KATHMANDU, Feb 1: The 25th iteration of CAN Info-Tech has attracted over 150,000 visitors over the first three days.

The six-day information, communications and technology show is being organized at Bhrikuti Mandap Exhibition Hall by Computer Association of Nepal (CAN) Federation.

Ranjit Poddar, general secretary of CAN Federation, said that the federation was encouraged with visitors footfalls. “Visitors turnout is as per our expectations. We are confident of achieving our target of getting 400,000 visitors,” he added.

The annual ICT show has provided platform for innovators and entrepreneurs as well as tech enthusiast to meld and boost development of ICT. It also offers a glance into start-ups and their offerings that look to bring radical changes in different sectors of Nepal.

“The event provides an opportunity for innovators and entrepreneurs to bring radical changes in different sectors of like education and health services by integrating ICT (Information and communication technology) into their services and products,” Bishwo Ram Balami, vice president of CAN Federation, told Republica.

One such start-up looking to bring the much-needed change is Karkhana, an education company, which is trying to change the conventional system of education by developing problem-solving skills and critical thinking in the young generation.

Similarly, 3D printing stalls, innovative and engaging games like battle robots, special offers in varieties of products, and educational services from consultancies, among others, are the main attractions in the event. 
Bishnu Devkota, a tech enthusiast who visited Info-Tech on Thursday, says events like these are essential for the development of technology in Nepal. “It is an extremely necessary platform that showcases the work of Nepali innovators to a larger audience,” he added. Shubham Karna, a civil engineering student from Nepal Engineering College, however, found the event a little underwhelming due to lack of offers from distributors of mobile phones. Karna, who has been visiting the tech festival every year, said: “Other offerings are there, but it does take some shine off the event.”

Poddar said mobile phone distributors were not much interested to showcase their products and offers to visitors this year. “It could be because of the government’s decision to withdraw VAT refund facility from  importers,” he added. The entry fee for the event is Rs 50 for students and Rs 100 for regular visitors.

 
• CAN
 
• Info-Tech