AI Policy Nepal 2026

Samsung Nepal completed its coding and programming course under the Innovation Campus and has started accepting applications for a new Artificial Intelligence course aimed at developing digital talent among Nepalese youth.

The Nepalese government decided to procure 10 million Automated Biometric Identification System units from French firm IN Groupe via a government-to-government agreement to renew expiring license use for national identity and passport biometrics.

Samsung Nepal completed its Innovation Campus coding course and launched a new Artificial Intelligence course to enhance digital talent development in Nepal.

The World Forum for Ethics in Business held a keynote program in Kathmandu emphasizing the role of ethical AI in supporting Nepal's digital transformation and inclusive development while protecting human dignity and democratic values.

An editorial highlighted the lack of legal safeguards in Nepal restricting minors' social media access amid rising cybercrime and mental health issues. It urged urgent policy reforms aligning with global and regional trends to protect children from addictive content and online risks.

Tribhuvan University faces challenges including political interference, outdated curricula, and poor governance, prompting calls for merit-based leadership, research enhancement, and digital administration reforms to modernize Nepal's largest higher education institution.

InnoventuresAI Inc. launched Springbase.ai, a multilingual voice-to-execution AI platform supporting over 150 languages and capable of generating digital outputs from voice commands. This advancement enhances AI-driven productivity tools applicable worldwide.

Nepal Securities Board unveiled a 10-year capital market development roadmap aiming to double market size to over 150% of GDP by 2036 and increase listed companies to more than 500. The plan includes digitization via AI surveillance, blockchain, real-time settlement, and new financial instruments like derivatives and green bonds.

Samsung Nepal launched the Galaxy A27 5G smartphone featuring AI capabilities, a 6.7-inch AMOLED display, Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 processor, and up to six years of software updates, enhancing AI-enabled consumer technology options in Nepal.

Nabil Bank celebrated its 42nd anniversary by launching an AI-driven growth strategy to enhance digital banking services and customer experience across Nepal. The bank serves over 2.6 million customers through 264 branches and reported a net profit of Rs 6.76 billion as of Q3 2026.

Karun Thapa integrates AI tools such as Kimi K2, Claude, and Magiclight into software development, filmmaking, animation, and digital media to enhance creativity and efficiency while preserving human craftsmanship.

Despite Nepal's 91% internet penetration and digital public services like national digital identity, only one-third of Nepalis are digitally literate, posing challenges for inclusive and safe engagement with digital governance.

The Nepal government introduced legislation to place the National Investigation Department back under the Prime Minister’s Office, reversing a prior arrangement. This move is part of a longer political struggle over intelligence agency control amid concerns about governance centralization.

The Nepal government announced plans to introduce 151 bills in fiscal year 2026-27, including legislation on artificial intelligence regulation, securities market participation by non-resident Nepalis, and health-related laws such as surrogacy and IVF.

Artificial intelligence has become central to Nepal's economic transition, affecting sectors such as banking, IT, education, and freelancing, while current data systems remain insufficient to accurately measure its impact.

Global IME Bank launched the second AI-ML Hackathon 2026 in Nepal, featuring 14 teams competing in a 36-hour coding challenge and onsite event to foster innovation in banking through artificial intelligence and machine learning.

Nepal's government approved the National Advertising Policy 2026 regulating social media, AI advertising, influencer marketing, and digital platforms, with requirements for self-declaration and consumer protection measures.

Nepal's government implemented digital reforms in healthcare, introducing a portal mandating 10% hospital beds for vulnerable patients and enabling monitoring of hospital capacity and blood availability, improving patient record digitization and management amidst ongoing overcrowding challenges.

Nepal's Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation proposed sweeping reforms to the Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST), targeting reduced bureaucracy and political interference by restructuring governance and replacing the prime minister's chancellorship with an expert director. NAST officials opposed the plan, fearing loss of autonomy and increased governmental oversight of scientific research.

Nepal faces challenges in AI processing of the Nepali language due to insufficient training data and lack of infrastructure, causing frequent inaccuracies in AI-generated content despite the 2025 AI policy. This impacts lawmaker reliance on AI and highlights gaps in institutional support for AI in Nepali.

Nepal and China initiated talks to enhance cooperation in science and technology, prioritizing AI, innovation centers, biotechnology, and climate change research. They discussed forming a joint committee to advance a 2023 cooperation agreement.

The Nepalese government launched NepaConnect, a secure messaging app for civil servants featuring encrypted communication, AI assistance, and workflow tools, aiming to centralize digital workplace services despite transparency and security concerns.

Nepal Telecommunications Authority finalized frequency allocation and prepared for the 5G spectrum auction as Nepal Telecom and Ncell plan to launch 5G services in major metropolitan cities, aiming to modernize digital infrastructure.

InnoventuresAI introduced the AI operating system Springbase.AI in Nepal, designed to convert meetings and documents into structured reports and workflows, priced at Rs 1,499 per month and distributed via local partner Mind Snack Pvt. Ltd.

Creative professional Aneel Neupane uses AI tools like ChatGPT and Nano Banana Pro to enhance work efficiency, improve content quality, and assist in video and music production despite payment limitations in Nepal.