AI Startup Program

The Royal Government of Bhutan is driving the nation’s digital transformation to realize the vision of a Digital Bhutan. A key priority is strengthening the technical skills and capacity of Bhutanese professionals to support local economic growth and create global opportunities.As part of this effort, the GovTech Agency—together with Druk Holding and Investments (DHI) and Bhutan Innovation & Technology Center, Thimphu TechPark Limited (TTPL)—has launched the AI Lab Program in collaboration with Omdena as the international partner. The program focuses on building AI capability, establishing local AI chapters, developing and deploying AI tools, and supporting startups to bring innovative AI solutions to market.
Within this framework, the AI Startup initiative nurtures innovators, entrepreneurs, and professionals from early stage through growth and expansion. Participants gain mentorship from local and international experts, access to infrastructure and AI tools, and market-entry support—providing a clear pathway to turn ideas into impactful solutions while positioning Bhutan as an active contributor to the global AI ecosystem.

Program Details (First Stage):
This registration covers only the first stage of the AI Startup Program. Future stages will provide mentorship, funding opportunities, advanced workshops, and activities to help teams scale and commercialize their solutions. Details of the next stages will be shared soon.
For more information please refer here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SapPnkSrjYFcYLnarUCJdbMUomj_f_YH/view?usp=sharing

Prerequisites:
Applicants must submit an AI Proof of Concept (PoC) as part of their proposal, Proposal template: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SJh6oQ_z_T_x6twW4U9qykfef2Xnhglt/view
Participants should bring relevant expertise in one or more areas: AI/ML, data, software development, business/GT-M, or strong domain knowledge (health, agriculture, tourism, energy, governance).
All participants must commit to responsible AI practices, data privacy standards, and alignment with national priorities.

Program Mode:
Hybrid: Online mentorship/workshops + in-person events and reviews at BITC/TTPL, GovTech Agency, and Omdena Academy.

Registration
Click here to register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd0GM2yy46GThcin4_mlAUcoFwxop2csFN8o0C05B53QyYxnQ/viewform
Deadline: 3rd October 2025

Contact:
Ms. Omika Devi Karariya
Assistant ICT Officer, TIDD, GovTech
📧 odkarariya@tech.gov.bt | 📞 +975 17538757