Mr. Bikram Shrestha has over 20 years of devoted experience promoting digital transformation and inclusivity, making him a leading figure in Nepal’s ICT and internet governance scene. He began his career at the young age of 19, establishing a new Internet service provider (ISP) in his birthplace of Hetauda, which was one of the first attempts to provide internet access to Nepal’s areas. His lifetime dedication to improving Nepal’s digital infrastructure and utilizing technology to empower communities has been established by this early work.
Bikram’s combination of technical and business expertise is shown by his Master of Business Studies degree from Tribhuvan University, where his thesis examined e-commerce in Nepalese commercial banks. In his professional capacity, he drives innovations in digital financial services at Sanima Bank Limited as the Head of Digital Banking, fusing modern technology with traditional financial services.
Bikram has been instrumental in promoting internet governance, advocacy for policies, and capacity building in Nepal as the first president of the Nepal Internet Foundation (NIF). Under his direction, NIF has developed into a vital forum for multistakeholder collaboration, combining the public and corporate sectors, civil society, and technical communities to tackle pressing problems like internet accessibility, cybersecurity, and digital inclusion. He has played a key role in planning historic gatherings that have impacted national internet policy and awareness, such as the first Nepal Internet Governance Forum (IGF) and the Nepal SIG (npSIG).
Because of his active involvement in regional and international internet governance organizations, Bikram’s influence reaches outside Nepal. In his roles as co-chair of the Cooperation Special Interest Group (SIG) at APNIC and Vice Chair of the Non-Commercial Users Constituency (NPOC) at ICANN, he promotes laws that give security, privacy, and fair internet access in developing nations top priority. He contributes to international forums including IGF, APRALO, APrIGF, and SANOG as part of his global participation, sharing Nepal’s experiences and learning best practices to apply back home.
Bikram has led efforts to create sustainable internet access in remote and underserved places, including following a disaster community networks after the Gorkha earthquake. He is a passionate advocate of community networks and rural connectivity. To guarantee the long-term viability of these networks, he places a strong emphasis on capacity building, community ownership, and local government involvement. His efforts have been acknowledged for closing the digital divide and empowering underprivileged groups, such as women entrepreneurs and displaced communities.
Bikram is a creative person who finds inspiration and energy in music and travel, in addition to his technical and managerial responsibilities. In addition to showcasing his professional achievements, he has released two music CDs as a vocalist and composer.
Nepal’s digital future is being formed by the vision and efforts of Bikram Shrestha, a versatile figure. He is a key player in Nepal’s transition to a more safe, inclusive, and connected internet by fusing extensive technical knowledge, economic savvy, policy advocacy, and a sincere dedication to community empowerment.