Kathmandu – Nepal’s Kataho Digital Address System has been honored as one of the 40 global winners of the World Summit Awards (WSA) 2024, under the category Smart Settlements & Urbanization. This groundbreaking achievement underscores the growing impact of Nepal’s digital innovation on the global stage.
Kataho is the first offline location search and plate creation solution in the world, providing an innovative and scalable approach to addressing challenges faced by communities worldwide. Its utility has already been demonstrated in six municipalities across Nepal, with plans for further expansion.
Global Recognition and Societal Impact
In the WSA 2024 awards, Kataho was one of only five solutions to be recognized in the Smart Settlements & Urbanization category. According to the WSA announcement, the solution stood out for its ability to address global challenges such as lack of proper addressing systems, which impacts nearly half of the world’s population.
Proper addresses are essential for improving access to services like postal delivery, ride-sharing, and logistics, all of which face significant challenges due to the absence of precise location systems. Kataho’s offline functionality and locally adaptable design make it a globally scalable solution for regions struggling with inadequate addressing systems.
Statements from Innovators and Visionaries
“Our plan is to take Kataho to the whole world where addressing is lacking. The global recognition through WSA is just the beginning of our international journey,” said Ram Prasad Rimal, one of the innovators behind the system.
The Head of Product Development at Addressgraph Nepal Pvt. Ltd., Baikuntha Rimal, added, “We are enhancing Kataho to offer more services and create an all-in-one application for addressing and location-based solutions.”
Nepal’s government has also recognized Kataho as an official addressing solution. “We have received Nepal government’s acceptance to use Kataho as an addressing system alongside Plus Codes, based on a ministry-level decision that will soon be published,” shared Laxman, another innovator of Addressgraph Nepal.
Why Proper Addressing Matters
A proper addressing system is more than just a convenience; it is a critical infrastructure for development and inclusion. In many parts of the world, the lack of precise addresses hinders access to basic services, delays emergency response, disrupts logistics, and limits the growth of digital services like e-commerce and ride-sharing.
Kataho aims to fill this gap with its unique offline features and innovative approach. The solution allows users to generate precise, standardized addresses and location plates, making it suitable for urban and rural settings alike.
Looking Ahead: Global Expansion
The WSA 2024 recognition not only affirms Kataho’s global relevance but also provides a platform to share Nepal’s innovation with the world. The Kataho team will present their solution at the WSA Global Congress, scheduled to take place in Hyderabad, India, from April 6–9, 2025.
“This achievement opens doors for international collaboration. We aim to bring the best international practices to Nepal while showcasing our homegrown innovation to the global stage,” said Ram Prasad Rimal.
About Kataho Digital Address System
Kataho is a pioneering solution developed by Addressgraph Nepal Pvt. Ltd. that aims to address location and addressing challenges in underserved regions. The system provides globally scalable and locally adaptable solutions to ensure that every individual, organization, and service can connect seamlessly.
About World Summit Awards (WSA)
The WSA is a global initiative recognizing digital innovations that make a profound impact on society. Held under the auspices of the United Nations, WSA acknowledges solutions that contribute to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Comments