​A half-day forum of lightning talks and roundtable discussions to facilitate connections between Bhutanese leaders and global builders from Edge City.

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​Schedule

​​1:00 – 1:20 PM | Arrival & Welcome
Check in, receive name tags, and mingle.

​​1:20 – 1:40 PM | Opening & Keynote
Welcome remarks and a talk from the GovTech Secretary.

​​1:40 – 2:45 PM | Lightning Talks
An hour of quick 8–10 minute presentations designed to spark new ideas. Speakers represent organizations like Ethereum, IDEO, Stanford, SynBioBeta, and DHI InnoTech, covering topics from AI in education to synthetic biology to Bhutan’s innovation vision.

​​2:45 – 3:00 PM | Break

​​3:00 – 4:30 PM | Roundtable Discussions
Small-group discussions on themes like technology, design, funding, and local innovation. You’ll be able to rotate between tables and join the conversations that interest you most.

​​4:30 – 5:00 PM | Synthesis & Closing Remarks
Facilitators share highlights from their tables, followed by closing reflections.

​​5:00 – 6:00 PM | Spillover Time & Networking
Continue the conversations and share contacts with folks you've met.

​Description

​On Saturday, September 20th, Edge City is hosting a gathering in Thimphu to facilitate knowledge exchange between our community and local leaders. We are bringing a group of international builders, founders, and investors to Bhutan and want to create a space for genuine connection and knowledge exchange with the local community.

​Who Should Attend?

​We invite Bhutanese entrepreneurs, government officials, builders, students, researchers, and anyone passionate about technology, innovation, and building the future to join us. We are also excited to welcome international folks living and working in Bhutan. Whether you have a project to share or are simply curious, we welcome your participation.

​This event is free to attend, but spaces are limited. Please register to reserve your spot. We look forward to meeting you!

​What to Expect

• ​Five short lightning talks to inspire new ideas.

• ​Two small-group roundtable discussions of ~45 mins each.

• ​Time for networking and connection at the end.

​Edge City delegates will gain a better understanding of the opportunities and problems in Bhutan and local connections that they can stay in touch with to continue to support Bhutan.

​Local leaders will leave with new ideas and perspecitives from a range of industries, and connections to global industry leaders that they can continue to collaborate with in the future.

​The full itinerary will be shared a few days before the event.

​About Edge City & Our Visiting Group

​Edge City is a global project that convenes people working at the frontiers of technology, science, and culture in popup villages around the world.

​Our visiting group for this trip includes leaders who have been involved in many of the world's leading organizations, including SpaceX, IDEO, Ethereum, Optimism, and some large venture investment funds. They come from fields like blockchain, sustainable energy, artificial intelligence, venture capital, human-centered design, biotechnology, and aerospace engineering.