Meet the Top ICT Innovators of our SmartSpark+ Incubation Program
It’s the grand finale! Discover the top teams selected for funding at the closing pitch day of our SmartSpark+ incubation program — all presenting amazing ideas for how ICT can advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Thai Vath
On September 1, 2023, almost 200 people came together at the Cambodia University of Technology and Science (CamTech) for the big finale of the SmartSpark+ Incubation Program 2023.
Impact Hub Phnom Penh teamed up with Smart Axiata to bring this exciting edition of SmartSpark to life. The SmartSpark+ Incubation Program is a ten-week journey designed to help grow early-stage businesses that are making a positive impact in Cambodia through Information, Communication, and Technology (ICT). Our goal: give them the tools they need to grow, improve, and make a bigger difference to make Cambodia more sustainable and inclusive!
Participants in the SmartSpark+ program received a lot of support, including weekly masterclasses and one-on-one mentoring sessions. These sessions are tailored to each participant’s needs and led by dedicated mentors from the program. These mentors bring a lot of expertise and experience, helping participants sharpen their innovative solutions and business skills.
And earlier this month, the program wrapped up with a final pitch event, where participants presented their innovative ideas to the public. The best part? They got the chance to win a $5,000 cash prize to help further develop their prototype.
At the Final Pitch, ten startups showed off their prototypes, each aimed at tackling one of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These goals included Quality Education (SDG 4), Gender Equality (SDG 5), Economic Growth (SDG 8), Innovation (SDG 9), and Reducing Inequality (SDG 10). All of the ideas had a tech or digital dimension.
Without further ado…
Meet the Winning Teams!
Grand Prize Winner: Rean&Play Studio
Our winner is the amazing Rean&Play Studio, dedicated to helping children of Cambodia to learn while having fun and integrating the mindset of “Learning is Fun” into young minds in their early stages. The team will receive $5,000 of funding to support their prototype further, followed by additional post-program support from Impact Hub Phnom Penh & Smart Axiata.
“Participating in this program, I have learned much about entrepreneurship and how I can turn our dreams into reality with program support. Being selected as one of the SmartSpark+ winners has been an unexpected and exciting achievement, especially considering that we were at a very early stage compared to other teams already launching their products in the market. In the future, we aim to use the prize to develop our game and advance our startup.”
Best Innovative Idea: CONSA Tech
Recognized with the “Best Innovative Idea” award, CONSA Tech offers a comprehensive suite of technical and technology solutions tailored to the cosmetics and food industry, from product research and development to staffing solutions and packaging design.
Best Performing Team: Bondoul
Earning the“Best Performing Team” award, Bondoul helps university students gain practical experience in the shortest time to prepare for their career field through paid internships.
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