SmartStart Cycle 3 crowns winners

10 Jun 2019 2049 | Business & Trade Fairs

RentTech was followed by PhumCake, Speak Out, Sers Chborng, and Style, who also received awards.

Each team was given $5,000 in cash prize and the top winner was awarded a “tech trip” to Singapore to visit the likes of Google, Facebook, and Microsoft.

SmartStart is a young innovator programme that seeks to help young Cambodian university students launch their own tech startups through mentorship and financial support.

Participants took part in a six-month incubator programme where they had access to free working space, mentorship, and collaboration opportunities, among others.

Thomas Hundt, CEO of Smart Axiata, said he expected the winners to continue to work hard to turn their ideas into successful apps.

“Let’s think bold. Smart is giving a platform to young innovators and hopes the winners will bring more ideas to the startup ecosystem in Cambodia,” Mr Hundt said.

Minister of Education Hang Choun Narong said the programme this year has significantly improved compared to previous iterations.

“SmartStart will help promote the tech and ICT sector in Cambodia and improve the skills of our professionals,” Mr Choun Narong said.

Kan Channmeta, secretary of state of Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, said, “The SmartStart Young Innovator Programme encourages young innovators and university students to express their ideas and create new businesses that will help the economy grow.”

Chea Serey, director general of National Bank of Cambodia, said the competition is helping Cambodia develop its ICT sector.

“To become an economy based on innovation, we need programmes that support young entrepreneurs.”

To the winners, she said, “Please don’t give up and continue pursuing your business ideas instead of following someone else’s idea.”