Waste & Circular Economy: Recykal raised $23m in a bridge round (primary $17.6m, secondary $5.4m) to scale its deposit return system and global waste-management solutions, including tech upgrades and circular-economy investments. Tourism & Border Trade: Phuentsholing is set to get tourism branding and digital promotion tools under the Thromde Enhancement Programme, aiming to position the border town as a cleaner, more experiential gateway. Hydropower & Energy Security: DGPC was highlighted as Bhutan’s sole hydropower producer meeting domestic demand and contributing major government revenue and foreign exchange, with plans to expand installed capacity to meet rising needs. Trade Facilitation Pressure: Recurring Amochhu floods are disrupting export operations and labour permits, with exporters and Indian drivers facing delays under the 24-hour exit rule. Digital Skills for Youth: A Youth Tech-Novation Hackathon showcased digital solutions from 21 teams, training 900+ young people across youth centres and colleges to support Bhutan’s digital economy. Culture & Heritage Funding: Religious organisations are urging higher gewog grants for temple and heritage preservation, saying current allocations are delaying key renovations and activities. Health Spending Efficiency: Bhutan’s health ministry and the World Bank discussed ways to reduce wasteful health spending as expenditure rose sharply from 2021 to 2025. Natural Wool Dye Revival: Training for women weavers in Chhumey aims to revive natural wool dyeing for yathra weaving as sheep-rearing declines. Secured Transactions & Credit: Bhutan’s RMA met Bhutan’s secured transactions registry agency to exchange experience on improving access to credit and legal safety for collateral-backed lending. Crypto/Fintech Ecosystem: BNB Chain’s EASY Residency Season 4 opened applications for Web3 builders to work from Gelephu Mindfulness City with up to $500k funding per team.