PHNOM PENH — The Ministry of Post and Telecommunications (MPTC) has officially opened applications for the Cambodia Digital Awards 2026 (CDA2026), the Kingdom’s flagship national platform celebrating technological excellence, digital entrepreneurship, and research innovation.
The annual awards program provides local startups, private enterprises, academic institutions, research and development (R&D) organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and independent tech creators with an opportunity to present solutions driving Cambodia’s digital economy and sustainable development.
Award Categories and Prize Distribution
For CDA2026, a total prize pool of $30,000 will be awarded across five core competitive categories:
- Best Minister’s Start-Up of the Year: Supporting scalable early-stage tech ventures designed to enhance productivity and consumer welfare.
- Best Digital Research and Innovation of the Year: Recognizing applied digital research and technological breakthroughs from individuals and research bodies.
- Best Digital Content of the Year: Honoring creative digital media, educational content, and interactive digital entertainment.
- Best Private Sector of the Year: Highlighting established businesses leveraging digital tools to modernize services, supply chains, and customer experiences.
- Best Digital Inclusion of the Year: Celebrating initiatives that expand digital access, literacy, and opportunities across local communities.
In addition to the primary competition, CDA2026 includes a special Cyber Security Awards track, recognizing outstanding professionals, advocates, and leaders advancing digital security and resilience.
Timeline and Eligibility Criteria
Interested applicants must submit their completed entries before the official deadline on November 2, 2026.
The key milestones for the CDA2026 competition cycle include:
- Application Period: July 24, 2026 – November 2, 2026
- Semi-Final Evaluation: November 19, 2026
- Final Pitching & Selection: December 1, 2026
- Official Award Ceremony: December 11, 2026
To qualify, participating companies or project lead owners must be Cambodian citizens or permanent residents. Products submitted must have at least 51% of their development resources utilized within Cambodia. For the Minister’s Start-up category, entities with official business registration must not exceed three years of operations.
Gateway to Regional and International Recognition
The Cambodia Digital Awards serve as a crucial launchpad for domestic tech innovators seeking regional exposure and venture investment. Past winners and runner-ups have gone on to secure venture capital funding—such as backing from global platform Plug and Play—and represent the Kingdom at international showcases like the ASEAN Digital Awards.
Innovators and organizations can register and submit their applications directly through the official MPTC web portal at https://mptc.gov.kh/cda26/
