An ASEAN-wide competition to fight plastic pollution in coastal cities by helping innovative solutions scale up
innovative startup ventures
in funding awarded to top teams
Innovations for a Plastic Free Future in Southeast Asia
Plastic pollution is a growing problem in Cambodia’s coastal areas. Impact Hub Phnom Penh was proud to take on the issue headfirst as the implementing partner in Cambodia of Ending Plastic Pollution Innovation Challenge (EPPIC), a competition to fight plastic pollution in coastal Viet Nam, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Lao PDR, and Cambodia.
8 innovative startup ventures were competitively selected for the 3-month incubation program. These innovative businesses ranged from advancing upcycling/recycling, alternative plastic solutions, and technology-driven pollution management. Through the incubation program, the teams deepened their understanding of local and regional plastic pollution issues and strengthened their business skills. Finally, two teams were selected at a public pitch event for the 9-month accelerator phase — receiving $18,000 in funding, masterclasses, and ongoing mentorship.
Our Approach
Competitive Selection
Our 8 ventures were selected through a rigorous process focusing on the startups’ unique solution to tackle plastic pollution and potential for lasting impact in Cambodia’s coastal areas.
Intensive Bootcamp
A two-day bootcamp provided hands-on skill-building workshops to help the startups refine their business models, identify their strengths and challenges, and chart their growth strategies.
Insights from the Field
Through a field trip in Sihanoukville, teams gained real-world insights into the complexity of the area’s plastic problem, engaged with local actors, and tested the viability of their solutions in a real-world context.
Ongoing Learning
Through mentorship, peer-to-peer learning, and structured sessions, participants grew their knowledge of plastic and sustainability issues and strengthened skills in business.
Dynamic Pitch Event
At the end of the incubator phase, all 8 teams showcased their solutions and ambition to the general public and a panel of judges.
Accelerating Top Solutions
Two teams were selected at the pitch event to move to the accelerator phase: a 9-month learning and strategic growth experience supported by mentoring and seed funding.
100%
of participants reported increasing their skills and knowledge in plastic issues, business models, customer personas, impact measurement, strategic road mapping, and other key learning outcomes after the incubation program
Meet the inspiring changemakers
TONTOTON
TONTOTON
TONTOTON collects and treats plastic waste, focusing on hard-to-recycle plastic in highly polluted coastal areas of Sihanoukville. Their innovative products transform plastic waste from a liability into an asset.
Rukkhak-Packages
Rukkhak-Packages
Rukkhak-Packages converts cassava into biodegradable plastic packaging as an alternative to petroleum-based plastic, ensure the protection of the environment and food safety.
Green Tiles
Green Tiles
Green Tiles are highly durable and lightweight floor tiles made from recycled plastics together with sand, fly ash, and UV stabilizers through a process called extrusion.
WELab-ITC
WELab-ITC
WELab-ITC is a water and environmental engineering lab at ITC. They’ve created a solar-powered air bubble screening and barrier device to block macro- and microplastics from entering the sea.
Trash to Cash
Trash to Cash
Trash to Cash is a smart waste management system that consists of a smart disposal station and a T2C gamified app that helps people separate their waste at source and dispose of it correctly.
SkySweeper
SkySweeper
The SkySweeper team is a group of university students on a mission to make a positive impact on the environment. They believe in using technology and innovative solutions to tackle environmental challenges.
Bodhi Tree Naturals
Bodhi Tree Naturals
Bodhi Tree Naturals offers environmentally friendly cleaning products, a unique ‘swap and go’ model for businesses plastics and private customers to reduce consumption, and refill stations across Phnom Penh.
GOMI Recycle
GOMI Recycle
GOMI Recycle “PLAYCLE” is an innovative plastic exterior material manufactured from recyclable plastic waste that can be recycled indefinitely without degrading.
“Thanks to all the mentors, trainers, and guest speakers who have shared with us all the valuable experiences about various knowledge ranging from plastic issues to overall business concepts. We are happy to be able to form our business ideas from scratch into a good pitch. We are able to define a clear business idea for our team, the target market, the business road maps, and a clearer plan on what we should do next regarding our business.”
Participant in the Ending Plastic Pollution Innovation Challenge (EPPIC)
Snapshots
Learn more about EPPIC
Our program was part of the larger regional Ending Plastic Pollution Innovation Challenge (EPPIC) initiative. The project, led by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and supported by the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad) and the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, brings together citizens, local governments, and the private sector to identify pressing issues and collaborate in implementing effective solution, in Viet Nam, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Cambodia and Lao PDR.
Our Partners
