Young Minds | Bold Ideas Building GMC
An innovation program empowering Bhutanese youth to co-create solutions for GMC.
About Innovate for GMC
The Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC), envisioned by His Majesty The King, is Bhutan’s model for values-led, innovative, and sustainable development. More than an economic hub, GMC is a living experiment in mindful living where economic progress, environmental stewardship, and spiritual well-being converge. To align youth with this vision, Innovate for GMC is launched as the flagship program. It empowers young Bhutanese to co-create solutions through four pathways: policy, entrepreneurship, non-profit projects, and blended fourth sector initiatives.
Program Objectives
Cultivate a culture of civic innovation led by youth
Develop context-sensitive solutions for GMC systems
Empower youth with practical leadership skills
Build a pool of changemakers for Bhutan
Program Journey
Launch
Open call announcement & info sessions
Selection
Screening and finalist teams announced
Sprints
Workshops, mentorship, and prototyping
Demo Day
Showcase solutions to stakeholders
Pilot
Follow-through with funding & implementation
Challenge Areas
Innovate for GMC participants tackle bold real-world challenges across four thematic domains.
Social & Cultural
- • Community wellbeing initiatives
- • Preserving heritage & culture
- • Youth-driven mental health programs
Business & Commercial
- • Agri-tech startups
- • Wellness tourism models
- • E-commerce platforms for artisans
Governance, Planning & Strategy
- • Urban planning strategies
- • Climate resilience projects
- • Citizen engagement platforms
Engineering, Architecture, Urban Planning
- • Space beautification & nurseries
- • Urban planning & disaster management
- • Sustainable architecture & cost standards
How to Apply
Follow these simple steps and check your eligibility to join the Innovate for GMC Challenge.
Application Steps
1. Open Call
The Innovate for GMC Challenge is officially announced with detailed program guidelines and eligibility information.
2. Online Registration
Applicants complete their registration and submit profiles, motivations, and ideas through the official portal (www.ddd.gmc.gov.bt).
3. Screening & Evaluation
Shortlisted candidates will be evaluated by the committee and through innovative assessments.
4. Final Selection
The final cohort is selected and notified, with participants matched into innovation units based on their skills, interests, and proposed ideas.
Eligibility
- Bhutanese citizens aged 20–35
- Students, graduates, and young professionals
- A minimum of a diploma qualification is required
- Interest in innovation, design, policy, or entrepreneurship
- Fully committed to reside in Gelephu for the three-months challenge duration
Join the Movement
Be part of Bhutan’s mindful future. Apply today and help shape GMC as a hub of civic innovation, culture, and sustainability.