Embassy of IndiaThimphu

Ambassador’s Remarks at the inauguration of Co-Working Space and Conference Hall, Startup Centre, Changzamtog (Thimphu)

(Tuesday, 17 March 2026)

Y.E. Lyonpo Namgyal Dorji, Hon’ble Minister of Industry, Commerce & Employment

DG, Employment & Entrepreneurship

Dear entrepreners and friends.

Good morning, Kuzuzangpo la/ Dropa Delek la

My heartiest congratulations on the inauguration of this Co-Working Space and Conference Hall at Startup Centre. It is wonderful facility which will encourage and support startups and related business support ecosystem in Bhutan.

Technology and innovation are becoming central to economic growth, development, employment generation and prosperity in modern times. The role of youth is another essential aspect of planning by governments for the future. Startups bring together innovation and youth as core elements for a nation’s vision for progress. I, therefore, compliment the Minister and the Ministry of Industry Commerce and Employment for this forward-looking initiative.

Technological advancements are creating new opportunities for addressing real problems for the people, businesses and nations using innovation in areas such as agriculture, healthcare, education, business, tourism, fintech, sustainability and other areas. Artificial Intelligence or AI is giving a new impulse to the role of startups in deploying innovation to solve issues in various sectors and serve national growth and aspirations for the future. I am sure that startups in Bhutan will utilize the opportunities created by the Co-Working Space and Conference facilities in this direction.

The Government of India has recognized the role of startups to nurture innovation, promote entrepreneurship and enable investment-driven growth. Two months back, the Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi participated in celebrating a decade of Startup India Mission for which we have designated a National Startup Day on 16 January every year. Apart from creating startup centres, policy and regulatory initiatives as well as support measures have nurtured startups in India. In January this year, I visited Startup Centre of the Department of Innovation, Incubation and Start-ups of the Government of Assam in Guwahati, which showed interesting projects for ideation, proto-typing, pilot projects, accelerators, mentorship, funding for startups and marketing initiatives. I would encourage Startup Centre, Bhutan to consider engagements with startup initiatives in India which will be mutually beneficial. The Embassy of India will be glad to facilitate exchanges for Startup Bhutan with Startup India as well as with state-level startup initiatives in India.

I appreciate the Royal Government of Bhutan and executing agencies on the realization of this Co-Working Space and Conference Hall at this Startup Centre in Thimphu. I am happy that India extended support to the creation of these facilities in Bhutan. I extend my best wishes for the success and contribution of this facility to Bhutan’s growth and prosperity.

Thank you, Kadrin chhe la