KATHMANDU, July 16: Online nominations (applications) for the 9th edition of the prestigious ICT Award, known as the renowned technology award in the field of Information and Communication Technology, have been open from Tuesday.

Living with ICT, which organizes the 'ICT Award' annually, has opened nominations in 14 categories this year, including one additional category. The 'Social Innovation ICT Award 2024' is the newly added category this year, according to a press statement issued by the organizer.

The award encompasses technology sector startups, innovations, products, digital services of government and private organizations, and digital education. Individual contributions, individuals from various fields will be nominated and selected under different award categories.

Winners of the ICT Award will be selected through dozens of pre-events, over 30 meetings of selection processes, and various other procedures. Organizer Razan Lamsal mentioned that the organization has spent six months preparing for this award with more than 15 jury members and over 10 jury advisors.

An international jury committee has been formed for the selection. Online applications for all these award categories are open from today. The official website of the award, www.ictaward.org, allows online nomination registration. The deadline for nomination registration is until August 31.

Online nominations have been opened in 14 categories for the ICT Award 2024. This year, the Social Innovation ICT Award category has been added. Last year, the Professional Excellence ICT Award category was added.14 categories for the ICT Award 2024 include:

Startup ICT Award 2024

Companies working in IT products, services, and innovation can participate in this award. The companies must be registered according to Nepal's prevailing laws and have been in operation for up to 5 years to be eligible.

Product ICT Award 2024

In the Product ICT Award, any IT and innovative product developed by a Nepali company, organization, group, or individual can be nominated. Products released in 2080 B.S. can be nominated in this category.

Rising Star Innovation ICT Award 2024

In the Rising Star Innovation ICT Award, college and university students and young people under 30 years of age can nominate their industry project research, ideas, innovations, and products.

Social Innovation ICT Award 2024

The Social Innovation ICT Award promotes innovations in the social sector. Innovations and digital initiatives that have a positive impact on society and the nation can apply. Innovations developed and used for the past 5 years by development partners, social organizations, and social entrepreneurs will be included in this category.

Professional Excellence ICT Award 2024

Added last year, this category allows professionals with at least 5 years of experience and significant contributions in the ICT field to register their nominations.

 Pioneer ICT Award 2024

This award is given to senior individuals who have made a distinct contribution to the information and communication technology field. Nominations can be submitted by oneself or by others based on the contribution.

Nepali Diaspora ICT Award 2024

This category recognizes individuals of Nepali origin residing abroad who have contributed to entrepreneurship, the digital economy, society, and the country through ICT.

Entrepreneur ICT Award 2024

This award is given to Nepalese entrepreneurs active in the information and communication technology sector. At least 7 years of experience as an ICT entrepreneur is required to be eligible for nomination.

Woman Icon ICT Award 2024

Targeted at Nepalese women active in the information and communication technology sector, this category allows entrepreneurs, leaders, professionals, and women who have made exemplary contributions in the ICT field to register their nominations.

Digital Education ICT Award (Public Sector) 2024

This category recognizes public and community educational institutions that have made education modern and technology-friendly through ICT. Institutions demonstrating exemplary work in teaching, learning, and management can register their nominations.

Digital Education ICT Award (Private Sector) 2024

Similar to the public sector, this award targets private educational institutions that have made education modern and technology-friendly through ICT.

Digital Governance ICT Award 2024

Government institutions, authorities, departments, agencies, or local bodies that have digitized government services and facilitated technology-friendly services for citizens can register their nominations in this category.

Digital Services ICT Award 2024

This category allows private sector institutions, companies, and organizations providing digital and online services to the general public to register their nominations. This category includes companies providing digital services to the public, except major IT and software companies.

South Asia Startup ICT Award 2024

Startups from South Asian countries such as India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bhutan, Afghanistan, and Nepal can participate in this category. Startups up to 5 years old can register their nominations.