On 12th Feb, 2018 the Department of IT & Telecom (DITT), under Ministry of Information and Communication in collaboration with Thimphu Tech Park organized a day long business Pitching Idea event for Jigme Namgyel Engineering College.
The objectives of this event are:
- Create startup culture in the country through promotion of entrepreneurship and innovation among youths.
- Provide a platform for youths to explore the possibility technology offers to enhance any ideas (blend technology to any idea) and adoption of technology
- Develop an environment for innovation and growth of startups
- Offer an alternative source of employment and opportunities to be self-employed
Before the start of the actual event, a short mock pitching session was conducted to acclimatize participants on the event. Director General Mr. Jigme Thinlye Namgyal from DITT and his team presented the overall views of young entrepreneurship and their innovative business ideas in Bhutan. Enthusiastically, each presenter emphasized on the availability of various engagement programme for youths in the fields of modern ICT and Engineering as well as opportunities, scope and significance of venture out into an entrepreneurship programme in Bhutan and beyond (going at global level). By the same token, the President, JNEC also shared pleasing insights and wisdom on the similar note considering a pragmatic approach to unemployment issues in Bhutan. Then, it was followed by a short presentation on upcoming National Startup Weekend to be held on 16th-18th March, 2018 in Thimphu by the DITT.
Along with this, Dr.Tshering Cigay Dorji, the CEO of Thimphu Tech Park demonstrated a short mock session on how to pitch business pitching idea within a minute to the audience. To make this session lively, our faculty and students also demonstrated and pitched their excellent ideas. The next interesting presentation was on microfinance initiative by Ms. Chokey Wangmo, an official representative from His Majesty’s Secretariat, Thimphu. She emphasized on the need of microfinance and entrepreneurship in Bhutan for generating employment opportunity besides other aspects of the Microfinance.
Another stimulating, motivating and fascinating session was real Business Pitching Idea event. Around 77 different innovative business ideas (both social and business oriented ideas) have been showcased from the participants which made the organizer feel impressive.
All participants had a chance to vote against 77 different ideas to select the best. The franchise was limited to participant who pitched their within a minute. After voting, only 20 impressive ideas have been selected for appreciation and prizes. Mr. Sangay Choedrup (faculty member) secured the highest vote while Ms. Srijana Gajmer (faculty member) secured the second highest vote for their excellent ideas. Out of 20 selected students’ ideas, the top three best ideas have been awarded with the cash prizes ranging from Nu. 5000-1500 besides nomination for the upcoming National Startup Weekend from JNEC.
One of the officials from DITT claimed that such event was indeed a good platform for students to realize where they stand in the entrepreneurship journey and that too through a real life experience. The day-long event ended with delightful remarks and appreciation note from the Director General, DITT.