Kiran Timsina Appointed Executive Director of Nepal’s Software Development Center (SDOC)
25th September 2026, Kathmandu
Kiran Timsina Appointed Executive Director of Nepal’s Software Development and Operation Center (SDOC): A New Era for Digital Governance
In a landmark move to accelerate digital transformation and streamline public service delivery, the Government of Nepal officially appointed tech entrepreneur and former Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia honoree Kiran Timsina, co-founder of Urban Girl, as the Executive Director of the newly established Software Development and Operation Center (SDOC) on September 18, 2026.
This appointment brings high-caliber private sector tech leadership into the heart of government infrastructure, aiming to overhaul how public agencies manage software systems, data security, and digital services.
Who is Kiran Timsina?
Kiran Timsina is a prominent Nepali entrepreneur and technologist best known as the co-founder of Urban Girl, a pioneer in Nepal’s e-commerce and startup ecosystem. His remarkable contributions to the regional tech and business landscape earned him a spot on the prestigious Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list.
Timsina secured the Executive Director position following a competitive selection process managed by the Recommendation Committee office. He surpassed a strong shortlist of five other candidates: Narayan Prasad Ghimire, Dhruv Gyawali, Dr. Bhojraj Ghimire, Er. Nirajan Panthi, and Dr. Sridhar Marasini. His appointment signals a shift toward agile, innovative leadership in managing critical state IT systems.
Background and Objectives of the Software Development and Operation Center (SDOC)
The establishment of SDOC was approved during a cabinet meeting on Bhadra 3 (under the ‘Software Development and Operation Committee (Formation) Order, 2083’), acting on a proposal from the Prime Minister’s Office.
The center is designed to tackle fragmentation and inefficiencies in government IT systems. Its core objectives include:
Centralized Development & Upgradation: Building, upgrading, and maintaining custom software deployed across various public entities.
Legacy System Modernization: Overseeing the enhancement and maintenance of older legacy software systems currently utilized by government offices.
Streamlining Public Services: Transitioning traditional bureaucratic workflows into secure, tech-driven digital platforms.
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Dedicated Workforce: Operating with a dedicated team of 30 specialized personnel, including gazetted first-class officers.
Core Responsibilities and Scope
SDOC serves as the central technical engine for government software infrastructure, with comprehensive responsibilities covering:
24/7 Technical Support: Providing round-the-clock operational and technical assistance for all software systems developed or managed by the center.
Standardization & Security: Helping formulate Software Requirement Specifications (SRS) for IT systems and digital infrastructure technical specifications, while strictly enforcing cybersecurity best practices and security standards.
Data Security & Management: Guaranteeing secure hosting, data processing, automated backups, strict access control, and comprehensive technical safeguarding of sensitive state data.
Leadership Priorities under Executive Director Kiran Timsina
Stepping into the role, Timsina has outlined strategic priorities to modernize SDOC and bridge the gap between government digital infrastructure and top-tier tech talent:
Engaging Tech Talent: Actively bringing local IT professionals, academic institutions, and international Nepali domain experts into collaborative government digital initiatives.
Centralized Software Registry: Establishing a comprehensive, centralized inventory and tracking system to monitor all active software, operating offices, third-party vendors, and lifecycle costs across public offices.
In-House Engineering: Building a robust internal engineering team directly inside SDOC to manage sensitive state infrastructure, reduce vendor dependency, and safeguard critical public services.
