On 28–29 October 2024, the Druk Tshongrig Gatoen (DTG) 2024, Bhutan’s entrepreneurship festival, successfully concluded at the Startup Centre in Thimphu. Organised by the Loden Foundation in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment (MoICE) and ImpactHub Thimphu. This year’s event, themed “Innovate to Elevate: Knowledge-Driven Entrepreneurship for Social Impact”, brought together entrepreneurs, experts, and businesses to shape the future of Bhutan’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Event Highlights
The two-day event celebrated innovation, collaboration, and sustainable business practices, featuring engaging discussions, impactful launches, and meaningful recognitions:
Bhutan Food Dialogue
The Bhutan Food Dialogue, a collaboration between DTG and FAO Bhutan, gathered policymakers, entrepreneurs, farmers, researchers, and development partners to reimagine Bhutan’s food systems. Through keynotes, insights, and a lively panel discussion, the session explored sustainable approaches to building a resilient and self-sustaining food ecosystem aligned with Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness (GNH) values.
Key takeaways:
- Empowering local farmers and entrepreneurs.
- Strengthening Bhutan’s food security through innovation.
- Aligning agricultural practices with GNH principles to ensure sustainability and well-being.
MoICE Innovation Sessions: Launch of the Tshongrig Website
The Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment unveiled the new Tshongrig website, an essential hub for Bhutan’s entrepreneurs and startups.
- The platform provides comprehensive resources, insights into the startup ecosystem, and tailored guidance for entrepreneurs at various stages.
- It connects users with seasoned mentors and offers tools to help startups thrive and scale.
With its launch, the Tshongrig website establishes itself as a key driver of collaboration and growth within Bhutan’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC)
The Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) panel discussion captivated a large and diverse audience. Centred on His Majesty’s vision for building a resilient nation, the session offered valuable insights into the GMC project’s goals:
- Creating a city that embodies resilience and sustainability.
- Enhancing the well-being of citizens by integrating mindfulness into urban development.
This session highlighted GMC’s transformative potential as a model for sustainable urban living, inspiring attendees to envision Bhutan’s future through innovation and mindfulness.
Showcasing Innovation
DTG 2024 featured a range of innovative projects, including:
- Bhutan Waste Bank by Greener Way: A pioneering initiative enabling residents to convert dry waste into cash, promoting environmental sustainability.
- Local Produce Showcase: Featuring avocados from Pemagatshel and Mongar Dzongkhags, as well as highland oats from Bumthang, celebrating Bhutan’s agricultural excellence.
- Bio-Mulchifier: A talented group of students from Yangchenphug Higher Secondary School presented the ‘Bio-Mulchifier’, an innovative solution to food waste. Their concept transforms food waste into sustainable mulch, turning challenges into opportunities and advancing eco-friendly solutions.
Empowering a Culture of Entrepreneurship
DTG 2024 was not just a celebration – it was a movement. Since its inception in 2018, DTG has become a cornerstone of Bhutan’s entrepreneurial landscape, fostering a culture of innovation rooted in social responsibility, sustainability, and inclusivity.
This year’s event stood as an example of the resilience and creativity of Bhutanese entrepreneurs and their ability to drive positive change. From addressing critical issues like food security to embracing technological advancements, DTG 2024 underscored the importance of building a future anchored in Bhutan’s unique values.
Looking Ahead
The Loden Foundation remains committed to empowering entrepreneurs and cultivating a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in Bhutan. Together, let us continue to innovate, collaborate, and drive sustainable change for generations to come.
For updates and information on future events, visit entrepreneurship.bt.
For more event highlights, follow us on Facebook: Druk Tshongrig Gatoen.
By Kinley C Tenzin, Communications Officer, Loden Foundation
