Cambodia Investment Review
Plug and Play, the Silicon Valley-based open innovation platform, has officially expanded into Cambodia through a strategic partnership with the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications (MPTC) and the American University of Phnom Penh Technology Center (ATC). The newly launched Plug and Play Cambodia Program aims to transform Phnom Penh into a global innovation hub and strengthen the country’s startup ecosystem.
The initiative, announced at a launch event on May 28, positions MPTC as a founding anchor partner, while ATC will serve as an advisory member. The program marks the latest regional expansion for Plug and Play, which has a growing presence across Southeast Asia and a track record of supporting startups through investment, acceleration, and corporate collaboration.
Government and education sector back innovation push
In a statement, MPTC Secretary of State H.E. So Visothy described the collaboration as a milestone in Cambodia’s digital transformation strategy, noting it will enhance entrepreneurship, attract investment, and create opportunities for local startups to engage globally.
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“Through this initiative, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting technology-driven growth, attracting investment, and empowering Cambodian innovators to make a lasting impact in the region and beyond,” he said.
The program will target five core sectors—financial services, education, travel and hospitality, food and agriculture, and logistics. Plug and Play will offer services ranging from startup acceleration and commercialization support to open innovation consulting and venture capital investments.
Through its global network, the platform plans to connect Cambodian entrepreneurs with international corporate partners, investors, and mentors. Plug and Play also intends to organize regular industry events and provide deal flow opportunities to strengthen corporate-startup engagement within Cambodia.
ATC to serve as pipeline for early-stage startups
The American University of Phnom Penh’s Technology Center (ATC) will play a key role in sourcing early-stage startups through its incubator programs. Plug and Play will work closely with ATC to organize events, training sessions, and mentorship initiatives aimed at scaling local companies and helping them expand beyond Cambodian borders.
Chea Somphors, General Manager of ATC, emphasized the importance of cross-sector collaboration in nurturing the country’s next generation of entrepreneurs.
“Partnering with Plug and Play and MPTC allows us to provide startups with greater access to mentorship, funding, and global market opportunities. This collaboration will strengthen Cambodia’s startup ecosystem and empower local talent to drive impactful innovation on an international scale,” he said.
Part of a broader regional strategy
Plug and Play’s presence in Cambodia builds on its existing Asia Pacific footprint, headquartered in Singapore, with active operations in five Southeast Asian cities and additional offices in China, Japan, Korea, and India.
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Jupe Tan, Managing Partner of Plug and Play APAC, described Cambodia as a promising innovation hub with a growing base of entrepreneurial talent.
“We are excited to launch Plug and Play Cambodia, a milestone that reflects our commitment to fostering innovation across Southeast Asia. Through this platform, we aim to connect local startups with our international network of corporate partners, investors, and mentors to help them scale and succeed on a global stage,” Tan said.
The launch comes as Cambodia accelerates its digital transformation agenda. With MPTC’s policy support and ATC’s academic and startup pipeline, Plug and Play expects its open innovation model to gain traction in both the private and public sectors.
By aligning Silicon Valley resources with Cambodian innovation goals, the new program is expected to play a catalytic role in deepening startup activity, supporting high-growth companies, and developing a more robust venture capital ecosystem within the Kingdom.
