Ecopreneurship, business ventures that protect and restore nature, is gaining global momentum. In Bhutan, the Forest Ecopreneurs Programme is driving this movement by helping innovators turn early-stage ideas into viable and scalable green enterprises. At the Final Demo Day of the 2025 programme in Thimphu, eight entrepreneurs showcased products offering sustainable solutions for both nature and the economy.
Over the past six months, these eight entrepreneurs have been developing their ideas into scalable, impact-driven enterprises. They showcased their ventures at the Forest Ecopreneurs Programme Demo Day yesterday.
Their businesses span eco-friendly forest products, recycling-based ventures, and technologies designed to help communities adapt to climate change.
Ugyen Tshering, the founder of Pure Bhutan, won the award for the most impactful idea.
His products, including the Reishi and Cordyceps Tincture, are marketed for their natural healing properties and are sourced directly from farmers and natural habitats.
His company recently launched 1,000 units of the tincture, selling 100 so far at 108 US dollars each.
Ugyen Tshering said, “The most impactful idea award in itself highlights that we are doing something right. This is also very humbling for us, and it is also a reminder for us to work even harder.”
He received 300,000 ngultrum as the prize money.
Similarly, Melam Zangmo of Kith Tshel Garden presented her venture. Since 2021, she has been selling landscaping plants from her 50-decimal farm in Thimphu.
Although she did not win an award, she said the programme gave her valuable knowledge to advance entrepreneurship and contribute to the country’s green transition.
Melam Zangmo said, “It is one of the best programmes I have attended so far. It has helped me grow my business to the next level because it taught me how to position my business in the market and manage it sustainably. This programme has truly helped all of us.”
Seven more businesses received mentorship, online learning, technical training and practical guidance through the Forest Ecopreneurs Programme.
“Beyond today’s demo day, our participants will continue to receive mentorship and market support. By involving private enterprises, we ensure that conservation is not only an environmental responsibility but also an economic opportunity for communities,” said Jamyang Jigdrel Norbu, the Project Associate of the Loden Foundation.
The programme is part of the UN Environment Programme SAFE Initiative that aims to conserve and restore forest ecosystems.
It is also running in Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam. Here in Bhutan, it is implemented locally by the Loden Foundation.
Karma Wangdi
Edited by Sangay Chezom
