The 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐩 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤𝐞𝐧𝐝  2025 came to a momentous close, celebrating the entrepreneurial spirit of Bhutan.

The event, held at 𝑯𝙤𝒕𝙚𝒍 𝑨𝙧𝒊𝙮𝒂 𝒇𝙧𝒐𝙢 𝙈𝒂𝙧𝒄𝙝 𝟏𝟐-𝟏𝟓, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓, was graced by the Hon’ble Prime Minister, who emphasized the crucial role of entrepreneurs in driving economic growth and innovation in the country.

The Hon’ble Prime Minister underscored the determination and perseverance required to succeed as an entrepreneur. He encouraged participants to embrace hard work and innovation and reiterated the government’s dedication to creating a vibrant startup landscape, ensuring that young businesses have the necessary support to scale their ideas into sustainable enterprises.

The event was also attended by the Minister of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Employment (MoICE), the Secretary of MoICE, the GovTech Secretary, the Cabinet Secretary, commissioner and other distinguished guests.

The National Startup Weekend Bhutan 2025 is an initiative 𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐲𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 (𝐃𝐨𝐄𝐄) under the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Employment (MoICE). DoEE collaborated with key ecosystem partners, including Bhutan Innovation and Technology Centre (BITC)-Thimphu TechPark Limited (TTPL), and other stakeholders such as the Government Technology Agency, Druk Holding Investments, The Loden Foundation, Impact Hub Thimphu, Samuh Media Tech, TechStars, and AIM Ventures. This program is primarily funded by the Department of Employment and Entrepreneurship through the 𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐮𝐥𝐮𝐬 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚, with additional support from other ecosystem players.

The event recognized and awarded the top three winning startups, each receiving a cash prize of Nu 500,000. These startups will now embark on a structured growth journey, beginning with milestone-setting sessions scheduled for the coming week in collaboration with DoEE, BITC, and TTPL.

Following this, the teams will enter a 15-week incubation program at BITC, with a possibility of extending up to six months. This incubation will equip them with vital resources, industry insights, and mentorship from leading experts, and an extensive network of national and international professionals.

To ensure strategic growth, the financial support for the winners will be disbursed in a structured manner. Forty percent will be provided upon the development of a Minimum Viable Product (MVP), prototype creation, client acquisition, and achieving key performance indicators. Thirty percent will be allocated upon the development of a sustainable business model.  The final thirty percent will be released upon formal business registration, setting the foundation for a long-term enterprise.

𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐩𝐬

𝐉𝐚𝐠𝐠𝐥𝐞.𝐀𝐈 – An AI-driven tool that automates repetitive tasks, helping businesses and government agencies enhance productivity.

𝐙𝐡𝐢𝐝𝐡𝐚𝐲 – A rental property management platform that streamlines lease management, online payments, and maintenance coordination.

𝐋𝐀𝐀𝐊𝐓𝐀𝐀 – An AI-powered platform that optimizes parcel delivery routes for efficient and affordable transportation.

The event saw a total of 83 participants, including 26 females and 57 males and 18 teams were formed. Each team worked on and pitched one business idea.  The National Startup Weekend marks a significant step toward Bhutan’s goal of fostering a resilient and dynamic startup culture.

Additionally, 75 invitees attended the Startup Community Bootcamp on 12th March, comprising 27 females and 48 males. The bootcamp included workshops and panel discussion around innovation, entrepreneurship and GMC.