Cambodia Investment Review
The energy at this yearās UniPreneur National Challenge Season 3 was palpable as 50+ university startup teams from across Cambodia gathered in Phnom Penh at the AUPP Technology Center for three days of pitching, mentoring, and delivering bold ideas. The event, led by Khmer Enterprise, brought together the countryās most promising young innovators, all eager to turn their visions into real-world ventures.
Held under the slogan āFrom Ideas to Market,ā the challenge marked the final and most anticipated phase of the UniPreneur Program, a national initiative that has already engaged more than 3,000 students from 50+ higher education institutions. The program provided grant prizes directly to students to build their prototypes. For the young participants, this wasnāt just another competition. It was a chance to be heard, seen, and taken seriously as future leaders in Cambodiaās growing entrepreneurial ecosystem landscape.
āGiven the high number of emboldened and young minds that have entered these programs, future topics of national importance can be given to these young entrepreneurs so they can be part of the solutions. This young and talented pool of entrepreneurs has yet to experience the entrepreneurial journey; nevertheless, this program has also given them opportunities to explore their own potential, which otherwise would not be possible,ā said
Three Days of Creativity, Courage, and Connection
Throughout the event, student teams pitched early-stage startups tackling challenges in sectors like agriculture, ICT, foods/agri-processing, and sustainability. Each team had just five minutes to make their case, followed by a high-pressure Q&A with a panel of experienced founders as judges.
After two intense days of pitches, ten standout teams advanced to the final round on Day 3, where they refined their presentations with the help of mentors and pitched one last time.
More than just competition, the National Challenge also offered workshops, mentorship, and a showcase exhibition, allowing all 50 teams to display their ideas and prototypes to hundreds of visitors. The top 8 finalists are invited to join the KE flagship Award Night, hosted annually as a national platform to provide awards to all winning teams, ranging from High School Preneurs, UniPreneurs, Startups, and SMEs.
A Government-Backed Push for Human Capital Development
Khmer Enterpriseās mission goes far beyond awards. The UniPreneur initiative is part of a wider strategy backed by the Royal Government of Cambodia, aligning with the Pentagonal Strategy to build a stronger, more inclusive economy.
With more than 300 participants, the UniPreneur National Challenge served as a high-impact platform for students to test ideas, learn from experts, and connect with the wider innovation ecosystem.
This season of UniPreneur continues KEās ongoing efforts to turn raw student potential from āIdeas to Marketā. With continued support from the Royal Government, the program is helping ensure that Cambodian youth donāt just prepare for the futureāthey create it.
