Code for Charity, a program dedicated to empowering Nepali NGOs and schools through free and accessible technology, has been selected as one of the 13 semi-finalists for the Social Innovation ICT Award 2025. The announcement follows a rigorous evaluation process conducted by the ICT Award organizing committee and esteemed jury members.
The Social Innovation ICT Award recognizes impactful projects that leverage technology to address social challenges and uplift communities. Code for Charity’s selection marks a significant milestone for the initiative, which has been quietly building digital capacity for nonprofits, students, and local institutions across Nepal.
A Showcase of Innovation at the Startup & Idea Fest 2025
As part of the selection process, Code for Charity joined more than 100 digital startups and innovators from all seven provinces at the Startup & Idea Fest 2025, held on 13–14 November 2025 at Anupam Foodland, Battisputali.
The two-day exhibition, which drew over 15,000 visitors, featured:
80+ digital startups and innovations
Semi-finalists from Category A (Startup ICT Award, Product ICT Award, Rising Star Innovation ICT Award, Social Innovation ICT Award)
Exhibitors from across Nepal’s growing tech ecosystem
Code for Charity showcased its work supporting NGOs and schools through community-driven tech development and mentoring young developers to build meaningful, real-world solutions for underserved communities. Visitors, jury members, entrepreneurs, and government representatives were able to engage directly with the team, learn about their mission, and cast public votes through the event’s on-site voting system.
Pitching at the Grand Jury Session
Watch the 2 minute clip from 5-minute pitch at https://youtu.be/EZ2awT0l2MA?list=PL2-zdcylWLT4PgL5hrK_6pPx_HzrDZ6q9&t=642
Following the exhibition, the semi-finalists participated in the Grand Jury Session on 15 November 2025, where teams delivered formal presentations and participated in Speed Dating rounds with judges.
Following the presentation, the president Aashish Panthi and Executive Member Nitisha Lawot engaged in a speed dating round, where they had to visit each jury member for 3 minutes and answer the questions the jury asked.
These interactions will determine the Top 5 finalists for the Social Innovation ICT Award 2025. Results will be announced by 19 December 2025.
Toward the Grand Finale
The Grand Finale of the ICT Award 2025 will take place on 19 December 2025, where the winners across all major categories will be announced.
For Code for Charity, being recognized at this national platform is both an achievement and a motivation to expand its mission—bridging the digital divide by empowering nonprofits, students, and communities through accessible technology and youth leadership.
