Fourteen schools across the country showcased their groundbreaking ideas at a National Innovation Challenge held in March this year in Thimphu

YK Poudel

Genekha Primary School in Thimphu has found an innovative solution to address human-wildlife conflict by installing a solar-powered sound fencing system covering over 1.5 acres of land used for the school agriculture programme.

This fencing system alerts caretakers and students to potential intrusions, ensuring timely intervention to protect the school’s crops.

Kinley Wangchuk, the project lead, said that the existing fencing was ineffective. “With this solar sound fencing, we can respond immediately to any threats,” he said.

The initiative is part of the UPSHIFT programme, which empowers Bhutanese youth to develop and implement local solutions to pressing challenges.

UNICEF Bhutan, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Skills Development (MoESD) along with civil society organisations in the country, launched the programme to inspire innovation among Bhutanese students.

Fourteen schools across the country showcased their groundbreaking ideas at a National Innovation Challenge held in March this year in Thimphu.

The project ideas ranged from eco-friendly technologies like automated greenhouses and food recycling systems to practical solutions such as a stress monitor and a nangten (sacred relics) vandalism protection system, among others.

The selected schools participated in boot camps organised by Innovate Bhutan, which provided mentoring and incubation support, helping students refine their ideas and connect with industry experts. Three officials from The Green Road, Selise Bhutan and Housing.bt mentored the projects.

Martshala Middle Secondary School, for example, developed a natural soap product called “Kuenphen and Hygiene Solution”.

Ngawang Dorji, the school’s project lead, said that the prototype is already in use on campus. “The school also worked on smart-water tap development as its first project. Following that, the school worked on smart-zebra crossing system,” he said.

Both projects are operational in school.

“Some of the challenges include limited technological capacity in the students, budget constraints, and balancing school activities with extra-curricular activities,” he said.

He added that government support in providing startup space, expert mentorship, and legal assistance for securing business licenses could significantly accelerate their projects.

Among the most innovative projects is Khamdang Lower Secondary School’s “Jamning Pencil”, which transforms paper waste into pencils for underprivileged students. This initiative won the top prize at the National Innovation Challenge.

Yangchenphug Higher Secondary School (HSS), also secured first place in the senior category with its “Bio-Mulchifier,” a food waste recycling machine that converts organic waste into manure, reducing methane emissions while supporting agriculture.

Motithang HSS is leveraging sensor technology to improve farming efficiency through its “Smart Agriculture Project” while Phuentshothang MSS is preparing a solar-powered grass-cutting machine as a sustainable alternative to fuel-based mowers.

Phuentsholing HSS, with 109 members, has developed “The Buzz Band”, a wristband designed to enhance public safety by alerting authorities and nearby individuals during emergencies such as stray dog attacks or attempted assaults.

Namgay Gyeltshen, project focal point of Phuentshothang MSS said that while the UPSHIFT programme is helpful for the students, challenges such as time constraints, availability of raw materials, and proper technical support have hindered timely output.

Khengkhar MSS in Mongar has developed an “Electric Mopper”, which will ensure cleanliness while significantly reducing water wastage.

Gauphel LSS in Paro is working on a “Nangten Vandalism Protection System” to safeguard sacred relics.

Gesarling HSS in Dagana is working on a “Plastic Cycle Solution” to address plastic waste management.

Gomtu HSS in Samtse has been working on “Druk Siriri”, a project to mitigate the impact of dust pollution in classrooms and the school.

Motithang HSS in Thimphu has prepared an “Automated Greenhouse’” to save time and water resources.

Mongar HSS has worked on an “Automatic Thread Uncoiling Machine”, which can ease the work of weavers and entrepreneurs.

Sisina PS in Thimphu has developed a “Stress Monitor” that helps to measure stress in a community in an easy way with locally available materials.

Thimphu Youth Center is working on a “Forest Fire Detection Device” to detect the possibility of a forest fire through heat and smoke detection cameras.

In the next phase, UNICEF and MoESD will select five of these projects for a winter boot camp, where the top two ideas will receive Nu 100,000 each for further development.