Kathmandu is set to host UbuCon Asia 2025, one of the largest open-source conferences in the region, this August. The event will bring together international technology professionals, with over 20 IT mentors from various global tech hubs, including Silicon Valley, Europe, and Asia, scheduled to lead sessions. This marks Nepal's first time hosting a conference of this scale.
The organizing committee has announced an extension until April 15 for Nepali professionals and students to submit speaker proposals through the Call for Papers (CFP) portal. The extension aims to encourage local participation. According to conference chair Aaditya Singh, over 50 submissions from more than 10 countries have already been received, but efforts are being made to incorporate more Nepali contributions. This announcement was made during a meeting with the international organizing team on March 30 at St. Xavier's College, the event's host venue.
The conference will feature various session formats, including 30-minute technical presentations, 90-minute workshops, and short lightning talks. Six thematic tracks will cover topics such as artificial intelligence, cloud infrastructure, and cybersecurity. Early bird registrations for attendees will open in May through the official UbuCon Asia Portal and local ticketing partners.
"UbuCon Asia is an opportunity to strengthen Nepal's role in the tech industry," said a representative from GNOME Nepal, adding that efforts are being made to allocate at least 25 percent of workshop slots to Nepali speakers.
With preparations underway, the international open-source community is closely watching Kathmandu. The April 15 deadline remains for those interested in submitting proposals, while attendees can prepare for registration in May, which will provide access to mentorship roundtables and additional conference activities.
