𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨-𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐆𝐞𝐝𝐮 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞, 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩

By Kezang Choden

The campus of Gedu College of Business Studies (GCBS) came alive with the launch of the much-anticipated Innovation Market, also known as the Inno-Market. This dynamic initiative seeks to promote the consumption of local agricultural and livestock products while providing a fertile ground for students, entrepreneurs, and farmers to showcase their creativity and entrepreneurial acumen. The Inno-Market launch is viewed as a crucial step in encouraging Bhutanese communities to embrace organic, locally grown produce and sustainable farming practices.

The Inno-Market is not only a platform for food enterprises and local farmers but also serves as a bridge between the academic world and real-world business challenges. By offering students the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in practical business scenarios, the market fosters innovation and entrepreneurship while promoting organic farming and healthier lifestyles.

The launch of the Inno-Market marks the beginning of a significant collaboration between the Royal University of Bhutan (RUB) and the Department of Agricultural Marketing and Cooperatives (DAMC). This partnership aims to create sustainable markets for farmers in the rural areas of Chhukha Dzongkhag, providing them with access to new customers, particularly students and the broader public. Organizers hope that the market will inspire greater awareness about the benefits of organic farming and advocate for healthier food choices.

Speaking at the event, Sangay Thinley, Head of Agricultural Marketing for the Phuentsholing region, expressed optimism about the potential of the Inno-Market as a transformative platform for students and farmers alike. “The Inno-Market is a pilot program that not only promotes local, organic products but also gives students a chance to bring their entrepreneurial prototypes to life. If the market proves successful, it could serve as a model for other colleges across Bhutan to implement similar initiatives,” he said.

At the heart of the Inno-Market is the ambition to foster creativity and entrepreneurship among GCBS students. The market serves as a testing ground for students to explore and develop business ideas in a controlled environment. This hands-on experience, organizers believe, will equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the challenges of the business world post-graduation.

Chencho Gyeltshen, Business Incubation Manager at GCBS, highlighted the market’s importance in providing a platform for students to engage with practicing entrepreneurs and key stakeholders in the business community. “The Inno-Market allows students to not only showcase their innovative ideas but also build networks with local entrepreneurs and gain practical business insights. It’s an opportunity to think outside the classroom and develop skills that are crucial for Bhutan’s evolving business landscape,” he explained.

By interacting with local entrepreneurs, students are exposed to real-world market dynamics, helping them develop a deeper understanding of business management, product marketing, and customer engagement. The initiative has generated a buzz on campus, with students eager to contribute to Bhutan’s growing entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Beyond its educational value, the Inno-Market serves as a vital platform for local farmers and food enterprises to connect with consumers. From fresh organic vegetables to locally produced dairy and creative crafts, the market features an array of products that reflect Bhutan’s rich agricultural heritage. By providing farmers with direct access to consumers, the market encourages sustainable agricultural practices and promotes the use of organic farming methods.

Chencho Gyeltshen emphasized the Inno-Market’s focus on local entrepreneurship and the consumption of fresh, locally sourced products. “The purpose of this market is to promote local entrepreneurs and encourage the consumption of fresh, local produce among students and the public. It’s a small but significant step towards a more sustainable and healthy food culture in Bhutan,” he said.

As the Inno-Market continues to grow, organizers hope it will become a vital part of the community, helping to support local farmers and small businesses while fostering a culture of sustainability and innovation.
For many students, the Inno-Market represents a unique opportunity to apply classroom concepts in a practical setting. However, it also comes with its challenges. Balancing academic responsibilities with entrepreneurial activities can be demanding, as students like Deki Lhaden, a second-year student pursuing a Bachelor’s in Financial Engineering, explained.

“We, the students running the stalls, are coordinated by the Innopreneur Club. While the Inno-Market provides a vital platform for us to showcase our business ideas, it also brings significant challenges. Balancing academic responsibilities with business activities is difficult, as we must prioritize our studies and career development, leaving limited time to focus on entrepreneurship,” Deki shared.

Despite these challenges, Deki views the market as an invaluable opportunity for growth and learning. “The market gives us a chance to test our ideas and gain hands-on experience in business management, communication, and problem-solving. These are skills that will be crucial for us in the future,” she added.

The Inno-Market has also helped students develop a deeper appreciation for local produce and the importance of supporting farmers. Many students have expressed their excitement about the initiative, noting that it not only provides a platform for showcasing their creativity but also fosters a sense of community and collaboration.

As the Inno-Market gains momentum, organizers are optimistic about its potential to expand and attract greater participation from the community. Chencho Gyeltshen highlighted the growing interest from youth in learning about market dynamics and the skills needed to succeed in business. “Many young people have shown a keen interest in learning more about business and the market environment. This platform gives them the opportunity to test their ideas in a practical setting,” he said.

With its focus on promoting local products, fostering innovation, and providing hands-on learning opportunities for students, the Inno-Market is quickly becoming a vibrant and dynamic initiative at GCBS. Organizers are hopeful that the market will continue to evolve, eventually becoming a model for other colleges and educational institutions across Bhutan.

As more participants join each week after its launch on October 11, the diversity of goods and services offered at the market continues to grow, further enriching the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Bhutan. Through this initiative, students, farmers, and entrepreneurs are not only contributing to Bhutan’s economic growth but also promoting a culture of sustainability and innovation that will benefit the country for years to come.