Submission by Tandin Wangmo
In a rapidly evolving technological landscape, NoMindBhutan is emerging as a beacon of innovation and ambition. As Bhutan’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI) company, this remarkable venture, founded by seven undergraduates from Gyelpozhing College of Information Technology (GCIT), is setting a bold precedent for the country’s budding tech industry.
Since its inception in July 2022, NoMindBhutan has made significant strides, bringing two cutting-edge AI products to market. Their flagship innovation, Nola, is an advanced chatbot designed to provide seamless, 24/7 customer service. By delivering instant, accurate responses and smoothly transitioning to human representatives when needed, Nola is transforming customer interaction for Bhutan’s top corporations.
Their second offering, Sherig AI, is a groundbreaking educational platform that redefines personalized learning. Unlike global platforms like Coursera or Udemy, Sherig AI leverages YouTube and AI technology to create tailored courses for students, stored in a community-driven “library” accessible to all. The platform features an AI-powered teacher chatbot, also named Nola, which goes beyond providing solutions by encouraging students to think critically, solve problems independently, and grow through guided learning.
At the heart of NoMindBhutan are its seven visionary founders, who balance their academic responsibilities with the demands of running a startup. CEO and Co-Founder Ugyen Dendup (23) leads the team with entrepreneurial foresight, while CTO Jamphel Yigzin Samdrup (19) spearheads technological innovation. Other key roles include Tsheltrim Pemo (21) as Head of Product, Kuenzang Namgyal (22) as Fullstack Developer, Pema (22) in cybersecurity, Jampel Namdag Dorji (20) as Head of AI, and Nima Wangdi (20) as Head of Design and Marketing. Together, they exemplify the synergy of diverse talents coming together to tackle real-world challenges.
The journey from a dorm-room dream to a fully registered company on July 18, 2023, has not been without hurdles. Initial skepticism from potential clients posed challenges, as companies were hesitant to trust a group of students with groundbreaking AI solutions. But their determination paid off when Bhutan National Bank (BNB) became their first major client, a milestone that paved the way for partnerships with prominent organizations such as Drukair and the National Land Commission. Today, NoMindBhutan’s products serve some of Bhutan’s largest corporations, including the Bank of Bhutan, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment, and several others.
Recognition of their achievements extends beyond national borders. NoMindBhutan has been featured on the cover pages of Rest of World and Bloomberg, prestigious international media outlets. This exposure underscores the company’s potential to put Bhutan on the global AI map.
However, the path forward is not without challenges. Bhutan’s nascent tech market, limited cloud services, and cross-border payment restrictions remain significant obstacles. Despite these limitations, NoMindBhutan continues to persevere, drawing on mentorship from experts and unwavering support from GCIT.
Looking ahead, the team envisions expanding into sectors like healthcare, education, and fintech, with the ultimate goal of becoming Bhutan’s first unicorn company. Guided by their motto, “NoMind, No Limits,” the young entrepreneurs are committed to breaking barriers and making history.
As Bhutan grapples with the challenges of a rapidly globalizing world, NoMindBhutan’s story is a powerful reminder of the potential for innovation and entrepreneurship to drive progress. These seven students have not only proven that Bhutan can compete on the global stage but also inspired countless others to dream big and take bold steps toward the future.
In the words of CEO Ugyen Dendup, “We know Bhutan has a small market, but we want to break barriers and make history.” If their journey so far is any indication, NoMindBhutan is well on its way to achieving exactly that.