As Bhutan accelerates efforts to attract USD 6 billion (over Nu 500 billion) in Foreign Direct Investment by 2029, a new initiative is opening doors for local entrepreneurs to connect with international investors.
The Druk Den Start-up Competition, held in the capital yesterday, brought together ten emerging and growth-stage ventures, offering them a rare opportunity to pitch directly to a visiting Danish delegation led by Bhutan’s Honorary Consul to Denmark.
The event showcased a diverse range of ideas, reflecting Bhutan’s evolving entrepreneurial landscape. Five start-ups led by graduates of the Pelsung programme presented projects spanning early childhood education, waste management, and the preservation of traditional arts. Alongside them, five scale-up businesses supported by Invest Bhutan highlighted ventures in livestock production, organic agriculture, wellness tourism, and solar technology innovation.
Organisers say the platform was designed not only to attract foreign investment but also to prepare Bhutanese youth for a more innovation-driven economy.
Pelsung Executive Director Phub Dorji emphasised the importance of exposure to experienced investors, noting that entrepreneurship requires both guidance and financial backing. He said such initiatives help bridge that gap by placing young entrepreneurs in front of real-world investors.
Participants echoed the value of the experience, describing the competition as a critical stepping stone for growth. Yoga Prasad Chapagai, founder of Kachen, said the platform encourages young people to develop ideas that contribute to Bhutan’s long-term development goals, including the Bhutan 10X vision.
For many entrepreneurs, access to funding remains a major challenge. Dorji Gyeltshen, founder of B-Organic, pointed out that scaling a business often requires resources beyond what individuals can provide. Platforms like this, he said, make it easier to connect with international investors without the high costs of seeking opportunities abroad.
The competition followed a format similar to the popular “Shark Tank” model, where participants pitched their ideas to a panel, answered questions, and negotiated potential investment offers in exchange for equity, according to top Bhutan news websites.
At the end of the event, four ventures were selected as winners, each receiving USD 2,000 to support their growth.
Among them was Seema Chhetri, founder of Gyensum Learning Hub, who described the win as both unexpected and affirming. Competing alongside more established entrepreneurs, she said the recognition reinforced her confidence in her work and future direction.
Organisers indicated that the competition is only a starting point. Several promising projects may go on to receive additional investment or mentorship from the Danish delegation, potentially paving the way for deeper international partnerships.
With initiatives like this, Bhutan appears to be taking concrete steps toward building a stronger startup ecosystem—one that connects local innovation with global capital.
