Kathmandu – Nepal will host its third National AI Summit 2026 on November 7, bringing together international experts, policymakers, researchers and entrepreneurs to explore how artificial intelligence can support the country’s economic and technological development.
Organized by the Digital Media Foundation, the conference will focus on the theme “From Promise to Progress: Upscaling Nepal’s AI Capacity.” Participants from Nepal, the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan and Singapore are expected to attend.
Nick Ashton-Hart, a member of the United Nations Data Governance Working Group and an expert in AI and cybersecurity policy, is scheduled to deliver an international keynote address. He will discuss global AI competition and strategic choices for developing countries.
Another session will feature Professor Dr. Suresh Manandhar, former professor at the University of York and CEO of Wiseyak, alongside Dr. Peter Brimble, Board Chairman of the AI Asia Pacific Institute in Singapore. Discussions will explore emerging AI trends, international cooperation and ways Nepal can reduce dependence on foreign technology.
One of the summit’s major discussions will examine how Nepal’s hydropower resources could support AI infrastructure. Professor Dr. Nir Kshetri of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, former Energy Minister Kulman Ghising and Sandhya Sitaula, Executive Director of the Nepal Applied Mathematics and Informatics Institute for Research, are among the expected speakers.
The session will explore high-performance computing, data centres, cloud services, digital infrastructure investment and Nepal’s potential to serve international technology markets.
Other discussions will focus on AI education, employment, entrepreneurship, innovation and financial transformation. Speakers will include Dr. Bikash Lamsal, Associate Professor at Japan’s Waseda University, and Sandeep Acharya, co-founder of Equor LLC.
The summit will also feature a “Made in Nepal” showcase, highlighting AI projects developed by Nepali researchers and technology professionals. Participants will present practical applications of their innovations and explore opportunities to expand their use.
Digital Media Foundation Chairman Prabesh Subedi said Nepal has seen growing interest in AI, but investment in infrastructure, skilled professionals and institutional capacity remains insufficient to turn that potential into meaningful economic and social progress.
The foundation has organized the summit annually since 2024, with previous editions covering AI in public services, governance, healthcare, finance and technology policy. This year’s gathering aims to move discussions towards practical action and stronger international cooperation. Interested participants can register through the organizer’s website at aism26.dmf.org.np.
