Meet TinkyBike: SmartSpark Cohort 4 Winner and Transportation Innovator
Three months ago, Tinky Bike was just an idea. Today, it’s about to enter Cambodia’s transportation market after successfully going through our SmartSpark Cohort 4, and winning the grand prize!
- Vandara Sin
After three months of intensive entrepreneurship training and testing innovative ideas, we’re so excited to announce the winner of SmartSpark Cohort 4: Tinky Bike!
SmartSpark is an entrepreneurship program by Smart Axiata and Impact Hub Phnom Penh, dedicated to building meaningful social ventures that can contribute to the 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Cohort 4 of the program addressed challenges in sustainable jobs, cities and industries which align with SDG 8, 9, and 11.
And the winner, Tinky Bike, will now receive 3,000 USD to kickstart their startup idea! The startup is developing stylish urban electric bikes that aim to encourage motorbike users to switch to greener e-bikes, reducing urban air pollution and helping users cut down on fuel spending. Check out Tinky Bike’s Facebook Page and Video to see their first bike!
Kickstarting an Innovator’s Journey
Before joining SmartSpark just 3 months ago, Tinky Bike only had a sketch of how their e-bike would look on paper. They were then mentored by Tony Morvant, the founder of Soben-Advanced Bamboo Composite. With the help and advice from Tony, Tinky Bike successfully developed their first e-bike prototype in just 4 days.
We caught up with Kimhak, the founder of TinkyBike. In reflecting on his journey, he shared:
“Smartspark is an eye-opener for me. I started from scratch and in 3 months, with the support from great mentors, I am able to know the market for Tinky Bike. Also, I know how to do customer validation which is the thing I’ve never been taught at school. Now, I have one prototyped e-bike, and so far, people love it. Smartspark is a great program to join since it tells us everything we need to know for the early stage of our startup.”
What really touched us was talking to Kimhak’s mother. ““I now can see a clear picture of my son’s future and how far he can go in the future with his ability. Before, I was always worried about him when he was not at home even though he didn’t have any class to attend. Now I know why; he was busy and into building this amazing work. I don’t have any words to explain how proud I am seeing my son and his team being on this stage as the winner,” she shared with tears in her eyes after Kimhak was announced as the winner.
She continued:
“I would like to encourage other parents to be more open and supportive of your children and believe in their dreams, especially when your children are determined to do something greater than themselves and for society.”
Think you could be the next SmartSpark winner? The application for SmartSpark Cohort 5 (Social Welfare) will open on 20 December 2019. We are looking for innovators who want to start a business that contributes to:
- SDG1: No Poverty
- SDG2: Zero Hunger
- SDG3: Good Health and Wellbeing
- SDG6: Clean Water and Sanitation
Join us to unleash your potential and be a part of the above social solutions in Cambodia!
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