Five teams won $4,000 and a 6-month incubator programme to transform their tech ideas into reality with SmartStart: Young Innovator Programme Cycle 2 after impressing judges at the final pitch event with their business models, digital product ideas and teamwork.
Through intensive workshops and expert advice during the Hackathon in Phnom Penh and the Technopreneurship Challenge in Battambang during April and May, the initial pool of 30 teams from more than ten universities across Cambodia were whittled down to 15. Those remaining teams presented their final pitches to a prestigious panel of judges at Sunway Hotel Phnom Penh on Saturday.
The five winning teams will now move on to the final phase of the programme, turning their ideas into actual businesses or products. Besides ongoing handholding by Impact Hub Phnom Penh as well as Smart Axiata, the teams will gain access to an ecosystem of resources, mentorship, inspiration and collaboration opportunities.
“All the judges today were really impressed with the quality of all the presentations and the desire of these students to transform their initial concepts into a prototype. I urge all the participants to continue pursuing their concepts and contribute towards the booming technovation ecosystem in Cambodia,” said Zoe Ng, managing director of Raintree Cambodia.
The five winning teams are: Haystome, a platform that connects travelers with local artists for a truly authentic experience; Malis, a booking platform where users can easily book an appointment with a beauty salon; Tos Rean, a matching platform for tutors and students; Homex, a mobile application that connects reliable technicians with people who have household problems; and SomJot, a mobile parking application that makes the lives of vehicle and parking-space owners a lot easier.
Sokunthaneth Chhoy, SomJot’s team leader, said that reaching this stage was a huge moment for his team: “I am delighted that our digital business concept impressed the judges today. It has been a great privilege to join such an impressive tech innovation programme. I would like to thank Smart and Impact Hub for creating learning opportunities for Cambodian universities students like us. I look forward to continue our SmartStart journey.”
During the closing ceremony, both H.E. Dr. Hang Chuon Naron, Minister of Education, Youth and Sport, and H.E. Dr. Kan Channmeta, Secretary of State of Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, congratulated the winners as well as encouraged more young Cambodians to participate in future SmartStart programmes.
Both ministries have strongly endorsed the programme as well as the hard work and commitment of Smart Axiata and Impact Hub Phnom Penh in making this programme thrive. This year, the SmartStart programme received further support through the reimbursement received by Smart Axiata from the Capacity Building and R&D Fund.
