The Bhutanese Leading the way.
As Bhutan’s 10X Journey continues to reshape the national economy, Druk Holding and Investments is actively strengthening the country’s innovation ecosystem to support a science, technology, and innovation driven future. This comprehensive strategy brings together national and international stakeholders to collaborate on practical problem-solving, skills development, applied research, and the deployment of new technologies across key development priorities.
At the center of this expanding ecosystem are three closely connected operational initiatives designed to unite ideas, technology, skills, and capital. The Innovation Accelerator, managed by DHI’s Innotech Department, promotes research and development while driving entrepreneurship by guiding innovators through ideation, prototyping, and eventual market launch. Complementing this is the Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck Super Fab Lab, established alongside the Massachusetts Institute of Technology as one of only four such advanced facilities globally. It provides direct access to high-end digital design and manufacturing equipment, including 3D printers and laser cutters, enabling creators to turn conceptual designs into physical products. Finally, the Bhutan Tech Trust Fund supplies necessary venture capital style investment, reducing financial risks for promising entrepreneurs taking early stage solutions to commercial scale. Together, these platforms support active projects in Smart City planning, renewable energy, drone technology, Bhutanverse, National Digital Identity, and Natural Capital Accounting.
These initiatives demonstrate how technology and innovation are increasingly being applied to address Bhutan’s core development priorities. By bringing together entrepreneurs, researchers, investors, government agencies, and international partners, DHI is building an environment where local innovation directly contributes to economic growth, strengthens technical capabilities, and creates valuable opportunities across the country. As Bhutan moves forward with its transformation agenda, this focus on science and technology will play an essential role in developing emerging industries suited to future national needs.
DHI generates roughly 25 percent of Bhutan’s national GDP through its established operations across energy, telecommunications, banking, and mining. As rapid technological advancements and artificial intelligence reshape global markets, DHI is expanding into next generation industries to ensure the nation remains competitive. Recognizing that early adoption of emerging technologies can accelerate economic development, build resilience, and alter global economic dynamics, DHI views the coming years as a critical opportunity to build a sustainable, future-ready economy.
This momentum is further reinforced by the creation of the Gelephu Mindfulness City as a Special Administrative Region, which requires DHI to expand its strategic role both nationally and internationally. Guided by its Roadmap 2.0 framework, DHI’s 10X transformation centers on three core pillars: portfolio management, strategic investment, and technological innovation. Through this integrated approach, DHI actively manages its established corporate portfolio while simultaneously investing in new industries, diversifying the national economy, creating high-value knowledge jobs, and preparing Bhutan to capture long-term economic growth.
