Innovate for GMC: A Platform for Bhutanese Youth to Lead Change

Innovate for GMC will bring 500 Bhutanese youth together this October to transform bold ideas into action, shaping Bhutan’s Gelephu Mindfulness City vision.

Bhutan is preparing to launch a landmark youth initiative this October under the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) vision. The Innovate for GMC programme will bring together 500 young Bhutanese, aged between 20 and 35, for a three-month journey designed to transform bold ideas into practical solutions that tackle both national and global challenges.

Four Pathways for Change

The programme encourages participants to co-create solutions across four distinct pathways: policy, entrepreneurship, non-profit projects, and blended fourth sector initiatives. Teams in Gelephu will be guided by mentors, industry experts, and a strong support system to ensure their projects can be integrated into the GMC context and scaled nationwide.

“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, Mongar.

“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, Mongar.

“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.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

The first month will be devoted to orientation and immersive field visits. Participants will explore Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary, Manas National Park, and even engage in cross-border exposure visits to Assam and Shillong.

In the second month, the focus will shift to skills-building. Workshops on project management, business planning, and stakeholder mapping will be paired with visits to Bhutan’s innovation hubs. The final month will see teams developing prototypes, culminating in a Demo Day where ideas will be presented to stakeholders.

Opportunities for Growth

Selected teams will receive seed funding or micro-grants to move their prototypes and policy proposals into the pilot phase. Participants will benefit from structured mentorship, a monthly stipend, and opportunities to present their work at the national level.

The programme is open to students, graduates, early-career professionals, entrepreneurs, civil servants, and private sector employees with a minimum qualification of a diploma. To balance participation with government operations, each department may nominate up to five participants per cohort. Private sector and civil society applicants must provide a no-objection letter from their employer.

The Innovate for GMC programme will officially begin next month and conclude by the end of December. By offering young Bhutanese a space to experiment, collaborate, and innovate, GMC seeks to not only shape the future of Gelephu but also position Bhutan as a model for mindful and sustainable development.

Eligibility Checklist

• Citizenship: Must be a Bhutanese citizen aged between 20 and 35 (verified with Citizenship Identity Card).

• Education & Career Stage: Open to students, graduates, and young professionals who are currently enrolled, recently graduated, or working in early-career roles.

• Qualification: A minimum of a diploma is required (to be verified with academic transcripts or certificates).

• Interest & Motivation: Applicants should demonstrate genuine interest in innovation, design, policy, or entrepreneurship through their background, ideas, or motivation.

• Commitment: Participants must be fully committed to residing in Gelephu for the three-month challenge and agree to full-time participation throughout the programme.

Call for Applications: “Innovate for GMC” Challenge

Interested youth can now apply online to be part of the Innovate for GMC programme. Applications are open at https://evolunteerregistration.gmc.bt/youthX.html and must be submitted before the deadline on 19 September.