6 June 2025, Thimphu: The 2025 cohort of the Springboard Plus Programme, a six-month seed accelerator for early-stage startups, came to an inspiring close with an award ceremony that celebrated 8 promising youth-led startups in Bhutan.
The programme is led by the Department of Employment and Entrepreneurship under the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Employment. It is implemented in partnership with the Loden Foundation and UNDP Bhutan, with support from Youth Co:Lab (co-led by UNDP and Citi Foundation) and Accelerating Asia. The event marked another key milestone in strengthening Bhutan’s growing entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Designed to address the challenges faced by early-stage youth-led social enterprises, Springboard Plus focuses on making startups investment ready. Over the six months, participants received intensive online mentoring, need-based training, and hands-on support to scale their ventures.
“Initiatives like these offer crucial platforms for young entrepreneurs. When youth step up with grit, resilience, and innovation, we witness ideas turning into impactful businesses that drive the entrepreneurial spirit shaping Bhutan’s future,” said Dasho Tashi Wangmo, Secretary General, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment.
Loden Foundation/Kinley C Tenzin
Award Day | 6th June 2025
This year’s top three startups were awarded seed grants ranging from BTN 300,000 to BTN 500,000 to further boost their ventures. The winners were:
- 1st Place: Yoering Ma
- 2nd Place: Light Web X
- 3rd Place: Pine Peak Travels
Beyond funding, the programme connects budding entrepreneurs with industry experts, mentors, and potential investors. This provides the exposure and networks that are crucial for early success. Each cohort is guided by experienced entrepreneurs who help them navigate the startup journey.
Since its launch, Springboard Plus has supported over 70 entrepreneurs across four cohorts, collectively creating around 100 jobs. On average, each startup has created five jobs. The programme continues to identify and empower young changemakers with strong, scalable business ideas.
The Loden Foundation, one of the core partners, remains committed to nurturing values-driven entrepreneurs. “We are proud to support young founders who not only build businesses but also contribute meaningfully to Bhutan’s inclusive and sustainable development,” said the Assistant LEP Manager, Karma Losel Yangnyen.
This year’s participants came from diverse backgrounds, including college students and aspiring entrepreneurs. They engaged in sessions tailored to their specific challenges. With the government’s support and strong collaboration among partners, Springboard Plus is paving the way for a vibrant future led by Bhutanese youth.
Loden Foundation/Kinley C Tenzin
About the Springboard Plus Programme
Springboard Plus is a hybrid seed accelerator running for three to six months. It is designed to strengthen the investment readiness of youth-led social enterprises. The programme offers targeted support in operations, management, business planning, and scaling strategies. It also provides mentoring, skills training, knowledge sharing, promotion, and networking opportunities.
Programme Goals:
- Accelerate the formation and growth of early-stage startups
- Build a stronger entrepreneurship ecosystem through collaboration and engagement
Target Groups:
- Early-stage youth-led startups and entrepreneurs
- Youths who have participated in startup trainings or incubation programmes
- Entrepreneurs funded by the Loden Foundation
- De-suung Skilling Programme or Business Incubation beneficiaries
- Startups led by persons with disabilities (PWDs)
The Springboard Plus Programme stands as a testament to what collaboration, mentorship, and youth-led innovation can achieve. As Bhutan continues to invest in its entrepreneurial ecosystem, programmes like this will play a crucial role in shaping a more resilient, inclusive, and forward-looking economy driven by its young changemakers.
Contact:
Kinley C Tenzin, Communications, Loden Foundation | Email: ktenzin@loden.org
Karma Losel Yangnyen, Asst LEP Manager, Loden Foundation | Email: klosel@loden.org
Photos by Kelden Wangmo, Intern | Loden Foundation
