Top 20 Startup Competitions in Cambodia You Should Enter

Top 20 Startup Competitions in Cambodia You Should Enter 

Cambodia is quickly emerging as a vibrant hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. With a rapidly growing startup ecosystem supported by favorable government policies and a dynamic community, there’s no better time to dive into the world of Cambodian startups. Participating in startup competitions can be an excellent way to gain exposure, secure funding, and connect with like-minded entrepreneurs and mentors. Here’s a rundown of the top 20 startup competitions in Cambodia that you should consider entering.

1. Cambodia ICT Awards (CICTA)

What it is: An annual competition recognizing the best in Cambodia’s ICT sector.

Why enter: Gain national recognition, access mentoring programs, and have the chance to represent Cambodia internationally.

2. SmartStart Young Innovator Program

What it is: A program by Smart Axiata designed to inspire and support young tech entrepreneurs.

Why enter: Receive training, mentorship, and funding to turn your ideas into reality.

3. Techstars Startup Weekend Phnom Penh

What it is: A 54-hour event where entrepreneurs can pitch ideas, form teams, and develop startups.

Why enter: Engage in an intensive, hands-on startup experience and network with industry professionals.

Website: Techstars Startup Weekend

4. Cambodia Rice Bowl Startup Awards

What it is: A regional competition celebrating the best startups in Cambodia as part of the ASEAN Rice Bowl Startup Awards.

Why enter: Gain regional exposure, connect with investors, and join a network of successful startups.

5. National Bank of Cambodia FinTech Challenge

What it is: A competition focused on fintech innovations to enhance financial inclusion in Cambodia.

Why enter: Showcase your fintech solutions, receive mentorship from industry experts, and attract investment.

6. Mekong Innovative Startup Tourism (MIST)

What it is: A competition promoting innovative startups in the tourism sector across the Mekong region.

Why enter: Gain support from tourism industry leaders, secure funding, and expand your network.

Website: MIST

7. SEA Makerthon Cambodia

What it is: A makerthon event encouraging innovation in hardware and IoT solutions.

Why enter: Collaborate with fellow innovators, receive mentorship, and showcase your prototypes.

8. Impact Hub Phnom Penh’s ClimAccelerator

What it is: A climate-focused accelerator program that supports startups addressing climate change.

Why enter: Access mentoring, workshops, and funding opportunities to scale your climate-positive business.

9. Cambodian Young Entrepreneurs Awards

What it is: Celebrates the achievements of young entrepreneurs in Cambodia.

Why enter: Gain visibility, receive recognition, and connect with other young business leaders.

10. Hackathon Cambodia

What it is: An intense coding and development competition aimed at solving real-world problems.

Why enter: Test your skills, collaborate with fellow developers, and create impactful solutions.

11. AngelHack Phnom Penh

What it is: A global hackathon series that fosters innovation and entrepreneurship.

Why enter: Compete for cash prizes, network with tech experts, and gain access to global opportunities.

Website: AngelHack

12. Startup Cambodia Investor Summit

What it is: A summit that brings together investors and startups for networking and pitching sessions.

Why enter: Present your startup to potential investors, receive feedback, and secure funding.

13. ASEAN Angel Alliance

What it is: A network of angel investors across ASEAN that hosts pitching events and competitions.

Why enter: Access funding opportunities, gain mentorship, and connect with a network of investors.

14. Women of the Future Awards Southeast Asia

What it is: Recognizes the achievements of young women in business across Southeast Asia.

Why enter: Gain recognition, mentorship, and opportunities to expand your business network.

Website: Women of the Future

15. SmartScale Incubation Program

What it is: An incubation program by Smart Axiata for early-stage startups.

Why enter: Receive mentorship, office space, and access to funding to scale your business.

16. Startup Cambodia Demo Day

What it is: A demo day event where startups can pitch their business ideas to investors and the public.

Why enter: Gain visibility, receive feedback, and attract potential investors.

17. Cambodia Social Impact Awards

What it is: Recognizes and supports startups with a social impact focus.

Why enter: Showcase your social enterprise, gain access to mentorship, and attract funding.

18. Cambodia Food Innovation Challenge

What it is: A competition for startups with innovative solutions in the food and agriculture sectors.

Why enter: Gain exposure, receive mentoring, and connect with industry leaders.

19. Techstars Asia Pacific Summit

What it is: A summit bringing together startups from across the Asia Pacific region.

Why enter: Network with top entrepreneurs, investors, and mentors from the region.

Website: Techstars

20. Next Big Thing Cambodia

What it is: A competition for startups with groundbreaking ideas across various sectors.

Why enter: Gain recognition, receive valuable feedback, and attract investment.

Conclusion

Cambodia’s startup ecosystem is brimming with opportunities for innovative entrepreneurs. By participating in these top 20 startup competitions, you can gain exposure, secure funding, and connect with a supportive community of fellow entrepreneurs and mentors. Whether you’re working in tech, social impact, fintech, or any other sector, there’s a competition in Cambodia that can help elevate your startup to new heights in 2024. Prepare your pitch, polish your business plan, and seize these opportunities to make a significant impact.