa was honored with this category.

Digital Education ICT Award (Public Sector)

The Digital Education ICT Award is given to the government and community educational institutions with the objective of encouraging the education sector to become digital and technology-friendly. Last year, Budhanilkantha School received an award in this category.

Digital Education ICT Award (Private Sector)

The Digital Education ICT Award (Private Sector) category has been added this year with the aim of encouraging private sector educational institutions as well. Private schools, colleges, and educational institutions will be able to register nominations for this category.

Digital Governance ICT Award (Public Sector)

Successful government agencies, bodies, departments, or municipalities will be able to register nominations in this category by digitizing government services and facilities to provide technology-friendly services to the citizens. Last year, the Inland Revenue Department received the Digital Governance ICT Award.

Digital Services ICT Award (Private Sector)

In this category, private sector organizations, limited companies, or companies serving the public can register nominations. Apart from IT and software companies, other service-oriented private sector companies will also be able to participate in this category, which was added from this year.

Similarly, last year, Covid 19 targeted genre, Ncell Innovation Driven Crisis Response ICT Award was awarded to Paila Emergency Resuscitator. Kiran Acharya and Hamro Swasthya received the Media Person Award and Jury Mention Award 2020 respectively.