Kathmandu,Nepal, February 12, 2026: The "Code for Impact" Tech Hackathon reached its grand finale on February 12, as young innovators gathered in Kathmandu to showcase tech-based solutions for Nepal’s local challenges. U.S. Embassy Nepal Chargé d’Affaires Scott Urbom joined the participants to observe the final pitches, marking the culmination of a nationwide innovation journey that spanned several months. Supported by the U.S. Embassy and led by Aadyanta Advisory in partnership with the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) Nepal, the program engaged nearly 175 participants from across six provinces and the capital.
The initiative tasked young leaders with developing practical applications to address pressing issues in sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and community development. During the Kathmandu finale, teams presented a diverse range of digital tools, resulting in two local teams being selected as national semifinalists. These winners will join 14 other teams from across the country to enter the next phase of the program, which focuses on scaling their ideas through professional guidance.
Moving forward, the semifinalists will receive direct mentorship from U.S. companies and AmCham Nepal members. This collaboration is designed to provide the youth with critical industry expertise and global perspectives necessary to refine their innovations for the market. Beyond the competition itself, the program serves as a strategic effort to strengthen youth employment and promote the development of ethical technology within Nepal’s growing digital landscape.
The organizers noted that the initiative plays a vital role in encouraging private sector-led growth, particularly by bridging the gap between Nepali talent and international commercial networks. By fostering these connections with U.S. firms, "Code for Impact" aims to open doors for international opportunities and build lasting commercial ties. The event concluded with a sense of optimism, highlighting a new generation of tech leaders prepared to transform their creative concepts into tangible community impact.