strive to get better
Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) at Druk Tshongrig Gatoen
Following the success of the Bhutan Innovation Forum (BIF) held from 1 to 3 October, which centred on the vision for Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC), the conversation around the finer details of this groundbreaking project has gained significant momentum. To continue fostering engagement and discussion within Bhutan, GMC will have an active presence at Druk Tshongrig Gatoen, Bhutan’s entrepreneurship week.
The aim of this involvement is to create opportunities for a broader segment of the Bhutanese public and potential investors to learn more about GMC, its vision, and the role it will play in shaping Bhutan’s future.
Objectives:
Key Features:
GMC Stall (Day 1 & Day 2): For two days, a dedicated stall for Gelephu Mindfulness City will be set up at Druk Tshongrig Gatoen, serving as a central hub for engagement and information-sharing about GMC. The stall will offer:
2. Panel Discussions (Day 1): Two in-depth panel discussions will be held on Day 1 of Druk Tshongrig Gatoen, bringing together key Managing Directors and leaders involved with GMC. The discussions will explore various aspects of the project, including its economic impact, sustainability, and opportunities for investment and collaboration.
A project led by the Communications Officer of the Loden Foundation
About the Book:
In observance of the Loden Foundation’s 25th anniversary, the book titled People of Loden is a photo book that showcases the foundation’s journey since its inception in 1999. The book features images of individuals and beneficiaries who have been part of this journey.
The selected entrepreneurs from the spring call will be honored with a khadar, symbolizing our recognition of their hard work and dedication. This gesture will serve as a formal acknowledgment of their achievements and commitment to entrepreneurial growth.
This initiative supports our efforts to monitor and highlight the progress of Bhutanese entrepreneurs under the Loden Entrepreneurship Program in the post-COVID landscape. The session will provide a platform for both new and previously selected entrepreneurs to share their journeys, achievements, and challenges, showcasing their resilience and the program’s ongoing impact.
Entrepreneurs from the 2023 cohort will prepare brief presentations on their progress, including successes and challenges. The session will include a panel discussion for audience Q&A and feedback from Loden mentors. This will emphasize the program’s commitment to long-term support and the continued relevance of entrepreneurship in Bhutan’s evolving business environment.
At Druk Tshongrig Gatoen, we proudly celebrate entrepreneurial excellence with the Best Loden Entrepreneur Awardand Business Pitching Competition. This prestigious award recognises Loden entrepreneurs who have not only excelled in their business ventures but also made a positive social impact. The award also serves as motivation for entrepreneurs to ensure timely loan repayments, as these funds support the next wave of aspiring entrepreneurs.
The Best Loden Entrepreneur Award offers a cash prize of BTN 200,000 along with the esteemed title. Past recipients of Loden startup funding who have successfully completed their repayments are eligible to apply. The Loden Foundation team will shortlist applicants, and the top three candidates will present their ventures during DTG. A panel of judges will evaluate these presentations, and the winner will be honoured with the award.
Additionally, we plan to include pitching competitions from other organisations, further enriching the event and showcasing Bhutan’s diverse entrepreneurial talent.
A key highlight of this year’s Druk Tshongrig Gatoen is the launch of the Bhutan Food Dialogue, a collaborative initiative with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Bhutan. This platform will foster critical conversations on Bhutan’s food systems, bringing together policymakers, entrepreneurs, farmers, researchers, and development partners to explore key challenges and opportunities within the sector.
The Bhutan Food Dialogue aims to share insights, discuss sustainable approaches, and identify collaborative strategies to enhance Bhutan’s food landscape. The dialogue will focus on building a resilient and self-sustaining food ecosystem that aligns with Bhutan’s GNH values, ensuring that food security and sustainable agriculture remain a national priority.
By bringing together local expertise and international partnerships, the first session of the Bhutan Food Dialogue at DTG 2024 will lay the foundation for future initiatives that promote food security, sustainable agriculture, and the well-being of Bhutan’s population.
Objective:
The Bhutan Food Dialogue seeks to bring together a diverse group of stakeholders to explore Bhutan’s food systems, identifying challenges, opportunities, and sustainable solutions that align with the GNH framework and Bhutan’s broader development goals.
Key Features:
As Bhutan’s entrepreneurship ecosystem continues to expand, the importance of high-quality advertising cannot be overstated. Creatives form the backbone of effective communication, enabling businesses to connect with their audience and market their products or services effectively. In alignment with this, Nyingnor, a strategic communications firm in Thimphu, is pleased to sponsor and coordinate the Creative Awards, an initiative to recognise and reward the most innovative advertising efforts in Bhutan.
Event Overview: The Creative Awards aim to celebrate the creativity and innovation behind advertising campaigns in Bhutan, highlighting the role that quality ads creatives play in the success of any business. The event will take place over two days during Druk Tshongrig Gatoen, featuring panel discussions, showcases, and interactive presentations.
Objectives:
Key Features:
Prizes:
Judging Criteria: The entries will be judged on a range of factors, including:
At this year’s Druk Tshongrig Gatoen, we would like to celebrate the hard work and innovation of waste entrepreneurs who have made significant strides in addressing Bhutan’s waste management challenges. In collaboration with the PLEASE Project—supported by the World Bank, SACEP, and UNOPS—we will highlight the remarkable successes of these entrepreneurs and provide training for interested attendees in turning plastic waste into valuable products.
Objectives:
Entrepreneurs working within Bhutan’s waste sector are encouraged to apply in advance. The winners will be revealed during an award and speech session, with no requirement for pitches.
At this year’s Druk Tshongrig Gatoen, we would like to celebrate the hard work and innovation of waste entrepreneurs who have made significant strides in addressing Bhutan’s waste management challenges. In collaboration with the PLEASE Project—supported by the World Bank, SACEP, and UNOPS—we will highlight the remarkable successes of these entrepreneurs and provide training for interested attendees in turning plastic waste into valuable products.
Objectives:
Through our collaboration with the PLEASE Project, we will explore ways to expand waste entrepreneurship in Bhutan, including access to funding, technical support, and market opportunities. This partnership is in line with the event’s focus on fostering sustainable entrepreneurship and innovation in Bhutan.
strive to get better