An intensive 3-month program to support youth to develop social enterprises that tackle some of Cambodia’s most pressing environmental challenges
teams of youth
participants
Supporting youth-led business solutions to environment challenges
Youth Eco Labs was an innovation and leadership development program to help Cambodian youth turn their passion for environmental impact into viable social business models. We identified a cohort of budding entrepreneurs with an idea for an innovation that can solve an environmental challenge. Over the course of the three-month program, these young changemakers gained new skills in business, knowledge of environmental issues in Cambodia, exposure to real-world issues, and inspiring community.
At Impact Hub Phnom Penh, we’re all about practical action over theoretical business planning. Youth Eco Labs was no different. We facilitated immersive experiences so that participants could get out, really understand the problems, and rapidly test their ideas with real future users. This helped these new entrepreneurs build their confidence and start seeing real results in their social enterprises.
Our Approach
Discovery
Over the course of ten hands-on workshops, our participants built their skills in problem analysis, human-centered design, strategic planning, communication, mindful leadership, and team building. They also deepened their awareness of environmental issues in Cambodia, including community impacts and the broader economic context.
Immersion
A field trip to the Prey Lang Wildlife Sanctury and surrounding communities provided participants a first-hand understanding of how environmental issues affect local communities — and offered a transformational personal experience for many of the youth who had never spent time in the forest.
Connection
As part of our action-focused, motivational methodology, we facilitated peer-to-peer coaching circles during which participants listened to each others’ challenges and provided each other with advice and support. We also connected participants with external mentors who provided business and leadership guidance throughout the program.
Sharing
Beyond their own ventures, participants played a role in building awareness of environmental issues among a broader youth community. They designed their own social media campaign and produced mini videos, which altogether reached 60,000+ people. The program concluded with a Demo Day event where participants had a chance to showcase their innovations to the public.
Meet the inspiring changemakers
KHM-Bamboo
KHM-Bamboo
KHM-Bamboo aims at reducing plastic cups that are used in large numbers during festival and music events.
SONYA Café Team
SONYA Café Team
SONYA Café Team is an eco-friendly mobile cafe using no plastic and chemical free products, promoting the environment and zero food waste, and contributing back to society to tackle poverty through fair employment.
SmartBin
SmartBin
SmartBin aims at producing a data-driven bin that encourages recycling habits by giving users points to their smartphone when littering in the correct bins.
Cambo Bio Green
Cambo Bio Green
Cambo Bio Green is using raw materials from Cambodian agricultural products to produce new eco-packaging, which could gradually replace plastic packaging and would enhance sustainable trade for farmers.
SrokSrae Home Garden
SrokSrae Home Garden
SrokSrae Home Garden is a one-stop platform that provides gardening services, ranging from creative natural garden to hydroponic farm, especially for those who are interested in having urban home garden for themselves.
Petals
Petals
The Petals project aims to make use of reusable flowers from various events in Cambodia by converting them into fragrant candles and perfumes that suit Cambodian’s taste and interest.
Solar Micro-Grid
Solar Micro-Grid
Solar Micro-Grid builds solar micro-grid systems to replace diesel generator battery charging systems, especially to increase electricity access to rural households.
“I got to know many innovative thinkers who have a similar vision as me. I’m so happy because all the participants support each other. It’s the first program that made me feel it’s not like a competition, but instead it’s like a collaboration with support for each other. Even though we have different ideas, I feel so close with other members.”
Participant, Youth Eco Labs
Our Partners
