The Technovation Cambodia 2023 season has recently come to an end with a remarkable showcase of talent, innovation, and determination. The National Pitch Event held on Monday, 26th June 2023, at the Cambodia Academy of Digital and Technology (CADT) was attended by over 500 participants, including senior government officials and representatives from private sectors such as the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications (MPTC), Ministry of Education Youth and Sport, Smart Axiata, Manulife, and more.
The 12-week educational training competition program for 2023 focused on developing mobile app solutions at the fundamental level to address social problems related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This year’s season was particularly special as it marked a return to physical training activities after the global Covid pandemic. Additionally, four main activities were introduced to enhance participants’ knowledge and hands-on experiences in technology and entrepreneurship.
- Kid-Hack Day: This event aimed to introduce students to Technovation 2023, raise awareness about the program, and provide an opportunity for students to form teams and learn to identify problems and solutions.
- 12 Weeks Training: The training program focused on problem-solving skills, solution identification, mobile app development, and pitching skills. Participants also gained valuable soft-skills such as teamwork, communication, and research throughout their journey.
- Bootcamp: The bootcamp brought together the 12 finalist teams to prepare for the national pitch. It provided a platform for participants to bond, undertake study tours, and polish their pitching skills.
- National Pitch: This competition event allowed girl participants from across Cambodia to showcase their innovative solutions to the general public. It served as a national celebration of their achievements.
Out of the 28 teams of girls aged 8-18 who participated in the competition, 19 teams submitted their projects to the Global Competition. Impressively, two teams advanced to the Semi-Finals on the global stage.
Technovation Cambodia 2023 was co-organized by the Ministry of Post and Telecommunication, Ministry of Education Youth, and Sport, Tech for Kids Academy, and 606 Digital. The event received generous sponsorship from CBRD Fund and Smart Axiata, and the venue was graciously provided by the American University of Phnom Penh (AUPP) and Cambodia Academy of Digital and Technology (CADT).
As H.E. Dr. CHEA Vandeth, the Minister of Post and Telecommunications (MPTC), remarked, “Among all the participating teams, only the most outstanding 12 teams were shortlisted and presented at the National Pitch Event of Technovation Cambodia 2023.” The winning teams not only received awards from Technovation Girls Cambodia but also additional prizes from H.E. Dr. CHEA Vandeth himself.
The winners were as follows:
- National Grand Prize winner (Torsu Girls): The prize increased from 2,000,000 riel ($500) to 4,000,000 riel ($1000).
- National Young Entrepreneur winner (Sunrizzee): The prize increased from 1,200,000 riel ($300) to 2,000,000 riel ($500).
- National Rookie Entrepreneur winner (Innovative Girl): The prize increased from 600,000 riel ($150) to 1,000,000 riel ($250).
- National Popularity winner (Smart Girls HSK): The prize increased from 600,000 riel ($150) to 1,000,000 riel ($250).
The accomplishments of the winning teams and all the participants in Technovation Cambodia 2023 are truly inspiring. We commend their dedication to leveraging technology for social impact and creating a better future. The Technovation program continues to be a valuable platform for empowering young girls and building their skills in technology and entrepreneurship.
Let us celebrate the success of Technovation Cambodia 2023 and look forward to the bright future these young girls will create with their innovative solutions.
