The final day of the UPSHIFT Bootcamp was marked by fresh thinking, confident pitches, and a strong sense of purpose as 20 high school students presented innovative solutions to some of today’s most pressing challenges. The three-day camp concluded yesterday, leaving behind a clear message: young people are ready to lead change when given the right platform and support.
After intensive training sessions, participants from Young Volunteers In Action (Y-VIA) showcased ideas that addressed a wide range of real-world issues, including cyberbullying, access to e-learning, traffic congestion, public transport efficiency, and the growing problem of electronic waste. Each pitch reflected not only creativity but also a deep understanding of community needs.
One of the standout ideas was “Tech Turn,” a monitoring device developed using reusable components from discarded electronics. The concept combines environmental protection with disaster preparedness, offering a practical response to e-waste pollution while strengthening early warning systems.
Designed to be installed on trees, the device is equipped with vibration and heat sensors. According to the team, minor vibrations could help detect illegal logging activities, while stronger, widespread vibrations might signal seismic events. Similarly, unusual rises in temperature across multiple devices could alert authorities to potential forest fires, allowing for quicker response times. All alerts would be transmitted directly to a central control room.
“Our idea is to dismantle old electronics, reuse functional parts, and turn them into a device that can detect illegal logging, earthquakes, and forest fires,” said team member Tenzin Yeshey Wangdi. “At the same time, we want to reduce e-waste and contribute to environmental protection by eventually mass-producing the model.”
Another team member, Sharmila Rai, said the project was inspired by the lack of awareness around electronic waste. “E-waste pollution is still a new issue for many people. When we looked deeper into the problem, we realised it could be turned into an opportunity through Tech Turn,” she said.
Beyond the device itself, the team also proposed a digital platform to support sustainable operations. The platform would collect electronic waste from schools, colleges, institutions, households, and designated drop-off centres. Usable items would be repaired and resold at affordable prices, generating revenue while promoting responsible e-waste management.
“We want to create a system where e-waste is collected, repaired, and reused instead of being thrown away,” said Tshering Tshogyel Yangzom, another member of the team. “This will help both the environment and people who need affordable electronics.”
The bootcamp was guided by five young volunteer facilitators, emphasising peer-to-peer learning and youth leadership throughout the programme. Lead facilitator Pema Ugyen Namdrol Jamtsho praised the participants for their dedication and practicality. “These ideas were developed in just a few days, yet they are thoughtful, realistic, and impactful. We truly believe in the ability of these young people to turn ideas into action,” he said.
As the UPSHIFT Bootcamp came to a close, it was clear that the initiative is doing more than teaching innovation skills. By encouraging young participants to identify problems within their communities and design workable solutions, the programme is nurturing a new generation of problem-solvers—one idea, one pitch, and one opportunity at a time.
