Kathmandu. Innovisa Group has won the two-day ‘Build Nepal Hackathon’ 2026 organized by Mid-Valley International College (MII).
A four-member team of ‘Innovision’ team comprising students Samriddhi Dumre, Grishma Karki, Prachi Magar and Prince KC won the grand prize of Rs 50,000 in the hackathon held at Mid-Valley International College, Kathmandu on Saturday and Sunday (August 1 and 2).
The group had presented a technology-based solution to solve the problems faced by farmers due to the increasing monkey menace in rural areas.
Likewise, the group ‘Sentinas’ with the students of Mid-Valley International College which presented the concept of managing the transport sector through digital technology became the runner-up. The team comprising Shishir Neupane, Sanjritti Timilsina and Aditya Bhandari bagged Rs 25,000 each.
The hackathon, organized by Mid-Valley International College, saw the participation of more than 60 youths divided into 21 multidisciplinary teams. Participants ranging from 16 to 24 years of age applied Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), robotics, and CLOUD technologies to create a functional model and a minimum viable product focused on solving real problems in Nepal.
The participants competed to develop innovative solutions in six thematic areas, namely Smart City, Smart Agriculture, Education and Learning, Tourism and Heritage, Cyber Security and Digital Economy.
Reetal Rana, managing director of Mid-Valley International College, thanked all the participants of the hackathon and said that the use of new technology has been increasing rapidly in recent years. She said that although students have new ideas, their impact would be limited if they are not presented.
“No matter how good an idea is in the minds of the students, it cannot be utilized if it is not presented,” she said, “Many people and families can benefit from such programs if the ideas and technology are made public.” ’
In the program, Alpha Beta Chief Subhash Thapa said that they will be supporting the students in the counseling and counseling needed in the coming days. He pledged to support such programmes to encourage youths’ digital skills and innovation in the days ahead.
Sudip Lal Bajimaya, manager of the Bachelor of Information Technology (BIT) program at Mid-Valley International College, said that the main objective of the hackathon is to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.
He said that 21 different teams put their ideas, skills and creativity into practice for two days and developed various applications and technology-based products. Experts and mentors from various companies in the IT sector provided direct guidance to the participating teams in technical and practical aspects.
He said that the use of AI is increasing rapidly in recent years and most of the teams participating in the hackathon presented projects related to AI.
“The projects developed by today’s students show to what level AI is being used and what is the need for it in Nepal,” he said, adding that the government should prioritize such technology-based solutions, incorporate AI in education and curriculum, and take initiatives to implement useful technologies developed by students. ’
Stating that young innovators will play a significant role in the development of the country in the coming decade, he expressed his confidence that the opportunity to collaborate with experienced industry experts would help the youth develop technology-based solutions that can solve the real problems of the country.
Tech entrepreneur and founder of Cititech, Sajan Sharma, who is also the judge of the hackathon, said that the projects presented by the students were very good and excellent. Stating that the use of AI is increasing rapidly in recent period, he stressed on the need for students to adapt themselves to the changing nature of technology.
“Opportunities are being created for students in various fields,” Sharma said, adding, “To get those opportunities, it is necessary to prepare ourselves in new technology including AI.” ’
Similarly, Amit Agrawal, Co-founder and Director of Khalti urged students to think differently while developing new products and ideas. He said that the expected success cannot be achieved by seeking a solution without reaching the real cause of any problem.
“Any problem should be solved by reaching the root cause. Unless the real cause of the problem is identified, a long-term solution is not possible,” Agarwal said. He urged the students to continuously work on developing new thinking, innovation and practical solutions.
During the hackathon, eight IT experts and mentors provided direct guidance to the participating teams. Experts from IT companies including Proshore, Pinakin Technologies and Genese provided technical and practical support to the participants.
On the final day, the participating teams presented their minimum viable product (MVP) to the jury. The final presentation was evaluated by Sajan Sharma, Managing Director of BLC Global Holdings Pvt. Ltd. and Chairman of Global Equity Fund Manish Khemka and co-founder and Director of IME Khalti, Amit Agrawal.
The program was supported by organizations and technology partners including Alpha Beta, Genese, Vianet, Dami Experience, Pinakin Technologies and Proshore Nepal Pvt. Ltd.
Organized by Mid-Valley International College, the hackathon aimed to develop technology-based practical solutions to solve the real problems of Nepal, encouraging youth-led digital innovation. The college said that such programs will play an important role in transforming students’ theoretical knowledge into practical skills and products.
Mid-Valley International College, located in Gyaneshwor, Kathmandu, is offering bachelor’s level programs in Information Technology, Management and Hospitality. The college aims to advance students in technology, leadership and innovation through practical and industry-friendly education.
