The
Program
Explore this year’s rich program, with some of the most forward-thinking Entreprenuer and innovators in Bhutan.
Day 1, Thursday, Oct 19
Marchang
by Loden Foundation
09:20 - 09:35
Main Venue
Welcome Remarks
by Loden Foundation
09:35 - 09:45
Main Venue
Note by Chief Guest
Resident Representative, UNDP Bhutan
09:45 - 10:00
Main Venue
Product Launch
UNDP, DOL, and MoiCE
Cheese show and Taste by Department of Livestock and UNDP Bhutan
Launch of Flea Market
In an attempt to introduce a weekend market culture and promoting entrepreneurial spirit, Loden Foundation in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment and Association of Bhutanese Cottage and Small Industry established the Flea Market.
The market launched during Druk Tshongrig Gatoen is handed over to the start up center. Any future events, campaigns to promote business and entrepreneurship can be held at this market space.
10:00 - 11:00
Main Venue
Innovation Ecosystem
Keynote by Phuntsho, Director InnoTech
Phuntsho Namgay, the Officiating Director of the Department of Innovation and Technology at Druk Holding and Investments, who leads the charge in developing Bhutan’s Innovation Ecosystem for a tech-based economy. With an MBA from the Australian Graduate School of Management and experience in Program Development, Financial Management, Business Development, and Project Management, he’s committed to realizing His Majesty the Fifth’s vision of a transformed Bhutan.
Phuntsho Namgay’s keynote will unveil DHI’s initiatives to foster innovation and create startup opportunities, bridging the knowledge gap between Bhutan’s local startup scene and the global stage. Get ready for valuable insights into strategies, innovations, and collaborative approaches that have propelled startups to international acclaim.
This keynote promises to equip you to guide Bhutan’s startup ecosystem toward growth and sustainability, offering a deeper understanding of the dynamic forces shaping the startup world. Join us to make informed decisions and strategically navigate the Bhutanese startup landscape.
11:00 - 12:00
Main Venue
Navigating Climate Challenges: Building Resilience in Green Entrepreneurship
Interview
The central objective of the panel discussion is to facilitate a dynamic exchange process that encourages a reciprocal sharing of expertise and benchmark learning. Interweaving local experiences with global best practices aims to forge collaborative solutions that effectively harness the strengths inherent in both domains.
The local entrepreneurial ecosystem has been noticeably lacking in collaborative initiatives, a limitation that has hindered the realisation of growth potential and stifled innovation in our pursuits. Addressing this challenge is not just a preference but a necessity, as it holds the key to unlocking the region’s untapped capacities, thereby cultivating a vibrant atmosphere of shared learning and progress.
The participants stand to benefit from cross-regional synergy, leveraging international insights to infuse novel perspectives into local initiatives. This infusion of diverse viewpoints is poised to drive innovation and introduce distinctive approaches to solving challenges. Moreover, as collaboration between local stakeholders and global counterparts is fostered, the emergence of a collaborative network becomes a tangible outcome. This network, characterised by enhanced partnerships, knowledge exchange, and joint ventures, is poised to open doors to expanded opportunities.
12:00 - 12:30
Main Venue
What is National Digital Identity?
Panel session
We intend to discuss what NDI is and how it impacts our everyday life. Any business development possibilities riding on the NDI launch in the country.
Is there a global marketplace and opportunity for Bhutan riding on our NDI rollout? Come join the session to learn more about NDI and opportunities.
12:30 - 01:20
Main Venue
Lunch
Bon appétit
01:00 - 02:00
Main Venue
Strengthening Bilateral Business Tie
Keynote by Niteen Subhash Yeola, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of India, Thimphu
India and Bhutan share a close and friendly relationship characterised by historical, cultural, economic, and geopolitical ties. This relationship has been forged over many decades and is often described as being based on mutual trust and respect.
With the growth of the Bhutanese private sector, the people-to-people engagement of the private sector has progressed. To better understand the relationship of the business ties and support, we have Niteen Subhash Yeola, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of India, Thimphu.
02:00 - 02:50
Main Venue
Role of Local Government administration in creating an Entrepreneurial Ecosystem: Revealing Chukha's Entrepreneurial Journey
Panel Session
Rural entrepreneurship is a foundational pillar for our nation’s economic advancement, with several Dzongkhags emerging as pivotal contributors, showcasing remarkable progress within our borders. Chukha has notably risen to the forefront, setting an exemplary standard through its dynamic entrepreneurial endeavours that significantly propel our country’s economic trajectory.
Given this noteworthy achievement, we propose a thought-provoking dialogue centred around Chukha’s expedition in nurturing its robust entrepreneurial ecosystem. The objective is to delve into its current standing and chart a course for the coming decade, aligned with the strategic roadmap of the Dzongkhag. This event aims to galvanise rural entrepreneurship by disseminating the success story of Chukha, facilitating collaborative partnerships, and furnishing participants with pragmatic insights essential for sustainable economic expansion and communal cooperation. Drawing attendees from diverse Dzongkhags, this event is poised to inspire through Chukha’s triumphant model, enabling the application of best practices to mould their communities, thereby igniting an all-encompassing and prosperous rural development movement where Local Governments play a pivotal role in cultivating an entrepreneurial ecosystem for the nation.
02:50 - 03:40
Main venue
Digital Innovations: Bhutanese Student Startups Leading the Way
Panel Session with GCIT Students
Digital Innovations: Bhutanese Student Startups Leading The Way
Leveraging digital resources to drive positive changes and solve problems in various domains, such as business, healthcare, education, and more is no much just a trend but actual business opportunities.
We have 2 student groups from GCIT who have launched their chatbots and through this session we get to know their journey and what it takes to be a digital innovator.
03:40 - 04:30
Main Venue
Day 2, Friday, Oct 20
Presentation on Department of Industry’s Program and Support Services
Presentation by Mr. Penjor, Sr. Industry Officer and Mr. kuenzang, Dy. chief Industry Officer
The session will provide the opportunity for the participants to understand the vision, mission, mandates and functions of the Department of Industry, Ministry of Industry, Commerce & Employment towards promotion and development of industries in the country. Through the session proposed plans and activities in the 13 FYP of the Department of Industry will be presented and finally the services and facilitation provided to the industries will be covered. In essence you will get to know all about the industry landscape in Bhutan including Foreign Direct Investments.
09:30 - 10:20
Main auditorium
SheMeansBusiness: Celebrating Women in Entrepreneurship
Keynote - Virtual Session
Engaging TED Talk-style event featuring a successful woman in business who shares her journey, motivating and uplifting women entrepreneurs to reach for their dreams.
In the changing business landscape, gender disparities persist, posing obstacles to women’s entrepreneurial growth. Limited representation, resource access, and societal norms hinder aspiring women business owners. This TED Talk confronts these challenges by spotlighting a pioneering woman who conquered barriers for extraordinary success.
Join the TED Talk-style event for empowerment, insights into entrepreneurship challenges, and networking. Break gender norms, gain confidence, and drive positive change in business with inspiring success story.
10:20 - 11:10
Main auditorium
Queer Entrepreneurship: What It Is And Why It Matters
Panel Discussion
Recognising the entrepreneurial aspirations and determination within the LGBTQIA community is essential. The existing scope of opportunities for this community often needs to be expanded, emphasising the need for a comprehensive understanding of its dynamics. This understanding not only presents a chance for stakeholders to gain deeper insights but also aligns with their commitment to offer support.
Stakeholders are actively engaged in assisting the broader Bhutanese community and the LGBTQIA community in particular. A more nuanced comprehension of the LGBTQIA community’s intricacies is an invaluable opportunity for stakeholders. By fostering this improved understanding, they further demonstrate their dedication to empowering and aiding the LGBTQIA community while contributing positively to the broader Bhutanese society.
11:10 - 12:00
Main auditorium
Innovation and Creative Industry
Panel session
The innovation and creative industry is a dynamic and rapidly evolving sector of the global economy. It encompasses a wide range of activities and businesses that are centered around generating new ideas, products, services, and experiences.
This industry plays a crucial role in driving economic growth, fostering cultural development, and shaping the way we live and work.
12:00 - 12:50
Main auditorium
Lunch Break
Bon appétit
12:50 - 02:00
Main auditorium
Financing Entrepreneurship in Bhutan: Improving access to Finance
Panel Discussion
Access to finance from banks to crowdfunding platforms; civil society support to DHI initiated seed funding and much more has been done. Government initiated enterprises and the establishment of the National CSI bank, these are all testaments to the attempts made for access to finance.
There has also been discussion about access to market and market creation but it is yet, again linked to access to bigger finances with market demand.
Access to Finance has come a long way for businesses in Bhutan and yet there is still a need to do more.
Seed funding to cottage, small and medium industries has progressed but there remains a vacuum for acceleration funds and other alternative financing mechanisms.
This session intends to unfurl and dive deeper into alternative financing options outside and within Bhutan.
02:00 - 02:50
Main auditorium
Business Pitching
MoICE, RUB, DSP & Loden
02:50 Onwards
Startup Hall 1
Day 3, Saturday, Oct 21
Public Private Partnership
Keynote by Brigadier Jaswinder Singh, Chief Engineer, Dantak
Established in 1961 following discussions between the Third Druk Gyalpo, the King of Bhutan, and Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru in 1958, Project Dantak has grown from modest beginnings in bamboo huts to become a formidable organization. It has played a significant role in contributing to the economic development of the Royal Government of Bhutan through infrastructure development.
This session will shed light on the evolution of Project Dantak’s operations in Bhutan over the years, with a particular focus on the innovative adoption of a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) approach. Brigadier Jaswinder Singh, Chief Engineer of Dantak, will share his valuable insights and experiences in pioneering this PPP model within the organisation.
09:30 - 10:20
Main auditorium
Making PWD entrepreneurs inclusive, accessible and sustainable
Panel Discussion
Despite the efforts of various organisations, exclusion persists for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and the Deaf community within entrepreneurship programs, particularly in post-program support. Addressing this urgent concern, our panel discussion aims to drive change by uniting organisations, entrepreneurs, and PWD representatives.
This dialogue will delve into the challenges faced by PWDs and the Deaf community and strategise ways to foster a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem. Collaboratively, we will explore solutions that prioritise post-program support, encourage cooperation, and ensure sustained assistance. By generating awareness and actionable plans, stakeholders commit to structured aftercare programs encompassing monitoring, mentoring, and resources. This approach will empower PWD and Deaf entrepreneurs, enhancing their confidence and success while shaping a culture of inclusivity. This event’s outcomes will establish a foundation for a diverse and equitable entrepreneurial landscape, setting a precedent for broader initiatives supporting PWDs and the Deaf community.
10:20 - 11:30
Main auditorium
Enhancing Mentorship Networks for Bhutanese Startups
Panel Session
Fostering startups necessitates effective mentorship, a pivotal factor offering indispensable direction and reinforcement to entrepreneurs. Despite its undeniable importance, Bhutan needs help augmenting its mentor pool, which has remained static over the last ten years. This panel discussion aims to delve into the strategies employed by diverse organisations to cultivate a robust mentoring culture. The primary goal is to pinpoint actionable remedies for broadening and diversifying the reservoir of mentors within Bhutan’s burgeoning startup landscape.
Geared towards startups, facilitators of entrepreneurship, funding bodies, and policy framers, this panel discussion will help understand the growth of Bhutan’s startup ecosystem. By exchanging insights, it aspires to uncover fresh solutions that will invigorate and expand the cohort of mentors, consequently revitalising the country’s entrepreneurial landscape.
11:30 - 12:10
Main Venue
Promoting the Export Competitiveness of Entrepreneurs
Panel Discussion
Promoting export competitiveness involves implementing strategies and policies to enhance a country’s ability to sell its goods and services in international markets. Promoting export competitiveness is a multifaceted approach that involves government policies, infrastructure development, financial support, and business strategies aimed at enabling a country’s businesses to thrive in international markets. It requires a coordinated effort from government agencies, the private sector, and other stakeholders to create an environment conducive to successful exporting.
12:10 - 01:10
Main auditorium
Vote of Thanks
by President Loden Foundation
01:10
Main auditorium
Lyonpo's Keynote
HE Lyonpo Ugyen Dorji, Ministry of Home Affairs
06:00 pm - 06:10 pm
Urban Dumra
Awards Ceremony
by RUB, MoICE and Loden
06:10 pm - 06:30 pm
Urban Dumra
Experience Sharing by Spring board Participants
MoICE, UNDP, & Loden
06:30 Pm - 07:00 Pm
Urban Dumra
Screwup Night
Followed by Networking Dinner
Introducing “Screwup Night,” a pioneering movement to break the shackles of limiting paradigms that stifle individual potential. This transformative endeavour harnesses the power of failure to ignite challenging and profound conversations, giving birth to a secure environment where leaders champion authenticity. In this space, accepting failure merges with an atmosphere of openness, fostering the evolution of a groundbreaking organisational culture grounded in innovation.
In the face of conventional thinking and the paralysing fear of failure, individuals and organisations are constrained, thwarting their true capabilities and stifling significant discussions. “Screwup Night” confronts this predicament head-on by establishing a protected haven, inviting leaders to endorse authenticity and thereby cultivate an organisational ethos that thrives on embracing failure as a catalyst for progress.
This initiative extends its embrace to a diverse spectrum of individuals and entities, spanning aspiring entrepreneurs, seasoned startup founders, corporate trailblazers, government representatives, educators, and anyone on a personal and professional growth journey.
07:00 pm onwards
Urban Dumra
Side Events
Institutional Visit
Workshop on intellectual property
Join us for an enlightening session on the fundamentals of Intellectual Property Rights and the essential do’s and don’ts for entrepreneurs. In this interactive workshop, we will explore the importance of protecting your innovative ideas, trademarks, copyrights, and patents. From understanding the various types of intellectual property to navigating the legal landscape, our expert speakers will provide valuable insights and practical tips for safeguarding your creative work. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this session will equip you with the knowledge and tools to successfully navigate the world of intellectual property rights.
This program is hosted in collaboration with USPTO and Impact Hub Thimphu.
Big Thanks To Our Friends & Partners
PARTNERS
GOLD SPONSORS
SILVER SPONSORS
ORGANIZERS
