Asia-Pacific AI Policy 2026

InnoventuresAI, a US-based company, launched its AI operating system Springbase.AI in Nepal to enhance business workflows and productivity, available for Rs 1,499 per month through a local partner.

Chinese AI startup DeepSeek raised over 50 billion yuan (~7.4 billion USD) in its first funding round, achieving a valuation exceeding 50 billion USD, with founder Liang Wenfeng making a significant personal investment and retaining control.

The US temporarily halted blacklisting over 100 Chinese AI and chip companies, including DeepSik and CXMT, amid trade and political tensions; these firms are accused of national security risks including military support and technology theft.

China announced it will host the World Artificial Intelligence Conference 2026 and a high-level Global AI Governance meeting in Shanghai to strengthen international AI cooperation and governance.

A three-day AI literacy training program began in Lalitpur, Nepal, to empower communities in safe and practical AI use for improved livelihoods and governance, including development of a three-month local AI literacy action plan.

Former Finance Minister Surendra Pandey warned that increasing AI use could trigger severe global energy and water crises due to high demands of AI data centers, urging policies to balance AI benefits with environmental protection in agriculture.

Nepal announced plans to build its first Sovereign AI Compute Centre in Syuchatar, leveraging hydropower to support AI development and inviting experts abroad to return as fellows to build local expertise. The initiative aims to boost AI capacity but raises concerns about sustainability and technology obsolescence.