Thukten Zangpo

A youth group focused on innovation launched a locally produced automated hand sanitiser and liquid soap dispenser yesterday, under the brand name Thangtong’85. It was launched at the start-up centre in Thimphu after seven months of dedicated research and design.

Founder of the Thangtong’85, Tashi Namgay, said that the group’s plan is to expand the team to manufacture 85 innovative products in the future.

“If we can build sanitiser dispensers ourselves, why import?” he asked.

The locally made sanitiser dispenser costs Nu 2,000, with a 500ml of locally produced sanitiser liquid, and comes with a three-month warranty.

The main objective of the initiative is to help import substitution and to engage youth in the more innovative activities, Tashi Namgay said. “We want to be a social enterprise with more innovative solutions.”

The project will donate 50 sensor machines to the high-altitude Basic Health Units and Goensho Tshamkhang (old age homes), among other locations.

In the first phase, the group will produce 150 sensor machines.

One of the group members, Tashi Dema, said: “Bhutan lacks innovation and the time has come to move forward.”

Another member, Pema Yangzom, said that the project gave her confidence to work on the group’s upcoming projects.

The initiative was funded by European Union and Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation Bhutan.

Edited by Jigme Wangchuk