Bhutan is gearing up to launch a transformative youth initiative this October as part of its ambitious Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) vision. The Innovate for GMC programme will gather 500 Bhutanese between the ages of 20 and 35 for a three-month journey designed to turn bold ideas into solutions for pressing national and global challenges.
The initiative will empower young people to co-create projects across four key pathways: policy, entrepreneurship, non-profit ventures, and blended fourth-sector initiatives. Participants will work in Gelephu, forming teams supported by mentors, industry experts, and resources to ensure their projects are both practical and scalable.
“This initiative is a great opportunity for our youth. It will help address challenges while contributing to the development of the world, and Bhutan in particular,” said Tshering Dorji from Monggar. Echoing this sentiment, Dorji Norbu added, “Our country has many unemployed youths, yet we also have a pool of well-educated young people ready to serve. This initiative provides an excellent platform for them to showcase their talents and ideas.”
A Three-Phase Journey
The programme will unfold in three structured phases. The first month will introduce participants to the vision through orientation and field visits, including trips to Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary, Manas National Park, and cross-border exposure in Assam and Shillong.
In the second month, the focus will shift to skills development, with workshops on project management, business planning, and stakeholder mapping, alongside visits to innovation hubs across Bhutan. The final month will see teams build prototypes and present their ideas during a Demo Day showcase.
Selected teams will receive seed funding or micro-grants to pilot their solutions. Throughout the programme, participants will also benefit from mentorship, structured support, monthly stipends, and opportunities to present their work nationally.
Open to All Youth
The Innovate for GMC programme is open to young Bhutanese from diverse backgrounds — including students, graduates, professionals, entrepreneurs, civil servants, and private sector employees — with a minimum qualification of a diploma.
Government departments will be able to send up to five participants per cohort to ensure continued operations, while applicants from private companies and civil society organisations must provide a no-objection letter from their employers.
“This is mainly for the youth. Through GMC, we can solve national and global challenges. It’s a very good opportunity, and I hope to take part too,” said Tashi Choden from Tashi Yangtse.
The programme officially begins next month and will conclude by the end of December, marking a significant milestone in Bhutan’s vision to position Gelephu as a hub of innovation, mindfulness, and global engagement.
