DevFest Kathmandu 2024: A Grand Leap for Nepal’s Tech Ecosystem

Nepal’s tech scene reached a new milestone with the successful conclusion of DevFest Kathmandu 2024. Held in collaboration with GDG Kathmandu and St. Xavier’s College, Maitighar, this highly anticipated event brought together over 500 developers, entrepreneurs, and technologists to celebrate innovation, learning, and collaboration.

Supported by Google Developers Group (GDG) and Google Developer Experts (GDEs), the festival was packed with workshops, inspiring sessions, and startup showcases, emphasizing Nepal’s growing role in the global tech ecosystem.

Highlights of DevFest Kathmandu 2024

The numbers speak volumes about the event’s success:

• 500+ Attendees with an impressive 200+ female participants
• 20+ global speakers
• 3 hands-on workshops
• 4 startups showcased
• 20+ volunteers and 6 organizers
• A heartwarming feature: the youngest attendee was just 10 years old!

Key Attractions and Insights

Interactive Learning and Networking

Attendees delved into cutting-edge technologies, networked with global experts, and explored practical solutions in fields like AI, machine learning, and application development.

Free Coffee and Vibrant Conversations

Thanks to Coffee of Promise, the atmosphere stayed lively and engaging, as attendees connected over cups of expertly brewed coffee.

Startup Showcases: Inspiration in Action

The spotlight shone on startups like:

1. Presenton – redefining presentation tools.
2. NoAIGPT – making AI accessible and ethical.
3. Scaniz – advancing digital scanning solutions.

These startups inspired participants with their ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit.

Speaker Sessions That Stole the Show

From AI to enterprise-grade applications, experts delivered impactful sessions:

• Dipesh Jung Pandey shared his journey of building an AI startup in Nepal.
• Kshitiz Rimal highlighted innovations in Large Language Models (LLMs).
• Pranesh Pyara Shrestha explored on-device ML in mobile applications.
• Tony Pham introduced ‘LLMs with vision,’ reshaping business operations.
• Aaditya Singh emphasized how anyone can contribute to open-source projects.

These sessions showcased both local and global expertise, aligning with global tech trends.

Workshops That Empowered Participants

Hands-on workshops were another highlight:

• Kubernetes Journey by Gaurav Shah helped developers deploy applications across various platforms.
• Building Smarter AI with Rashika Karki unlocked the potential of Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG).
• Responsible AI Practices by the SecurityPal team focused on ethical AI development.

Diversity and Inclusion at Its Core

DevFest Kathmandu 2024 stood out for its dedication to inclusivity, thanks to partnerships with Women Leaders in Technology (WLiT), Nepali Women in Computing, CSIT Association of Nepal, and more. These initiatives led to a notable increase in female participation, contributing to a more equitable tech community.

A Step Toward a Thriving Tech Ecosystem

The record-breaking participation and vibrant energy at DevFest Kathmandu 2024 underscore Nepal’s potential to be a global tech hub. The event’s success stems from the unwavering support of sponsors like Global IME Bank, SecurityPal, and partners such as Khaanpin Foodloop and EkGhanti Services.

The GDG Kathmandu team expressed their gratitude, stating:
“This event was a testament to Nepal’s tech talent and innovation. We look forward to pushing the boundaries even further in the future.”

With a blend of innovation, collaboration, and inclusivity, DevFest Kathmandu 2024 has set the bar for what’s next in Nepal’s tech landscape.

Conclusion

Events like DevFest Kathmandu 2024 are critical in strengthening Nepal’s position in the global tech industry. By bringing together diverse talents, fostering inclusivity, and showcasing homegrown innovations, Nepal is fast becoming a center for technology and entrepreneurship.