NBC Hosts Networking Planning Workshop to Scale Bioprospecting as a Nature-based Product

Thimphu, 6-7 January 2026: The National Biodiversity Centre (NBC), in partnership with the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), successfully conducted a two-days Networking and Planning Workshop on Scaling Bioprospecting as a Nature-based Solution (NbS) for Green Mountain Livelihoods on 6-7 January 2026 at Dorji Elements, Thimphu.

The workshop brought together selected entrepreneurs, technical experts, branding specialists, and NBC officials to plan and initiate support for the second cohort of entrepreneurs under the NbS bioprospecting project.

Strengthening Bioprospecting and ABS in Bhutan

The workshop began with highlighting the importance of bioprospecting as a tool to promote sustainable livelihoods, biodiversity conservation, and equitable benefit sharing under Bhutan’s Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) framework.

Technical sessions were conducted on the fundamentals of ABS, the status of bioprospecting and ABS implementation in Bhutan, and the value proposition of the NbS project.

NBC and S.C. Branding Collaboration

A key highlight of the workshop was the finalization of collaboration between NBC and S.C. Branding Studio, through a contract agreement to support Unique Selling Point (USP) testing and product acceleration for nature-based products. Under this partnership, S.C. Branding Studio will support entrepreneurs in USP validation, branding, packaging, market positioning, mentoring and acceleration program.

Entrepreneur Presentations and Product Pitching

Entrepreneurs presented their company profiles, product concepts, genetic resources used, benefit-sharing mechanisms, and support expectations from the project.

a) Pure Bhutan (Mr. Ugyen Tshering): The company proposed Cordyceps sinensis capsules as a premium wellness product. The company also shared their experiences from the first cohort, highlighting successful market performance in western marketsand how ABS certification helped them in establishing product authenticity, and ongoing global research collaborations.

b) Touch from Heaven (Mr. Dorji Thinley): Featuring Duetse Ngo-tin (Revit Blue Cloud) made from Amla (Phyllanthus emblica), sugarcane, and honey. The company works closely with communities from lower Trongsa and the Black Mountain region, integrating conservation, community income generation, and sustainable sourcing.

c) Yiga Chocolate (Ms. Kinley Pelden): Founded in 2017, Yiga Chocolate is a premium Bhutanese chocolate brand rooted in storytelling and sustainability. The company aims to create  a herb infused choclate with a unique food experience.

d) Bhutan Healthy Tea (Jambay Lhendrup): Established in 2021, the company presented Mindfulness Tea made from Matsutake, Cordyceps, and Rhododendron species. The enterprise involves highland communities from Shingkhar, with 10% of profits shared with the community.

e) Gurjo Tea (Mr. Bidyash Chhetri): Based in Norbugang, Samtse, the company works closely with farmers and rural communities. The product presented was Moringa capsules, supported through a benefit-sharing and buy-back mechanism with farmers.

f) B Herbal Glow (Kinley Dem): Presented Red Rice Cider as a value-added nature-based product, with discussions on branding, processing standards, and market positioning.

g) NTT Fengsi Production (Sonam Zangmo): Presented Matsutake Soup as a value-added food product based on sustainably sourced forest mushrooms. The enterprise emphasized on commiting to ABS standarsd and Framework.

h) Mugwort Solution (Mr. Ngawang Chophel): Presented Mugwort Moxa Sticks, a traditional wellness product rooted in Bhutanese and Asian healing practices. The company shared its experience in sustainable harvesting, and the importance of ABS certification in building consumer trust.

i) B Organic (Mr. Dorji Gyaltshen): Presented Matsutake Tea as a premium herbal tea product with strong market potential. The enterprise discussed sustainable sourcing practices and the need for branding, packaging, and quality certification support.

j) Bhutan Blossom (Mr. Thinley Namgay): Introduced a nutraceutical product line branded as the “Vital Herb Line”, focusing on herbal formulations for wellness.

Way Forward

The workshop concluded with discussion sessions to develop baseline assessments and roadmaps for each product. Key decisions included support for scientific testing, packaging, branding, GS1 barcoding, incorporation of the ABS logo on product labels, and guidance on certifications .

It was also agreed that the design and branding phase would follow a consultative process, with an estimated turnaround time of four weeks. An acceleration program orientation for entrepreneurs was also conducted with conclusions of the workshop including mentoring sessions, market insights, and product development guidance.Through scientific validation, branding support, and ABS framework, the project aims to promote green mountain livelihoods while conserving Bhutan’s rich biodiversity.