PHNOM PENH: Three cleantech startups of seven teams that advanced to pitch in the final judging were selected to receive the grant prizes, totaling US$50,000 from GCIP Cambodia Accelerator Programme Cohort 2.
The Final Judging and Award Ceremony was co-organised by Techo Startup Centre and Prestige Alliance held on Feb. 17. The event was presided over by H.E. Dr. Kong Mary, Secretary of State, Ministry of Economy and Finance, and attended by representatives from relevant ministries and institutions, development partners, NGOs, service providers and private sector.
First place winner was awarded to RUY REACH, while the two runners up went to KASEGKO and AGRO AGAPE, according to a press release issued on Feb. 19.
Speaking at the ceremony, H.E. Dr. Kong Mary acknowledged the increased participation of women and women-led enterprises compared to the last cohort.
He also highlighted the significance of collective solidarity among cleantech entrepreneurs in fulfilling Cambodia’s commitment to environmental sustainability through green developments that contribute to the circular economy with the implementation of clean and efficient energy policies.
Additionally, he offered insights into the further support available from the Entrepreneurship Development Fund (EDF), encouraging the teams to explore opportunities including investment opportunities, financial and non-financial assistance for entrepreneurs, small and medium enterprises, and startups engaged in innovative activities that contribute to economic value in Cambodia.
Mr. Gerwynn Mckuur, Project Manager and Representative of the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO, Vienna), delivered impressive remarks highlighting his positive impressions and appreciation for the commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in Cambodia.
He congratulated the finalists and the winners, encouraging them to maintain their entrepreneurial spirit, pursue continuous learning, and expand their networks within the global scalability landscape.
GCIP Cambodia Accelerator Programme is a seven-month intensive programme taking on several startups and SMEs whose work focuses on solutions that help the environment to leverage their business skills and increase the acceleration uptake to ensure the long sustainable growth of cleantech pools in Cambodia.
Commenced on Sept. 20, 2024, the GCIP Cambodia Accelerator Programme Cohort 2 is funded by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO-Vienna) and Global Environment Facility (GEF), organised by the Ministry of Economy and Finance, Techo Startup Centre, and co-organised by Prestige Consulting, with support from the Network for Global Innovation, Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation, Khmer Enterprise, and Cambodia Academy of Digital Technology.