What if you could glimpse the future of sustainable cities, clean energy, and mindful living—all in one place? That’s exactly what Bhutan is building, and Blue Poppy Ventures is proud to be right at the heart of it.
In 2025, a pioneering Innovation and Sustainability Mission will take place in Bhutan, led by South Australia with global partners from Australia, Singapore, and the United States. It’s more than a diplomatic trip—it’s a catalyst for real, transformative collaboration across sectors that are crucial to Bhutan’s development: renewable energy, construction, hospitality, care, TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training), and agriculture.
Why Bhutan? Why Now?
Bhutan’s national development model is underpinned by Gross National Happiness (GNH)—an approach that values wellbeing, environment, and equitable progress. But Bhutan is not resting on its reputation as a carbon-negative nation; it is actively laying the groundwork for a net-zero future through innovative policy, infrastructure, and cross-border partnerships.
One of the country’s most ambitious undertakings is the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC)—a visionary new city built on green principles, smart technology, and sustainable design. Bhutan wants to attract investment, ideas, and capabilities to support GMC and scale its broader sustainability agenda. And that’s where this innovation mission comes in.
A Week of Connections and Commitments
The 7-day itinerary includes immersive experiences across Paro, Thimphu, and Gelephu. Participants will meet with key Bhutanese stakeholders—from the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Royal Monetary Authority to grassroots entrepreneurs and TVET institutes.
Key activities include:
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Site visits to agricultural innovation centres and green construction projects
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Roundtables on renewable energy and sustainable tourism
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Knowledge exchange with education providers like the Royal University of Bhutan and RITH
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A possible signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between South Australia and Bhutan, focused on skills exchange, net-zero initiatives, and innovation partnerships
Partners such as TAFESA, AIM, Ironwood Institute, Food SA, and Quality Training and Hospitality College could showcase their ability to deliver world-class training and workforce development aligned with Bhutan’s needs.
International collaboration will be further enriched by potential participation from Temasek Foundation (Singapore), Singapore Polytechnic, and US-based leaders like Tesla Inc. and the Kauffman Foundation, known for their work in entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystems.
Strategic Outcomes for All Involved
This is not just a photo-op or trade mission—it’s a platform for scalable, investable partnerships that create value for Bhutanese citizens and international stakeholders alike.
Expected outcomes include:
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FDI opportunities in renewable energy, green construction, and food systems
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TVET collaborations to uplift Bhutanese skills across construction, energy, care, and hospitality
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Launch of joint ventures or training hubs for green jobs, with a focus on youth and women
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Broader recognition of Brand Bhutan as a sustainability leader in Asia
Through the lens of Blue Poppy Ventures, this mission is an invitation to align purpose with prosperity—connecting policy with practice, and vision with viable ventures.
Why Blue Poppy Ventures?
Blue Poppy Ventures was born from the idea that you can build businesses with soul—ventures that empower people, honour place, and solve problems that matter. We work at the intersection of international development, sustainability, entrepreneurship, and education.
Our role in this mission is simple: bring the right people together, design actionable collaborations, and unlock opportunities that benefit everyone—from Bhutanese communities to global investors and innovators.
Want to Join or Follow the Mission?
Whether you’re an investor, educator, entrepreneur, or policymaker—if your work intersects with sustainable cities, green energy, skills development, or innovation ecosystems, you may want to connect.
📩 Reach out to wendy@wendyperry.com.au to express interest or stay informed.
🌏 Visit: Blue Poppy Ventures