From students to entrepreneurs, the spirit of innovation thrives across generations, even in Bhutan. As the Bhutan Innovation Forum draws near, Bhutanese innovators say they are looking forward to possible collaboration with international experts and to expanding Bhutan’s innovation. To contribute to the Gelephu Mindfulness City, innovators will exhibit their products and draw inspiration from renowned international entrepreneurs to generate impactful ideas.
From the latest satellite technology to various OTT platforms, Bhutan, like any developed nation, is striving and thriving.
For many Bhutanese innovators, the Bhutan Innovation Forum is more than just an event. It is their chance to connect, inspire, and push the boundaries of what is possible for Bhutan.
“Attending this Bhutan Innovation Forum is like the transfer of knowledge and then technology and experiences, so that we not only think about running a company here only in Bhutan’s context, but rather expand our horizon beyond the boundaries of Bhutan. So, all of this can be possible, may be possible by attending this Bhutan Innovation Forum, by listening to their stories,” said Tharchen, chief executive officer at iBEST.
The GovTech Agency is also looking forward to learning about transforming government operations and building digital economy at the forum.
“Looking at the panel of experts in artificial intelligence, blockchain, in cyber security, gives us the opportunity to look at how these new technologies and innovations could be applied in transferring government as well as looking at digital economic opportunities. That is what we would be looking forward to engaging with the speakers at the forum,” said Jigme Tenzing, secretary at GovTech Agency.
Similarly, the chief operations officer of Thimphu Tech Park said that the forum is a platform to showcase and demonstrate their products. Thimphu Tech Park is the flagship IT development company and the first IT park in the country.
“For instance, we have ePIS (electronic Patient Information System), the Gateway, the tender.bt, ERP and SAP products. So, the Bhutan Innovation Forum will provide us with a platform to showcase and demonstrate our product and also get feedback from the existing customers as well as from the experts around and allow us to enhance our product and further develop our products,” said Tenzin Rabgay, chief operating officer at Thimphu TechPark.
The DHI Innotech, a department established to strategize technology and innovation pathways across DHI and the DHI group will also display Bhutan’s innovations at the forum.
“We have one of our AI projects called Automatic Number Plate Detection System, which detects number plates in cities. The second project we want to showcase is the Water Management System, where we utilise water sensors for households to look at their intake of water and also for the government officials to allocate water accordingly,” said Uzal Chettri, associate analyst at Druk Holdings and Investments.
Similarly, the Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck Super Fab Lab and other Fab Labs across the country are also looking forward to the Bhutan Innovation Forum.
“We also want to show that in Bhutan there is a platform for innovation, space for anyone who can come and develop their product, do research or just come and have fun and learn. That is our main agenda to be at the Bhutan Innovation Forum,” said Tshering Wangzom, analyst at Druk Holding and Investments.
While the Bhutan Innovation Forum is a global initiative dedicated to sustainable development and mindful entrepreneurship, the shared excitement among participants to meet global experts and network is a common highlight among Bhutanese innovators.
Samten Dolkar/Devika Pradhan/Kipchu
Edited by Sherub Dorji
