Bhutan is set to launch a major youth-focused initiative this October as part of the Gelephu Mindfulness City vision. The Innovate for GMC programme will bring together 500 young Bhutanese, aged 20 to 35, for a three-month journey to turn bold ideas into actionable solutions addressing national and global challenges.
The Innovate for GMC programme aims to empower youth to co-create solutions across four pathways: policy, entrepreneurship, non-profit projects, and blended fourth sector initiatives.
In Gelephu, participants will work in teams supported by mentors, industry experts, and resources to develop projects that can be integrated into the GMC context and scaled across Bhutan.
“This initiative is a great opportunity for our youth. It will help address challenges while contributing to the development of the world, and Bhutan in particular. I am also hoping to apply for it,” said Tshering Dorji, Monggar.
“Our country has many unemployed youths, yet we also have a pool of well-educated young people ready to serve. This initiative provides an excellent platform for them to showcase their talents and ideas,” said Dorji Norbu, Monggar.
“GMC’s initiative is mainly for the youth. Through GMC, we can solve the national and global challenges. So it is a very good opportunity for the youth. I hope to take part in it too,” said Tashi Choden, Tashi Yangtse.
In the first month, participants will undergo orientation and take part in field visits, including Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary, Manas National Park, and cross-border exposure to Assam and Shillong.
The second month will focus on skills-building through workshops on project management, business planning, stakeholder mapping, and visits to innovation hubs across Bhutan. In the final month, teams will develop prototypes and present their solutions during Demo Day.
Selected teams will also receive seed funding or micro-grants to take their prototypes or policy proposals into the pilot phase. Throughout the programme, participants will receive mentorship, structured support, a monthly stipend, and opportunities to showcase their work at the national level.
The programme is open to Bhutanese youth from all sectors, including students, graduates, early-career professionals, entrepreneurs, civil servants, and private sector actors, with a minimum qualification of a diploma.
To ensure government agencies continue functioning, each department can send up to five participants per cohort, while others are encouraged to apply in future rounds.
Participants from private companies or civil society organisations must obtain a no-objection letter from their employer to confirm availability during key phases of the programme.
The programme will officially begin next month and end by the end of December this year.
Passang Dorji & Namgay Wangdi
