What happens when we bring together education, technology, and entrepreneurship, nationwide?

the best way to learn about entrepreneurship is learn by doing

Students learn about startups by actually starting their own startup ideas within the classroom.

  • Students practice in class
  • Lecturers are not lecturing, but mentoring
  • Students go on field visits to see other local startups
  • Students do business pitching as a final evaluation of the student’s understanding of entrepreneurship.
Local startups ecosystem in Cambodia

Most sessions include case study videos featuring successful Cambodian entrepreneurs.

  • These well-known figures aim to inspire and inform students with their real-world experience and act as role models for future generations.
  • These local role models have a more relatable life/ business experience than examples from the US that are usually used in other business classes.
  • Students might also aspire to work for any of these startups in the future. It can give them some career inspiration.

Sovan Srun
Co-founder of Edemy

Chea Langda
Founder & CEO of BookMeBus

Chy Sila
Co-founder of Sabay

Vichka Vantha
Co-founder of Dai Khmer

Uch Sarath
Co-founder of Rushero

Borima Chann
Founder of Nham24

Piseth Chhourm
Co-founder of DirexPlay

Hem Hema
Founder of Yeaksa

Hav Kongngy
Founder of My Dream Home

Em Chanrithykol
Founder of DOYDOY

Oknha Mengly J. Quach
Founder, Chairman and CEO of MENGLY J. QUACH EDUCATION

Jay KONG
Co-founder of Joonaak

Kem Bora
Partner of Mekong Strategic Partners

Panh Phanith
Co-founder of Muuve

Noem Chhunny
Founder of VIPASSA

Lecturers Testimonial

Students Testimonial

we scale entrepreneurship education nationwide

Memorandum of Understanding Signing:

  • After a successful pilot started in 2019, three years of negotiation, and program implementation, SmartStart ULP has been successfully expanded to 10 universities across Cambodia.
  • The official MOU was signed on 17 Dec 2021 with recognition and attendance from the Minister of Education, Youth and Sport, and Minister of Posts and Telecommunications.
national hackation for students and educators

Students and lecturers don’t just learn in class but also experience what it is like to create startup ideas through actual startup hackathons.

  • Students from all the partner universities come together to compete in a 4-day hackathon.
  • Students solve real-world problems through innovative ideas using ICT.
  • Lecturers also join in to be in the shoes of the students as well.

Exposure to startup ecosystem abroad

  • We brought our students to check out startups and startup ecosystem builders across the region to learn and explore any opportunities available outside of Cambodia.
  • In 2022, we went to Singapore and visited Google, NUS Enterprise, and joined the TechInAsia Conference
  • In 2023, we went to Malaysia and visited MRANTI, MEREKA Space, Impact Hub Kuala Lumpur, pitchIn, reSkill, REXKL, Biji-Biji Initiative & ADA Asia.

CAMBODIAN STUDENTS HACK THEIR WAY TO A BETTER FUTURE

On March 24 2023, 500 participants gathered at the Royal University of Agriculture to witness the SmartStart ULP National Hackathon 2023 Final Pitch.

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