The SungJab Technology, a model device equipped with LED chips and sensors, designed to protect crops from wild animals, has won the first prize at the National Techstars Start-up Weekend 2018 held in Thimphu.
The team will receive Nu 800,000 from the Ministry of Information and Communications to develop the idea into a reality.
Explaining how it would work, Dupjay Pelzang of team Sungjab said when an animal approaches the sensor, it will send the signal to the receiver and the receiver will then trigger the LED bulb to glow in a motion of a tiger.
“The other feature is there is a sound system in place that will send out tiger roar sound. We have made the sound in such a way so that it is inaudible to human ears.”
The team says they came up with the idea to help farmers. “We will do our best to develop this model into a reality,” Dupjay Pelzang said.
The device, he added, would be seven times more cheaper than installing electric fencing.
The second prize was taken by an idea called Smart Switch System, while a pad vending machine won the Social Impact Mention special award.
The popular choice award went to an idea about a natural water filter.
A total of 24 ideas were selected based on their validation, execution, design and business models. The teams were given five minutes each to pitch their ideas.
Deepika Rai, a Senior ICT officer, with the Promotion Division of DITT said the event was organised to promote innovation and entrepreneurship, and to provide a platform for the youth to explore technology and its uses.
“It’s really an alternative source of employment and also because start-up is a global trend and we cannot be an exception,” she added.
Impressed by the talent and creativity of the participants from seven colleges, Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay said the labour ministry will be tasked with a responsibility to establish a start-up weekend office before the 12th Five Year Plan.
