Meet Our Panelists & Moderators

From digital finance to founder wellbeing, from investment readiness to the future of work—these experts lead the conversations that matter. Learn from their experience. Ask your questions. Find your people.

Sonam Choden
Founder & CEO,

Innovest a Corporate Service Provider and Business Accelerator empanelled under both the Royal Government of Bhutan and Gelephu Mindfulness City. With more than a decade of experience in Bhutan's entrepreneurship ecosystem, she has worked closely with foreign direct investors and with founders at every stage, from first idea to registered, operating business. Through Innovest, she helps entrepreneurs navigate incorporation, compliance and growth, and connects them with the resources and networks they need to build.

Sonam Chophel
Founder and CEO of Druksell Pvt. Ltd. / CSI Market,

a Bhutanese enterprise focused on building market access for locally made and grown products. Under his leadership, the company has grown from a bootstrapped venture into a multi-business ecosystem spanning e-commerce, retail, logistics, exports, and value-chain development, working with more than 700 producers across Bhutan. His entrepreneurial journey has involved navigating the realities of limited access to conventional financing, reinvesting operating revenues, building strategic partnerships, and exploring private and impact financing to scale new ventures. Sonam brings practical experience in bootstrapping businesses, structuring partnerships, raising private capital, and balancing growth with financial discipline in an emerging-market context.

Sangay Tshering
Managing Partner of Green E Solutions,

a software development company, and President of the Loden Foundation, promoting entrepreneurship, education, and cultural heritage in Bhutan. A proponent of Mindful Entrepreneurship, he fosters innovation and a meaningful work culture, striving to create positive impacts in his professional and personal life

Kesang Om
Managing Director

of the Institute for Learning Solutions and a consultant specialising in business development, leadership, gender equality and social inclusion. She has delivered entrepreneurship training, supported business incubation, and strengthened the capacities of public institutions, businesses and civil society organisations. She also serves as Bhutan Country Chair for the G100 Pay Parity & Corporate Transformation Wing. Drawing on her work in enterprise development and gender equality, Kesang brings a practical perspective to discussions on women building businesses, exercising choice and defining independence on their own terms.

Leki Choden
Founder & CEO
Dragon Coders Private Limited

a software and digital solutions company working at the intersection of emerging technologies, skills development, and local innovation ecosystems. Her work focuses on delivering digital transformation solutions for businesses and public sector clients in Bhutan, with an emphasis on building context-responsive and inclusive tech capacity. Earlier in her career, Leki worked at Bhutan Telecom Ltd. as Core Network Engineer where she led the deployment of Bhutan’s first 3G network, a milestone that helped bring a nation online. She went on to deepen her global perspective at Ericsson Japan, where she gained hands-on experience in large-scale technology operations and management at an international level. Leki holds a Master’s degree in Engineering of Physics, Electrical and Computer from Yokohama National University and a Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Vellore Institute of Technology.

Melam Zangmo
founder, and floriculture professional

She is the founder of Kith Tshel Garden, a plant nursery and landscaping business established in 2021, focused on the mass production of plants for landscaping and beautification. Over the years, she has grown the business from an idea into an operating enterprise serving government agencies, private companies, landscapers, and homeowners. She is also the founder of Florist World Thimphu started in 2025, a floral business offering fresh and artificial flowers, bouquets, and floral design services for events and special occasions. Melam is also a board member of the Horticulture Association of Bhutan, where she is involved in advancing the floriculture sector. She has participated in various entrepreneurship and incubation programmes and has been involved in mentoring and supporting aspiring entrepreneurs and young people.

Nyema Zam
Founder and CEO
Samuh,

Bhutan's first OTT and Pay TV platform. She is the Global Finalist of Women in Tech 2025 and the winner of APAC Women in Tech 2025. She also is the winner of the UK RISE Business Awards 2022 and the Ngultrum Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2022. Her Startup, Samuh, has won several accolades, including the South Asia Startup ICT Award 2023, the 'Best Initiative to Grow Local Industry' Makers & Shakers Award UK 2022, the JICA Global Awards 2022 and multiple National Film Awards in 2022 and 2023 and 2024. Samuh Films have also premiered at Busan Film Festival and Concorto and won awards at UK Asian Film Festival in 2022, Tallinn Film Festival in 2024 and Osaka Asian Film Festival in Japan 2025. Nyema Zam is a Board Director of the Royal Securities Exchange of Bhutan and an Executive Member of the Bhutan Olympic Committee. She is also a Board of Trustee of Organization of Youth Empowerment, a Civil Society Organization in Bhutan.

Sherab Jamtsho
Co-Founder
Norbit Digital

a digital asset and financial technology platform focused on building accessible and secure financial infrastructure for the digital economy. He has several years of experience in Web3 and digital assets, investing in and advising Web3 startups and working with founders, investors, and industry leaders across the global ecosystem.

Rangjung Dorji
Co-Founder and CEO
Brilliantmoon

Rangjung is a Web3 entrepreneur and growth strategist, He is the Co-Founder and CEO of Brilliantmoon, a specialized marketing agency that helps crypto-native protocols and decentralized brands scale. Under his leadership, Brilliantmoon drives high-impact growth through strategic brand positioning, targeted marketing, and crypto-native community building. Trained as a power engineer, Rangjung brings a rigorous, analytical approach to scaling Web3 ventures across high-growth digital ecosystems. He is also a Partner at Norbit.

Ugyen
Founder and CEO
Chainzeeper,

a software development company in Babesa, Thimphu that specializes in blockchain and Web3 solutions. He also leads Aldeb Trades, which provides market-making software-as-a-service for digital asset markets. With a background in engineering and business, he brings hands-on experience in how digital assets are built, traded and secured. That gives him a practical view of the opportunities and risks of crypto for entrepreneurs. Outside of technology, Ugyen is a Bhutanese singer-songwriter and a passionate motorcyclist.

Ugyen Tshering
Founder and CEO
Pure Bhutan,

a Bhutanese enterprise transforming local botanicals into wellness products through responsible sourcing, local processing and transparent evidence. Working with farming and forest communities, he is building a business that connects traditional knowledge with science, supports fair benefit-sharing and retains greater economic value within Bhutan. His mission is to make trust central to wellness—helping people understand where products come from, how they are made and who benefits.

Suresh Nepal
CT Analyst
GovTech

Suresh Nepal is an ICT Analyst in the Data Science and AI Division at GovTech Bhutan, focusing on data engineering and digital governance. A core developer of Bhutan’s National AI Strategy and contributor to its Ethical and Responsible AI Guidelines, he works on building secure data infrastructure and AI-driven applications for public innovation.

Ngawang Gyeltshen
President
Bhutan Esports Association

a member organisation of the Bhutan Olympic Committee, and currently leads the Asia Visionary Summit (www.avs.bt), a landmark investment summit under the auspices of His Majesty's Secretariat that aims to catalyse the startup and innovation ecosystem of Gelephu Mindfulness City. He is also the founder of Guu.ai, a mindfulness app. His work spans precision agriculture, the creative industries and blockchain. In 2023, Vanity Fair featured him on its Global Goals List, recognising the impact young leaders like him are having on the UN Sustainable Development Goals. He is a One Young World Ambassador and was named a European Development Days Young Leader in 2022. Ngawang served as producer of the Bhutan Echoes Festival for two years and is the youngest trustee of the Loden Foundation, which supports disadvantaged children and deserving youth so that cost is never a barrier to education. He studied at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University in Japan as a JASSO Honors Scholarship recipient.

Walker Barnard
co-founder
myzampa

a for-benefit community economy platform built with a Bhutanese founding team, where digital tools, payments, and AI serve local businesses and communities. He brings more than 30 years as a Grammy Award-winning music producer and musician, working on international events at the highest level around the world. A decade living in Bali, close to its village governance traditions, shaped his view that technology should strengthen how communities already organize themselves. That thread runs through his label UMA SAI, which works with indigenous and tribal artists worldwide, and now through myzampa, where he builds toward a future of work that creates livelihoods without losing culture.

Tshering Denkar
Denkar Getaway.

Tshering Denkar, renowned as the first Bhutanese travel blogger and vlogger, curates the popular travel blog 'Denkar Getaway.' Her extensive travels within Bhutan serve not only to showcase travel destinations but also to capture and share the stories of the people she encounters. She is the published Authors of Two Books "The Tourist Within", she weaves narratives highlighting Bhutan's rich cultural tapestry. Beyond her role in the travel realm, Tshering Denkar is a dedicated social worker, nature enthusiast, and environmentalist. Passionate about advocating for mountains and their communities, she has actively raised awareness of the impacts of climate change in Bhutan. Through impactful documentaries, she sheds light on the climate change challenges faced by nomads and highlanders in the region, with support from organizations like ICIMOD, Nepal, and UNDP Bhutan. One of her documentaries titled “ Stories from the Mountain” premiered during COP 27 in Egypt. Armed with a Master's in Tourism Management from Thailand, Tshering Denkar emphasizes the urgency of creating awareness about climate change and advocates for proactive measures in mitigation and adaptation processes while creating travel content. Recently she completed her first travel series with Hollywood Star Will Smith in 2022 produced by National Geographic and Disney-plus. Having amassed thousands of followers on social media, it has become a role model to many Bhutanese Youth.

Tashi Penjor
Director (Health)
Gelephu Mindfulness City Authority

He is a public health professional and a health systems advisor. Currently he is leading the business development of health workstream at GMCA as a Director under the Economic Development Group. Earlier in Bhutan’s health sector, he was instrumental in designing impactful national initiatives such as the National Flagship Programs on Priority public health, digitalizing health services delivery through electronic Patient Information System (ePIS), and managed several health projects to improve access to health care service in Bhutan. He also represented Bhutan as it’s advisor in the World Health Assembly and also as member in the Executive Board and the Policy Coordination Committee of the World Health Organization. He also worked with the Asian Disaster Preparedness Centre, Bangkok as a disaster management consultant and also with Melody International, Japan in piloting IoT based technology (cardiotocography) to improve pregnancy outcomes and health care workers efficiency through the use of AI. He holds a Master Degree of Public Health from Chulalongkorn University, Thailand and a Master in Public Policy from the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, NUS, Singapore. He also completed the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) Professional course in India. He is a PRINCE 2 certified Project Management Expert and also in Project Procurement by the ADB & ITC ILO.

Jigme Tashi Namgyal
CEO and founder
Jaggle AI Pvt. Ltd

He is a Bhutanese technology entrepreneur, software engineer, and CEO and founder of Jaggle AI Pvt. Ltd. Beginning his technology career at just 19, he has built and led AI, fintech, and blockchain products across Bhutan, Japan, South Korea, and the United States. He was named Bhutan’s National Student Entrepreneur of the Year and reached the quarterfinals of the Global Student Entrepreneur Awards. Under his leadership, Jaggle AI was selected among the top 1% of more than 3,000 applicants from over 120 countries for the K-Startup Grand Challenge. Today, Jigme is pioneering a GNH-guided approach to the future of work using AI to help organizations become more productive, accountable, collaborative, and human-centered.

Jigme Tenzin
Founder
Housing.bt

Jigme Tenzin is a Bhutanese entrepreneur and ecosystem enabler with direct experience in alternative financing. As the founder of housinng.bt, he was among the first beneficiaries of Bhutan's Jabchor Angel Investment Program spearheaded by Royal Monetary Authority in 2018. He now co-leads Innovest Pvt. Ltd, serving as implementation partner for Jabchor 2.0 under the initiative of Department of Employment & Entrepreneurship (DoEE). His journey—from funded founder to program facilitator—gives him practical insight into building startup investment frameworks that work within Bhutan’s unique socio-economic context, a perspective he brings to discussions on venture growth in emerging markets.

Chandrika Tamang
Creative Director
CDK Gyencha

Chandrika Tamang is a Bhutanese fashion designer, social entrepreneur, and Founder and Creative Director of CDK Gyencha. Based in Thimphu, she brings Bhutan’s handweaving traditions into contemporary fashion, connecting cultural heritage with modern design. A self-taught designer, Chandrika left her career as an IT Officer at the Bank of Bhutan in 2014 to pursue her creative calling. Through CDK Gyencha, she creates clothing, accessories, and lifestyle pieces rooted in natural fibres, rich textures, and traditional craftsmanship. Her work supports women artisans through income opportunities while helping preserve weaving knowledge for future generations. Recognised as Bhutan’s Woman Entrepreneur of the Year in 2017, Chandrika also became the first Bhutanese designer to present at Milan Fashion Week. Her vision is to build an internationally recognised Bhutanese brand that honours its origins, embraces responsible production, and demonstrates how fashion can create opportunities for women while sharing Bhutan’s textile heritage with the world.

Srijana Giri
Operations Manager
Loden Tewa

A Centre for Social Ventures, where she works closely with growth-stage social enterprises in Bhutan. With 8+ years of experience across entrepreneurship, development, marketing, and innovation, she brings a cross-sector perspective to business growth, partnerships, and impact.

Subash Rai
Finance Educator & Training Facilitator

Dynamic finance professional with over a decade of experience in financial management, training, and professional development. Currently Assistant Lecturer at the Financial Institutions Training Institute, Subash specializes in investment analysis, financial planning, and training programs for diverse audiences across Bhutan’s finance sector. Expertise: Financial Planning, Investment Analysis, Financial Literacy, Business Training, Accounting

Charmi Chheda

Charmi Chheda is an Order of Merit recipient and an acclaimed theatre artist, filmmaker, and founder of Snow Leopard Theatre, one of Bhutan's pioneering professional theatre companies dedicated to original theatre, film, and performance-making. She hssvalso co-founded Snow Leopard Films, a media company committed to telling original stories from the Himalayan region and Southeast Asia. Under her artistic leadership, Snow Leopard Theatre has produced acclaimed stage works including Mamma Mia Reimagined, Sangay Siddhartha—performed extensively across Bhutan and internationally—The Raven Tells a Story, The Window, and numerous other original productions that have contributed significantly to the growth of contemporary theatre in Bhutan. Charmi served as the Bhutan producer for a 2024 National Geographic short film and continues to develop original film and theatre projects with an international outlook.