When the world thinks of Nepal, the mind naturally drifts to the snowy peaks of Mount Everest, ancient temples, and winding trekking routes. It rarely pictures high-end code being shipped to Boeing, AI models being fine-tuned for Microsoft, or a fintech sector processing $25 billion annually.

Yet, a quiet digital revolution has transformed Kathmandu into one of South Asia's most intriguing tech hubs. This is no longer just a destination for low-cost outsourcing; the narrative has shifted to high-value innovation. Nepal’s tech sector now generates over $500 million in exports, pivoting rapidly into specialized fields like Artificial Intelligence, healthcare analytics, and cybersecurity.

Whether you are a global investor scouting the next untapped talent pool, or a tech professional seeking a career pivot, these are the companies defining Nepal's digital landscape in 2025.

1. The Global Powerhouses

The heavy hitters connecting Kathmandu directly to Silicon Valley and beyond.

These companies have established the "gold standard" for engineering in Nepal. They don't just execute tasks; they build the core architecture for massive global enterprises.

Leapfrog Technology

Link: lftechnology.com

Leapfrog Technology is a prominent global software development and AI innovation partner that focuses on building digital products for both high-growth startups and large enterprises. Headquartered in Seattle, Washington, the company maintains a massive development presence in Kathmandu, Nepal, where it has grown into one of the country's most successful IT firms since its founding in 2010. As an AWS Advanced Tier Partner, Leapfrog specializes in full-stack digital engineering, cloud-native solutions, and product strategy. In 2025, the company has heavily emphasized its role in the Generative AI space, hosting industry events like the Leapfrog Quality Alliance to explore AI-powered quality assurance and smarter software testing practices.

The company's diverse portfolio spans critical sectors including healthcare, fintech, and education, with over 250 products delivered to date. Notable achievements include developing an EHR integration platform that doubled clinic acquisitions and an AI-powered nurse workflow system that saved over $13 million by boosting retention. With a workforce of more than 500 professionals globally, Leapfrog is known for its "craftsmanship" culture and a robust fellowship program designed to prepare new graduates for the global tech market.

Cotiviti Nepal

Link: cotiviti.com

Established in 2004, Cotiviti Nepal functions as a vital offshore development center specializing in healthcare informatics solutions for the U.S. market. Located in Kathmandu, the center employs a team of approximately 600 software engineers and IT professionals dedicated to designing, testing, and maintaining complex data analytics tools. These solutions are used by over 180 healthcare payers, including major U.S. government agencies like the CMS and CDC, to ensure payment accuracy and reduce administrative waste. In early 2025, the global parent company further expanded its technological capabilities by completing the acquisition of Edifecs, a leader in healthcare data interoperability, which is expected to further integrate advanced data exchange into the Nepal team's workflows.

Following a high-profile tax dispute with the Nepalese government regarding VAT exemptions on exported services, the ownership of Cotiviti Nepal was officially transferred to Infinite Computer Solutions in 2024. Despite this change in corporate ownership, the entity remains a cornerstone of Nepal's IT sector, continuing its mission to optimize the economics of the U.S. healthcare system through decision analytics and high-value software engineering. The center remains focused on emerging fields like Big Data and healthcare automation to improve patient outcomes and financial efficiency for its global clients

Cedar Gate Technologies

Link: cedargate.com

Cedar Gate Technologies maintains a significant presence in Nepal as a premier engineering and data analytics hub, primarily operating out of its state-of-the-art facility in Sanepa, Lalitpur. The company’s footprint in the country grew substantially following its acquisition of Deerwalk, a well-known healthcare analytics firm founded by entrepreneur Rudra Pandey. Today, the Nepal office serves as a critical pillar for the global organization, focusing on the development of high-performance healthcare platforms that facilitate value-based care for payers, providers, and self-insured employers in the United States.

The operations in Nepal are deeply integrated into the company’s core product lifecycle, involving large-scale software engineering, data management, and the implementation of AI-driven analytics. As one of the largest IT employers in the country, Cedar Gate is known for its modern corporate culture, providing extensive benefits such as on-site medical clinics, subsidized cafeterias, and professional development programs. While the firm is a major contributor to Nepal's growing reputation as a global tech destination, it remains focused on transforming complex healthcare data into actionable insights to improve clinical and financial outcomes across the U.S. healthcare system.

CloudFactory

Link: cloudfactory.com

CloudFactory is a prominent global technology company with deep roots in Nepal, where it was founded in 2010 by Canadian entrepreneur Mark Sears. What began as a small software outsourcing firm after Sears’ two-week vacation to Kathmandu turned into a multi-year stay and a global mission to connect one million people in the developing world to the digital economy. Today, CloudFactory serves as a leading provider of "human-in-the-loop" AI and machine learning solutions, utilizing its massive Nepal-based workforce to perform critical data labeling, annotation, and processing tasks for high-tech clients worldwide, including those in the autonomous vehicle and healthcare sectors.

In Nepal, the company is recognized as one of the largest and most influential private IT employers, operating primarily out of its hub in Bhaisepati, Lalitpur. CloudFactory is distinguished by its "Impact Sourcing" model, which focuses on providing meaningful employment and leadership training to talented individuals who lack traditional opportunities. Its workforce is uniquely organized into small teams called tolis (a Nepali word for "groups"), which meet weekly not only to manage projects but also to engage in character development and community service. This culture-first approach, which emphasizes 40 core principles like integrity and ownership, has made CloudFactory a cornerstone of Nepal’s growing tech ecosystem, blending social mission with cutting-edge technology services.

Gurzu

Link: gurzu.com

Gurzu is a prominent software development and product engineering firm with a strong operational base in Kupondole, Lalitpur. Founded in 2014 by a group of passionate engineers, the company has established itself as a bridge between world-class engineering talent in Nepal and global markets, particularly in the United States. Gurzu specializes in transforming complex ideas into scalable digital products, offering services that range from enterprise software development and mobile applications to advanced AI-driven solutions like computer vision and IoT. The firm is well-regarded for its "software craftsmanship" approach, focusing on high-quality code and rapid delivery cycles for a diverse clientele that includes startups and established enterprises like BiggerPockets and Wicket.

In the Nepalese tech ecosystem, Gurzu is particularly recognized as a hub for Ruby on Rails expertise and a leader in fostering a disciplined engineering culture. Beyond its technical output, the company plays an active role in the local community by hosting tech meetups, providing mentorship to emerging developers, and championing best practices in product design and agile methodology. With a team of over 50 skilled engineers and designers, Gurzu has contributed significantly to Nepal's reputation as a reliable destination for high-end software outsourcing. Its portfolio includes impactful local and international projects, such as the travel portal Hamrotrips and various fintech and ad-tech platforms, underscoring its commitment to building solutions that solve real-world business problems.

2. The Homegrown Innovators (Product & Fintech)

The companies building the digital rails for Nepal’s economy.

While the companies above look outward, these companies look inward, revolutionizing how the Nepalese people transact and interact with their government.

F1Soft International

Link: f1soft.com | esewa.com.np

F1Soft International is the pioneering powerhouse of Nepal’s fintech sector, established in 2004 by entrepreneur Biswas Dhakal. Headquartered in Pulchowk, Lalitpur, the company has grown from a small software firm into a dominant digital financial services group that powers the mobile and internet banking platforms for nearly 90% of Nepal’s financial institutions. With a workforce of over 1,200 employees, F1Soft operates as a parent ecosystem for several high-impact subsidiaries, including Fonepay (the country’s largest QR payment network) and Foneloan (a digital lending platform). Its mission to democratize financial services has fundamentally reshaped how the Nepalese population interacts with banks, moving the nation from a cash-heavy economy toward a sophisticated digital landscape.

The group’s most iconic vertical, eSewa, was launched in 2009 as South Asia’s first digital wallet and has since become a household name synonymous with online payments in Nepal. Serving over 10 million users, eSewa offers a comprehensive suite of services ranging from utility bill payments and mobile top-ups to government tax filings and international flight bookings. Its reach is bolstered by a massive network of over 250,000 agents and 450,000 merchants, ensuring that even citizens in remote rural areas—across all 753 local bodies—can access essential financial services. By bridging the gap between the unbanked population and the formal economy, eSewa has played a transformative role in driving financial inclusion and transparency throughout the country.

Khalti

Link: khalti.com

Khalti is a leading digital wallet, payment gateway, and service provider in Nepal that has become a cornerstone of the country's fintech industry since its launch in January 2017. Founded by a group of young entrepreneurs—Manish Modi, Amit Agrawal, Arvind Sah, and Dhruva Adhikari—the platform was born out of Janaki Technology with a vision to simplify financial transactions for all Nepalese citizens. Through its website, khalti.com, and its highly-rated mobile app, users can seamlessly manage a vast array of services including utility bill payments (electricity, water, and internet), mobile top-ups, domestic flight bookings, movie ticketing, and insurance premiums. Known for its user-friendly interface and "software craftsmanship," Khalti has successfully bridged the gap between traditional banking and the digital economy, serving millions of users and a vast network of merchants across the nation.

Beyond its core payment services, Khalti is recognized for its commitment to social impact and technological innovation, notably through its "Smart Chhori" campaign which empowers women through digital and financial literacy. The company has garnered international acclaim, winning the Google Business Group Storytelling Contest in 2017 and the WITSA Global Innovation & Tech Excellence Award in 2022. Recently, Khalti took a historic step in Nepal’s fintech evolution by merging with IME Pay to create a unified and even more robust financial ecosystem. This strategic move aims to accelerate the transition toward a "Cashless Nepal" by combining Khalti’s innovative features and strong brand loyalty with an expanded reach into remittance and broader financial services, ensuring that even those in the most remote areas have access to secure, digital finance.

InfoDevelopers

Link: infodev.com.np

InfoDevelopers is a pioneering software development and IT consultancy firm that has been a cornerstone of Nepal's financial technology landscape since its establishment in 2002. Headquartered in Sanepa, Lalitpur, the company has evolved from a small startup into a powerhouse with over 300 skilled professionals, dedicated to providing high-performance Core Banking Solutions (CBS) and enterprise software. A major milestone in its journey occurred in early 2023 when it merged with the Pumori division of Mercantile Office Systems to form InfoDevelopers MOS, effectively combining two of the most influential fintech entities in the country. This strategic union has positioned the company as a dominant provider for a wide spectrum of financial institutions, from small-scale cooperatives and microfinances to large commercial and development banks.

The firm is best known for its flagship products like Infinity (a CBS for cooperatives) and the iconic Pumori banking software, which powers a significant portion of Nepal's commercial banking sector. Beyond core banking, InfoDevelopers offers mDabali, a versatile mobile banking platform, and has executed over 100 successful government projects, facilitating digital governance (G2B and G2C) across the nation. Their impact extends to over 1,500 clients, helping bridge the gap between traditional manual processes and modern, automated digital ecosystems. By integrating advanced technologies like AI and cloud services, InfoDevelopers continues to drive financial inclusion and transparency, solidifying its reputation as a leader in Nepal's "Fintech Empire."

3. Specialized Leaders (AI, Security & Infrastructure)

The niche experts tackling complex global problems.

This sector highlights the maturity of the ecosystem, moving beyond general web development into high-stakes security and cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence.

Fusemachines

Link: fusemachines.com

Fusemachines is a leading global provider of enterprise AI products and solutions that holds a historic place in Nepal’s tech history. Founded in 2013 by Dr. Sameer Maskey, a computer scientist and Columbia University professor of Nepali origin, the company grew from a small startup in Kathmandu into a global innovator headquartered in New York. In late 2024, Fusemachines achieved a monumental milestone by becoming the first company founded by a Nepali entrepreneur to be listed on the NASDAQ stock exchange. With its primary engineering and operations hub located in Baneshwor, Kathmandu, the firm remains dedicated to its mission of "democratizing AI" by building sophisticated systems for global clients while maintaining deep roots in Nepal's burgeoning IT sector.

In Nepal, Fusemachines is widely recognized for its transformative AI Fellowship program, a flagship initiative launched in 2017 to bridge the global AI talent gap. This rigorous, scholarship-based program provides high-level training in machine learning, deep learning, and data science to talented Nepali students and professionals, granting them a proprietary "Microdegree" and a path to high-value global careers. Beyond education, the company’s Nepal office serves as a center for high-end research and development, where over 200 local engineers work on cutting-edge AI engines for industries such as retail, healthcare, and finance. Through its "AI Shikshya" initiative and collaborations with international partners like UKaid, Fusemachines has played a pivotal role in positioning Nepal as a competitive destination for artificial intelligence excellence on the world stage.

Noble Stack

Link: noblestack.io

Noble Stack is a specialized software development agency based in Kathmandu, Nepal, that focuses on building high-performance, AI-driven digital products. Operating out of its hub in Saraswati Marg, the firm positions itself as an "AI-first" consultancy, helping startups and enterprises transform complex business ideas into scalable software solutions. Unlike traditional outsourcing firms, Noble Stack emphasizes a product-centric approach, utilizing a modern tech stack that includes Next.js, React, and Python to deliver lightning-fast web applications integrated with advanced Large Language Models (LLMs) from providers like OpenAI and Anthropic.

In the local tech ecosystem, Noble Stack is particularly noted for its focus on generative AI and autonomous agents, aiming to automate business workflows and decision-making processes. One of its most impactful contributions to the Nepalese digital landscape is the development of "Nepali Grammarly," the first AI-powered grammar and spell checker specifically designed for the Nepali language. In addition to client services, the company maintains a growing portfolio of internal products such as Vibe AI (a photo editing tool) and Loopn (an AI-driven networking platform), showcasing its commitment to pushing the boundaries of artificial intelligence and web craftsmanship from its base in Nepal.

Vairav Technology

Link: vairav.net

Vairav Technology is a premier cybersecurity firm in Nepal, established in 2019 with a mission to safeguard digital assets and mitigate evolving cyber threats. Headquartered in Baluwatar, Kathmandu, the company was founded by Bijay Limbu Senihang, a prominent figure in Nepal's tech sector who serves as its CEO. Vairav has quickly risen to prominence as one of the country’s leading Managed Security Service Providers (MSSP), acting as the "Gurkhas of the cyber world" for a diverse range of clients, including commercial banks, government agencies, and telecommunications companies. It is recognized for its commitment to strengthening Nepal’s digital resilience and reducing the nation's reliance on costly, foreign-made security software.

The company is best known for its flagship product, Trident, an AI-enabled SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) platform that provides 24/7 monitoring, automated threat detection, and incident response. Beyond its technical solutions, Vairav offers a comprehensive suite of services such as Security Operations Center (SOC) as a service, penetration testing (VAPT), and information system audits. Its impact extends beyond corporate security through the Cyber Sathi initiative, an e-learning platform dedicated to spreading cyber awareness across the nation. With international certifications like ISO 27001 and SOC 2, Vairav has expanded its reach beyond Nepal, serving clients in Australia, the US, and the UAE, while consistently ranking among the top cybersecurity firms in Asia.

LogPoint Nepal

Link: logpoint.com

LogPoint Nepal is the primary engineering and research hub for LogPoint, a leading European cybersecurity company headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark. Established in 2008, the Nepal office has grown from a small development team into a critical pillar of the global organization, employing approximately 250 highly skilled engineers and professionals. Operating out of its state-of-the-art facility in Pulchowk, Lalitpur, the team is responsible for developing the core architecture of LogPoint’s converged SIEM (Security Information and Event Management), UEBA, and SOAR platforms. These technologies enable major global enterprises, including organizations like Airbus and Boeing, to monitor their digital infrastructures, detect cyber threats in real-time, and automate incident responses.

Beyond its technical contributions, LogPoint Nepal is recognized as a pioneer in the country’s high-end IT export sector and a leader in fostering a progressive corporate culture. Under the leadership of local executives like Mona Nyachhyon, the firm has championed a flat hierarchical structure and equal opportunity, becoming one of the most sought-after workplaces for young Nepali tech talent. The office serves as more than just a delivery center; it is a center of excellence where local engineers tackle complex challenges in big data analytics and machine learning. By bridging Danish business values with Nepali technical ingenuity, LogPoint has played a transformative role in positioning Nepal as a globally competitive destination for sophisticated cybersecurity engineering

WorldLink Communications

Link: worldlink.com.np

WorldLink Communications is the largest private internet service provider (ISP) in Nepal and a dominant force in the country’s telecommunications landscape. Founded in September 1995 by Dileep Agrawal, the company began as a modest email service provider using dial-up connectivity at a time when internet access was a luxury. Over nearly three decades, WorldLink has evolved into a national powerhouse, recently becoming the first ISP in Nepal to surpass the milestone of one million active households. Headquartered in Jawalakhel, Lalitpur, it has transitioned from early satellite-based VSAT technology to a massive nationwide fiber-optic network that covers over 70 districts, effectively bridging the digital divide between urban centers and remote rural regions like Karnali.

Technologically, WorldLink is recognized as a pioneer that introduced Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) to the Nepali market, revolutionizing high-speed residential internet. The company operates a sophisticated infrastructure in partnership with global tech giants like Nokia, Juniper, and Cisco, and it pioneered IPTV services in Nepal through its popular NETTV platform. Beyond its technical reach, WorldLink has attracted significant foreign direct investment from international institutions like British International Investment (BII) and the Dolma Impact Fund, which has fueled its expansion into data centers and enterprise solutions. With a workforce of over 5,000 employees and more than 14,000 free public Wi-Fi hotspots, WorldLink remains a critical architect of Nepal's digital economy and a primary driver of the nation’s "Cashless Nepal" and "Digital Nepal" initiatives.

4. Notable High-Growth Startups

The agile disruptors proving Nepal can export products, not just labor.

Programiz

Link: programiz.com

Programiz is a world-class educational technology company headquartered in Jhamsikhel, Lalitpur, that has become one of Nepal’s most successful digital exports. Founded in 2011 by Ranjit Bhatta, Punit Jajodia, and Aswin Shrestha, the platform originally began as a simple programming blog created to provide clearer, more accessible tutorials for students at Pulchowk Campus. Since then, it has scaled into a global powerhouse, serving over 10 million monthly learners from around the world. The company is celebrated in the local tech community as a prime example of a homegrown startup that successfully achieved massive international reach while maintaining its entire engineering and content operations within Nepal.

The platform is designed to "democratize programming" by removing complexity and financial barriers for beginners. Through its flagship website, programiz.com, and its interactive premium platform, Programiz PRO, it offers structured courses, browser-based compilers, and "sensAI"—an AI-driven mentor that provides real-time guidance. Beyond its technical offerings, Programiz is recognized for its "software craftsmanship" philosophy and its suite of highly-rated mobile apps that allow users to practice coding on the go. By focusing on a "learn by doing" approach, the company has not only helped millions of individuals launch their tech careers but has also solidified Nepal’s reputation as a hub for high-quality, product-focused technology development.

Alaya (formerly HLE Nepal)

Link: alaya.co

Alaya, formerly known as HLE Nepal, is a premier business process outsourcing (BPO) and technology company that has become a major success story in Nepal’s outsourcing sector. Founded in 2012 as the backend operations center for the Australian mortgage brokerage Home Loan Experts, the company rebranded to Alaya in July 2023 to reflect its evolution into a broader "global operations and impact center." Headquartered in Jawalakhel, Lalitpur, Alaya specializes in high-end mortgage processing, credit analysis, and post-settlement support for the Australian financial market. By leveraging advanced online tools and a "human-in-the-loop" model, the firm enables Australian brokers to scale their businesses while providing hundreds of high-value careers to Nepali professionals in finance, technology, and marketing.

Beyond its operational role, Alaya is distinguished by its deep commitment to "Impact Sourcing" and corporate social responsibility through its charity wing, Alaya Cares. The company is one of Nepal's largest IT and finance employers, known for its progressive workplace culture that includes extensive professional development, mentorship, and unique benefits like generous parental leave. Its social initiatives focus on education and empowerment, partnering with organizations like the Samaanta Foundation to provide scholarships and leadership training to underprivileged youth. By transforming outsourced roles into sophisticated "insider talent," Alaya has not only reshaped the BPO landscape in Nepal but has also established itself as a critical bridge between Nepali technical ingenuity and international financial markets.

Braindigit

Link: braindigit.com

Braindigit is a prominent software development and product-based IT company in Nepal, recognized for its focus on building scalable enterprise solutions and B2B platforms. Established in 2008 by Nischal Pradhan, the company has transitioned from a small outsourcing startup into a global technology provider with a significant presence in Gyaneshwor, Kathmandu. Braindigit is distinguished by its "product-first" philosophy, aiming to bridge the gap between complex technology and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) by developing user-friendly digital tools that require minimal technical expertise to manage.

The company is best known for its flagship product, SageFrame, a highly extensible open-source Content Management Framework (CMF) built on ASP.NET. In addition to SageFrame, Braindigit has developed Contentder, a sophisticated no-code website builder and digital marketing platform designed to help businesses establish a professional online presence through drag-and-drop functionality. With a workforce of over 150 professionals, Braindigit continues to expand its ecosystem through internal "ventured startups" and an academy focused on training the next generation of Nepali tech talent. Its reach extends beyond Nepal, maintaining operations and partnerships in the United Kingdom and Australia, while serving thousands of customers worldwide.

EB Pearls

Link: ebpearls.com.au

EB Pearls is a premier digital agency that serves as a vital bridge between the Australian tech market and Nepal’s engineering talent. Founded in 2005, the company is headquartered in Sydney but maintains its massive production and delivery hub in Pulchowk, Lalitpur. It has grown to become one of the largest and most respected IT employers in Nepal, housing a workforce of over 350 professionals, including software engineers, UI/UX designers, and quality assurance analysts. The firm specializes in end-to-end digital solutions, ranging from high-performance mobile application development (iOS and Android) to complex web platforms and eCommerce systems, consistently ranking as a top-tier developer on global platforms like Clutch.

In the local ecosystem, EB Pearls is highly regarded for its "center of excellence" approach, providing Nepali developers with exposure to international standards and cutting-edge technologies like Flutter, React Native, and Node.js. The company is known for its rigorous selection process and its commitment to professional development, often acting as a launchpad for some of the country’s most talented tech professionals. With a portfolio of over 4,000 projects—including award-winning apps for startups and large-scale enterprises—EB Pearls has been instrumental in demonstrating that Nepal can deliver world-class digital craftsmanship. Its presence has not only bolstered the local economy but has also significantly contributed to the professionalization of the software industry within the country.

The Verdict?

Nepal is open for business. The transition from a "low-cost alternative" to a "high-value partner" is well underway. With a growing pool of engineers fluent in AI, English, and modern tech stacks, Kathmandu is poised to become a significant node in the global digital economy.