On 24–26 March 2027, innovators, investors, scientists and policymakers from around the world will gather at Dungkar Dzong in Paro for the second Bhutan Innovation Forum. We are now inviting expressions of interest from Australian organisations to join a curated delegation.
Few international gatherings offer what the Bhutan Innovation Forum (BIF) does such as direct access to a country designing its economic future from first principles, and to the leaders, planners and enterprises shaping it.
BIF explores how mindfulness, innovation and sustainable enterprise can reinforce one another. It is a Bhutanese-led platform, and international participants attend as guests and contributors to that agenda. For organisations prepared to engage on those terms, it is one of the most valuable rooms to be in during 2027.
From 2024 to 2027 A Forum with Momentum
The inaugural forum in October 2024 set a high bar. It brought together more than 125 speakers, including four Nobel Laureates and 20 CEOs, with experts from over 60 countries.
It was supported in significant part by Druk Holding and Investments (DHI), Bhutan’s sovereign investment arm, and served as a key international platform for the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) vision.
Since then, the pace has quickened. The Invest Bhutan Summit in February 2026 concluded with eight MoUs signed across renewable energy, agribusiness, manufacturing, tourism, IT and infrastructure. BIF 2027 is expected to build on that momentum, with deeper engagement around investable projects and sector partnerships.
Why Bhutan, Why Now?
Bhutan is the world’s only carbon-negative country, and it measures progress through Gross National Happiness across economic, environmental, cultural and governance dimensions. For organisations with ESG, impact or purpose-led mandates, it is not a theoretical case study. It is a working model.
At the centre of the country’s next chapter is Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC), the vision of His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. Spanning more than 2,500 square kilometres in southern Bhutan, at the crossroads of South Asia, ASEAN and China, GMC is designed around ethical governance, purposeful technology and Bhutanese cultural identity.
Alongside GMC, the Industrial Development Roadmap, TVET/VET reforms and a new foreign direct investment framework signal a country moving steadily from vision to execution. That makes 2027 a timely moment to build relationships, before frameworks are settled and partnerships are formed.
Where Your Expertise Can Contribute
Bhutan’s priorities are set by Bhutanese leaders, institutions and communities. Several areas they have publicly described align closely with Australian strengths.
- Investors and advisors. GMC and the wider investment pipeline span urban infrastructure, technology, education, health and sustainability. Early understanding of that pipeline is a genuine advantage for those with impact or ESG mandates.
- AI and robotics. GMC’s emphasis on technology in service of people creates space for responsible AI, drone-based environmental monitoring and emergency response, which are all relevant to a mountainous country managing climate risk.
- Clean-tech and advanced manufacturing. Hydropower underpins Bhutan’s economy and its carbon-negative credentials. Smart inspection, maintenance and renewable energy services are active fields where Australian capability is well regarded.
- Education and training. The Industrial Development Roadmap and TVET/VET reforms place workforce readiness at the centre. Australian universities, VET providers and workforce specialists have practical models to share, from industry-linked training to microcredentials.
- Health and accessibility. Assistive technologies and human-centred design are reshaping healthcare and workforce participation internationally, an area of growing interest as Bhutan plans for the future.
Why Travel with Us in March 2027
We have experience as an Australian venture working alongside Bhutanese partners. As a bridge-builder, connecting Australian expertise, investment and networks to the opportunities Bhutan itself identifies.
The delegation is led by Wendy Perry, who brings more than three decades of experience across workforce development, TVET/VET, entrepreneurship and international collaboration with governments, industry and education providers. It builds on ongoing engagement in Bhutan, including its earlier delegation work to Australia and close following of the Invest Bhutan Summit, GMC and the country’s economic roadmaps.
Travelling as part of a delegation means:
- Context before arrival, so participants understand Bhutan’s priorities and protocols
- Introductions to Bhutanese enterprises, institutions and fellow international participants
- A peer network of Australian organisations to compare notes with during and after the forum
- A respectful approach, arriving ready to listen as much as to share
Call for Expressions of Interest
Expressions of interest are invited from leaders, practical experts and organisations wishing to travel to Bhutan for BIF 2027, including:
- AI, robotics and technology companies including AgTech
- Clean-tech, energy and advanced manufacturing organisations
- Universities, TVET/VET providers and education organisations
- Investors, family offices and impact funds
- Advisors, consultants and practical experts
Whether your aim is to learn, to contribute to the programme, or to explore long-term partnerships with Bhutanese enterprises and institutions, this is an opportunity to engage early and with purpose.
Next steps: register your interest with Wendy Perry via email wendy@workforceblueprint.com.au to receive delegation details as they are confirmed. Official forum information is available at www.bif.bt.
References
- Bhutan Innovation Forum. (2027). Official website. https://www.bif.bt
- Blue Poppy Ventures. (2026). Bhutan Innovation Forum 2027 = Where the World’s Next Big Ideas Meet the Himalayas. https://bluepoppyventures.com.au/2026/06/04/bhutan-innovation-forum-2027-where-the-worlds-next-big-ideas-meet-the-himalayas/
- Blue Poppy Ventures. (2026). Invest Bhutan Summit 2026 – A Strategic Leap in Bhutan’s Investment Narrative. https://bluepoppyventures.com.au/2026/03/03/invest-bhutan-summit-2026-a-strategic-leap-in-bhutans-investment-narrative/
- Blue Poppy Ventures. (2025). Bhutan’s New FDI Framework & Investor Opportunities. https://bluepoppyventures.com.au/2025/11/14/bhutans-new-fdi-framework-investor-opportunities/