Nepal is rapidly transforming into a hub for technology innovation, particularly in the realm of AI security. A pioneering startup, SecurityPal, has established a 24/7 command center in Kathmandu, leveraging the local talent pool to provide round-the-clock support to major tech companies. With nearly 200 employees and a growing client base that includes leading names like OpenAI and Langchain, SecurityPal is redefining how security questionnaires are handled. The company’s strategic location allows it to offer seamless service across different time zones, ensuring rapid response times and efficient operations. This shift not only highlights Nepal’s potential as a global tech player but also underscores the changing perception of its workforce from manual labor to skilled professionals.

The journey of SecurityPal began in San Francisco in 2020, with a vision to streamline the cumbersome process of completing security questionnaires for enterprise clients. CEO Pukar Hamal, who was born in Nepal and later moved to New York, initially considered other locations like India and the Philippines for his second base. However, he was impressed by the influx of highly skilled Nepali graduates returning home due to the pandemic. These individuals brought valuable technical expertise, making Kathmandu an ideal choice. Since opening its doors in 2023, SecurityPal’s Kathmandu office has become a cornerstone of the company’s operations, handling complex security reviews for some of the most prominent players in the tech industry.

SecurityPal’s success is built on its ability to automate and optimize the security questionnaire process. Initially, the team manually filled out each document, but they soon realized the potential for automation. By parsing and annotating historical questionnaires, compliance reports, and infrastructure documents, SecurityPal has developed an extensive repository of over 2 million question-and-answer pairs. This database, powered by AI, enables the company to respond swiftly and accurately to diverse client needs. The evolving nature of AI and cybersecurity has also led to more nuanced and detailed questionnaires, reflecting the growing concerns of enterprises about data protection and system vulnerabilities.

The rise of SecurityPal in Nepal reflects broader economic trends in the country. Economic growth has been steady since 2018, driven by sectors such as services and agriculture. The influx of skilled workers returning from abroad has shifted the narrative around Nepal’s workforce, moving it away from traditional roles in physical labor to positions requiring advanced technical skills. Hamal envisions this transformation as part of a larger movement, coining the term “Silicon Peaks” to highlight the hidden talent nestled among the Himalayan foothills. Through initiatives like SecurityPal, Nepal is positioning itself as a new frontier for global tech innovation, challenging preconceived notions and opening doors for future opportunities.

As SecurityPal continues to expand its influence, it serves as a testament to the untapped potential of Nepal’s tech ecosystem. The company’s innovative approach to AI security and its strategic use of local talent have not only secured its place in the global market but also reshaped perceptions of Nepal’s capabilities. With a growing roster of high-profile clients and a workforce that bridges international expertise with local ingenuity, SecurityPal is paving the way for a new era of tech leadership in the region. The future looks bright for both the company and the emerging tech hub it calls home.