14 schools pitch green tech ideas at the third National Innovation Challenge

Thimphu March 28, 2025: Encouraging adolescents and young people to apply the skills and knowledge learnt through the UPSHIFT programme, and to scale up their social innovation ideas, the third national innovation challenge was held today in Thimphu.

Themed sustainable solutions for a greener future, the challenge aims to empower young people to develop innovative solutions to address environmental issues such as the impacts of climate change and waste and to promote the use of renewable energy.

This challenge saw 52 UPSHIFT schools across Bhutan pitching their social innovation projects of which 14 schools from nine districts were shortlisted to compete at the national level.

Martshala Middle Secondary School’s hygienic soap, which was made at the school to help students with their skin infection in Samdrupjongkhar, won first place in the junior category.

In the senior category, Sherubling Higher Secondary School, Trongsa, won first place for their Sustainable and Organic Liquid Fertilizer idea, which was developed to make use of the overgrowth in their school and to meet the fertilizer needs of the school’s agriculture programme. The winners won a seed funding of Nu 100,000 each to refine and scale up their innovations.

Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Chandra Bahadur Gurung said the innovation challenge nurtures a deep commitment to addressing societal needs, and the projects presented are a testament to the transformative power of education and the boundless potential of our youth.

“To all the students, this is just the beginning. The skills you’ve developed, creativity, teamwork, and resilience - will serve you well beyond this competition. Keep refining your ideas and believe in your ability to make a difference,” the minister said.

Led by the Ministry of Education and Skills Development (MoESD) in partnership with Bhutan Youth Development Fund, UNICEF Bhutan and the UNICEF Office of Innovation in Sweden, the UPSHIFT programme is implemented across 194 schools and 10 youth centers in Bhutan. To date, the programme has engaged and empowered more than 19,000 UPSHIFTers with 21st century skills such as communication skills, problem-solving, decision-making, negotiation skills, teambuilding, and co-creating solutions to address social issues in communities.

Director of the Department of Education Program, MoESD, Sangye Choden said the national innovation challenge captures the spirit of the UPSHIFT initiative - empowering youth to drive change while highlighting the role of collaboration and leadership, key values of both innovation and scouting.

"It empowers young minds to innovate, collaborate, and lead, because when youth rise with purpose, they transform the future,” the director said.

Also known as transferable or life skills, 21st Century skills allow young people to become agile learners and global citizens equipped to navigate personal, social, academic and economic challenges. These skills also help young people affected by crises cope with trauma and build resilience. They include problem-solving, negotiation, managing emotions, empathy and communication.

Secretary General of Youth Development Fund, Dorji Ohm, said, “While we are confident that innovation can mitigate climate challenges, it is indisputable that human consciousness needs to shift to value this very planet we call ‘Our Earth.’ UPSHIFT for young people undoubtedly can be the beginning of this shift,” Dorji Ohm said.

Schools this year showcased ideas around microclimate monitoring system, organic liquid fertilizer, smart agriculture farming, smart walking sticks for visually impaired people and solar powered fans, among others.

UNICEF Bhutan Representative a.i. Fawzia Hoodbhoy said UNICEF is proud to partner with the Royal Government of Bhutan to nurture and empower a generation of young people with the tools to turn their ideas into tangible results.

“The success of this challenge demonstrates that when given the platform, support, and resources, young people can create innovative solutions and drive positive change in the world, while learning critical transferal skills required to navigate a complex world,” Fawzia Hoodbhoy said.

All participating teams will be provided mentorship support to refine and scale up their ideas and would be connected with potential investors in the country.

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