Bhutan Steps Into the Digital Future With AI

Once the last country in Asia to embrace television and the internet, Bhutan is now carving out a place in the world of artificial intelligence (AI).

Leading  the way is iMerit Bhutan, a subsidiary of a California-based company that has operated from Thimphu TechPark since 2019. The firm employs 140 Bhutanese nationals—65 per cent women—who train AI systems for industries such as autonomous vehicles, medical research, ecommerce, and satellite imaging.

Bhutan’s global appeal lies not just in its skilled workforce but also in its reputation as the world’s first carbon-negative nation, offering investors a sustainable and ethical destination. This fits naturally with the country’s guiding philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH), which emphasizes well-being and sustainability alongside economic growth.

The government has pledged $114 million under its latest five-year plan to expand digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, and skills training for 400,000 citizens by 2029. With improved connectivity through Starlink and its proximity to India’s booming tech sector, Bhutan is positioning itself as a unique hub for inclusive, green AI innovation.

From latecomer to pioneer, Bhutan is reimagining its future through technology.