Bhutan Space Week

About Bhutan Space Week

Bhutan Space Week is a national initiative aimed at promoting STEM education and inspiring interest in Space Science and Technology. Held annually from 17th to 23rd February in commemoration of His Majesty the King’s Birth Anniversary, the week features diverse and engaging activities such as the National Space Challenge (NSC), Space Symposium, Mission Idea Contest (MIC), and Space Do-It-Yourself (DIY). These programs encourage students, researchers, engineers, private sector professionals and space enthusiasts to explore scientific concepts, design innovative solutions, and showcase their talents in space, science, technology, and sustainability. Beyond fostering scientific learning, the initiative also nurtures critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills essential for the 21st century.

Space Symposium 2026

The symposium is a forum for the presentation and discussion of scholarly works by researchers, professionals, teachers, students and space enthusiasts on Space based themes.

Objectives:

The objectives of the symposium are to:

  1. Encourage teachers, students, researchers, and professionals to develop interest and curiosity in Space Science and Technology and showcase their scholarly works.
  2. Promote a broader understanding  of contributions made by Space Science and Technology.
  3. Provide an opportunity for the participants to discuss and understand the opportunities and challenges related to Space Science and Technology.
  4. Provide a platform to develop transversal competencies.

Announcement

The Division of Telecom and Space, Government Technology Agency, Thimphu invites passionate individuals/groups, researchers, students, and space enthusiasts, be it national or international participants to be part of the Bhutan Space Week 2026 Symposium.

This year’s Symposium will explore exciting themes:

  • Space for Sustainable Development
  • Innovation in Space Science & Technology
  • Space Education, Research & Capacity Building
  • Policy, Governance & International Cooperation
  • Space Technology as a Driver of Bhutan’s GDP Growth

Abstract Submission Deadline: 30th November 2025

Abstract submission guideline: 

Participants are invited to submit abstracts (300–400 words) for the Space Symposium 2026 under the themes Space for Sustainable Development, Innovation in Space Science & Technology, Space Education, Research & Capacity Building, Policy, Governance & International Cooperation, and Space Technology as a Driver of Bhutan’s GDP Growth. The author can select one or more themes. Abstracts should be written in Times New Roman, 12 pt, single-spaced, and include title, author details, background, method, key findings, and conclusion. Submissions must be sent in Word or PDF format to bsw@tech.gov.bt. All entries will be peer-reviewed, and selected authors will be notified by 12th December 2025.

The authors of selected abstracts must come up with a full paper and submit it before 31st December 2025 to bsw@tech.gov.bt. Further assessment will be done and the selected papers will be invited to present it during the Bhutan Space Week 2026..

Mission Idea Contest (MIC) 2026

The Mission Idea Contest (MIC) is an exciting platform that encourages creativity, innovation, and problem-solving in the field of space science and technology. It invites engineers, students, consultants, and anyone interested in space to present their ideas and concepts for real-world space missions or applications. The contest aims to build knowledge, skills, and capacity in space-related studies while fostering interdisciplinary collaboration among participants. Through MIC, participants have the opportunity to explore how space technology can be used to address real-life challenges, contribute to sustainable development, and prepare Bhutanese for active participation in the growing global space sector.

Announcement

The Division of Telecom and Space (DoTS), GovTech Agency, is pleased to announce the Mission Idea Contest (MIC) 2026, inviting civil servants, students, engineers, researchers, private sector professionals, and space enthusiasts to submit innovative mission concepts under the theme “Transforming Space Opportunities into Economic Benefits for Bhutan.” Abstract submissions are due by November 25, 2025, and selected abstracts will be presented during the Bhutan Space Week, observed from February 17–23, 2026. To participate, submit an abstract on the above theme to bsw@tech.gov.bt
, following the submission guidelines provided in the abstract template. Promising ideas may receive GovTech funding for further development, be collaborated on with CST for implementation, or be developed directly by GovTech.

Abstract submission deadline: 25th November 2025.

Abstract submission guideline (Please refer the attached template) : https://docs.google.com/document/d/13uaZdzDl2gsMadJ-sb9UkXzANGYbfV01WwvvKbGwTc4/edit?tab=t.0

The authors of the selected abstracts will be notified via email or phone call before 10th December 2025 and will be invited to present the detail ideas and works during the Bhutan Space Week 2026.