The enhancement of Gross National Happiness (GNH) has been the most significant national priority for Bhutan since the 1980s, and it has evolved into the guiding purpose of Bhutan’s development. To increase GNH and support sustainable development, knowledge is needed to deepen the understanding of real life at each societal level. Qualitative research data have been recognized as critically important to contribute to evidence-based policies which address social and developmental challenges. There is however a disjuncture between the desire for qualitative research data and the absence of knowledge, skills and technical infrastructure to teach qualitative research methods.The HAPPY Project aims to include innovative Qualitative Research teaching approaches in the field of Social Sciences and Humanities at 4 Colleges in Bhutan. We thus aim to modernize and renew existing curricula by developing innovative modules for existing courses and enhance the competencies of academics in qualitative research methods (QRM). The HAPPY Project uses a people centered approach to co-create innovative teaching methodologies and accentuates “learning by doing”. The implementation of the renewed curricula will contribute to the development of students’ transversal skills which will increase their employability. To accomplish all of the above and increase its societal impact, the HAPPY Project aims to sensitize stakeholders both in HEIs and society regarding the value and the potential of using QR data. This will strengthen the existing relationships between HEIs and societal stakeholders, including Civil Society, government, local communities, industry and enterprises. This in turn will create a space to explore further QR collaboration in the future. By disseminating project milestones to societal stakeholders, the project will initiate the use of QR data in domains beyond HEI. The HAPPY project has the potential to enhance well-being, and thus GNH.