In a bold move to empower the nation’s next generation of business leaders, Bhutan Youth Development Fund (YDF) has teamed up with UK-based ABE Global Ltd to roll out the KidsMBA program, themed “Educate Kids to Innovate Bhutan.” The initiative was formally inaugurated yesterday by His Royal Highness Prince Ugyen Jigme Wangchuck, signaling the monarchy’s strong backing of youth entrepreneurship.
Designed to equip young minds with the practical skills needed to thrive in the modern business world, the KidsMBA programme offers a transformative winter enrichment experience for students aged 11 to 15. “This is not just about learning; it’s about cultivating a mindset that will help our youth navigate and innovate within a fast-changing economic landscape,” said Kinley Tenzin, director at YDF.
Already established as a global leader in business education—with accolades from respected sources like Forbes—the KidsMBA initiative has been successfully implemented in over 30 countries. In Bhutan, the programme marks a significant shift toward nurturing entrepreneurial talent among younger generations, a move that YDF hopes will bolster the country’s burgeoning startup ecosystem. Tenzin pointed out that while entrepreneurship is widely recognized as a crucial growth driver, Bhutan has lagged behind in international innovation indices since 2016.
The intensive eight-day course covers 16 meticulously structured modules addressing key aspects of entrepreneurship. Participants engage in hands-on activities that range from ideation and market research to budgeting, sales strategies, and effective communication. Two certified trainers, specially trained in the ABE curriculum, will oversee the programme, ensuring that students gain real-world insights and practical skills that can translate into future business success.
The programme’s inaugural batch, comprising 25 young innovators, commenced today at a promotional rate of Nu 10,000 per participant. While future cohorts may see an increase in fees, Tenzin reassured that the programme remains focused on affordability, noting that half of the fee is allocated to accessing the internationally recognized curriculum and certification from ABE Global Ltd.
A key highlight of the initiative will be a pitching competition scheduled for January 25. During this event, teams will present their business concepts before a panel of distinguished experts. The stakes are high: the top two teams will not only secure cash prizes but also gain access to business incubation support and mentoring from Innovate Bhutan. Additionally, the winning team will earn a coveted spot at the International Creativity and Innovation Award (ICIA) 2025 in Vietnam, where they will vie for the Future Entrepreneur of the Year Award, with prizes ranging from USD 500 to USD 1,000.
Since its inception, YDF has been at the forefront of youth development, having trained 400 young people and provided support for 25 social enterprise ventures. The ambitious goal remains to empower 1,000 budding social entrepreneurs by 2030, a vision that the KidsMBA programme is poised to significantly advance.
With royal endorsement and international expertise converging under this new initiative, Bhutan is taking decisive steps toward fostering an environment where innovation and entrepreneurship can flourish from a young age.