In a landmark event for Cambodia’s burgeoning startup scene, Khmer Enterprise has recently concluded its second season of the UniPreneur Program by orchestrating the UniPreneur National Challenge. This pivotal competition, held from August 29 to 31, 2024, at the AUPP Technology Center, assembled approximately 1,000 student entrepreneurs from across 25 universities nationwide. They gathered for a three-day Startup Demo Day, showcasing the innovative spirit and potential of Cambodia’s youth.
Chhieng Vanmunin, the CEO of Khmer Enterprise and a delegate of the Royal Government, highlighted the event’s alignment with the national agenda. “In an environment ripe for entrepreneurial growth, innovation thrives through the cultivation of new ideas, enhancement of current innovations, and progression of future possibilities. This program is instrumental in planting the seeds of future creativity among students, thereby contributing to the strengthening of our nation’s human capital in line with the Royal Government of Cambodia’s Pentagonal Strategy.”
The UniPreneur initiative, which comprises UnipreneurCamp, UnipreneurSprint, and the UniPreneur National Challenge, stands as a critical platform for university students. It empowers them to enhance their entrepreneurial skills and turn their innovative concepts into viable products or services. In doing so, these young creators offer solutions to the everyday challenges faced by citizens, and both the public and private sectors.
Expressing his support for the event, Raymond Leos, the Vice-President of Academic Services at AUPP, underscored the institution’s commitment to promoting innovation and entrepreneurship. “The UniPreneur National Challenge not only enables our students to display their exceptional skills but also to receive valuable feedback from seasoned entrepreneurs and leaders in the industry. AUPP remains dedicated to fostering a supportive culture for the growth of the next generation of Cambodian leaders.”
The competition featured 75 top teams selected from the UnipreneurSprint—a preparatory program aimed at equipping them for the challenge. They pitched their startup concepts before a panel of esteemed judges, vying for the chance to be among the top six teams. These finalists are set to attend the prestigious Khmer Enterprise Summit 2024, an opportunity to further their entrepreneurial ambitions.
These distinguished teams, along with other high achievers from various initiatives of Khmer Enterprise, will use the summit as a networking and collaborative platform. The event aims to unite a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including entrepreneurs, startups, SMEs, educational institutions, business associations, enterprise support organizations, development partners, and notable local and international NGOs. Together, they will work towards fostering a more supportive ecosystem for entrepreneurship in Cambodia.
As Cambodia stays the course on its journey to cultivate a dynamic and inclusive startup ecosystem, initiatives like the UniPreneur National Challenge play a pivotal role. Through the unwavering support of organizations such as Khmer Enterprise, the country’s young innovators are paving the way for a resilient and prosperous economic future. This commitment to nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit among Cambodian students ensures that the nation’s growth and development continues to surge forward, carried on the backs of its most creative minds.
Source: Fresh News
