Science & Technology

Chiranjibi Adhikari has officially taken over as the acting president of the Federation of Computer Association Nepal (CAN Federation) following the resignation of Sunaina Ghimire Pandey. Adhikari, a cybersecurity expert, has outlined a commitment to transforming Nepal into a global digital powerhouse by prioritizing domestic software, advocating for IT industry recognition, and implementing AI governance.

Tele Talk Pvt. Ltd., an entity of Ramesh Corp, has opened a new POCO Service Center in Sanepa, Kathmandu. The facility will offer authorized after-sales service and technical support for POCO smartphones and related devices, aiming to enhance customer support accessibility in the Kathmandu Valley.

FinTech International Pvt. Ltd. has introduced a smart card and offline QR-based digital fare payment system for Nepal's public transport sector to modernize operations and reduce fare disputes. The system uses validator machines with GPS and geo-fencing, allowing passengers to tap in and tap out, with fares deducted based on distance traveled. According to CEO Amit Shrestha, the initiative aims to bring technological advancement to a sector still reliant on traditional cash payments.

The US Embassy in Nepal organized an AI Innovation Lab Bootcamp for emerging innovators, while the Lumbini Provincial Government has prioritized AI skill development and digital transformation in its upcoming fiscal year policy. Both initiatives aim to enhance technological skills, foster entrepreneurship, and improve public services through digital solutions.

The National AI Hackathon 2026, organized by Kode Dristi Software Pvt. Ltd., is scheduled for June 6-7 in Lalitpur, Nepal, aiming to promote AI adoption and innovation. The event will include a 32-hour hackathon for developers and a post-event investor pitching session for promising AI-based projects.

Technology brand Xiaomi has introduced two new AIoT devices in Nepal: the Xiaomi Tag for tracking personal items and the Redmi Headphones Neo for an enhanced audio experience. The Xiaomi Tag offers features like encrypted tracking and an anti-tracking alert system, while the Redmi Headphones Neo boasts adaptive Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) up to 42dB and a battery life of up to 72 hours.