National Startup Weekend Returns to Bhutan After Four-Year Hiatus

The much-anticipated National Startup Weekend (NSUW) is making a comeback to Bhutan from March 12–15, 2025, after a four-year hiatus. Organized by the Bhutan Innovation and Technology Centre (BITC) under Thimphu TechPark Limited (TTPL), the event promises to ignite innovation and entrepreneurship in the country under the theme: “Cultivating Conscious Innovation: Merging Emerging Technologies with Mindful Development Practices.”

Designed to empower aspiring entrepreneurs, the programme aims to strengthen Bhutan’s startup ecosystem by equipping participants with tools, mentorship, and resources. Proven methodologies and networks will play a vital role in fostering innovation throughout the event.

A Hub for Innovation

The BITC, housed at TTPL, serves as a vibrant business incubation facility equipped with state-of-the-art amenities such as a digital training room, AI lab, conference hall, and incubation space. The four-day event will kick off with a Startup Community Bootcamp (SCB) on the first day, followed by the three-day NSUW.

More than 130 participants, including tech graduates, students, trainees from Technical Training Institutes, and aspiring innovators, are expected to participate. Over 40 thought leaders, local mentors, and startup community leaders will engage with attendees through training sessions, interactive workshops, and expert-led discussions.

Comprehensive Programme Structure

The NSUW will guide participants through a journey of innovation, beginning with team formation, where individuals pitch ideas, form teams, and connect with like-minded innovators. The solution-building phase will involve customer validation, mentoring sessions, and skill development for effective presentations. The event will culminate in a high-stakes Demo Day, where participants will present their final projects to a panel of judges and representatives from the Techstars Network.

Techstars, a globally recognized platform supporting entrepreneurs, is a key partner for this year’s event. Participants will delve into cutting-edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Virtual Reality, Internet of Things, Robotics, and Blockchain. These technologies will be explored for their applications in diverse sectors like education, finance, green energy, health and wellness, agriculture, forestry, logistics, and tourism.

Empowering the Best

The top three teams will receive pre-seed grants and incubation support at the BITC, propelling their innovative ideas toward realization.

The NSUW 2025 is supported by the Department of Employment and Entrepreneurship (DoEE) under the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Employment, along with global facilitators like Techstars, Aim Ventures, and other stakeholders in Bhutan’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

As Bhutan embraces a future driven by innovation, the National Startup Weekend serves as a beacon of inspiration for the country’s aspiring entrepreneurs, blending emerging technologies with conscious development practices to build a brighter tomorrow.

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