A pre-incubation program to build meaningful social ventures that contribute to the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
impactful ideas supported
cohorts focused on different SDGs
Tackling the SDGs through entrepreneurship
SmartSpark was a startup program to introduce key concepts of social entrepreneurship to young people with ambition to turn their innovative social impact idea into a business. Each of the nine SpartSpark cohorts focused on a different set of SDGs. We provided tailored support, expertise, mentoring, and networks to teams of young innovators, on average 20-21 years old.
Some of Cambodia’s most successful social enterprises first started their journeys through SmartSpark. For over three years, it served as a highly effective launchpad for social innovation in Cambodia.
“It all started with being very passionate about solving problems of society. However, our business idea was not that feasible. Thanks to the SmartSpark program, we had the opportunity to be trained in business modeling, market research, marketing strategizing and other important aspects of growing a business, allowing us to improve our feasibility and have a greater impact. The SmartSpark program is so amazing for helping social entrepreneurs to make a greater impact.”
Participant, SpartSpark Cohort 7
Hands-on support to mission-driven innovators
Impact First
Each of the SmartSpark cohorts focused on a different set of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Social and environmental impact was at the heart of the program — bringing awareness and inspiration to the ways that business can be a force for good.
Empowering Young Changemakers
The goal of the intensive 10-week program was to help youth turn their creative ideas into viable businesses. Towards this end, we provided access to local and global networks, mentoring and coaching, training workshops, a free workspace, and significant media visibility.
A Launchpad for The Next Big Thing
One team per cohort was selected by judges through a pitch event to receive $3,000 from Smart Axiata. This funding pivotally shaped the trajectories of many of these ventures. However, we also saw other startups in each cohort continue to grow their businesses, showing that the program — outside of the financial support — also had a lasting impact.
Meet the inspiring changemakers
Ad-Fiden
Ad-Fiden
Ad-Fiden is an app that provides transparent information of locally transformed food and drinks products to consumers; and connects local producers to the experts of food technology/science, marketing, and branding.
Agora
Agora
Agora is a marketing agency that provides premium and affordable services to help green businesses grow.
ArcXTech
ArcXTech
ArcXTech’s website promotes easier access to architectural resources such as blueprints and plans for potential clients who are looking for easier, high-quality, safe designs.
Aspire
Aspire
Aspire is a digital platform aiming to improve the livelihoods of individuals with disabilities by featuring their Cambodian handicrafts products.
Bamboo Eco
Bamboo Eco
Bamboo Eco provides eco-friendly alternatives to single-use plastic cups by supporting local farmers to produce beautifully designed and locally produced customizable bamboo cups, tumblers, and drink containers.
BestInBox
BestInBox
BestInBox is a website created to reduce food wastes by preparing a box with the easy-and-tasty recipes and perfect-portioned ingredients that are just enough for a household to cook and eat each meal.
Bio-Bac
Bio-Bac
Bio-Bac provides bio-pesticide produced from gram-positive bacteria to inhibit diseases on tomatoes.
CancerCo
CancerCo
CancerCo is a mobile application that that uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to predict/detect cancer symptoms as early as possible and provide users with cancer healthcare knowledge.
Our Partners
