Cambodia Investment Review
DICHI Academy and the Expert Leadership Innovation Exchange (ELIX) Organization have officially launched the second cohort of the Techpreneur Bootcamp, a fully funded initiative designed to develop Cambodia’s next generation of software developers and artificial intelligence professionals.
The seven-month program, launched on June 25 at the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications (MPTC), will provide intensive training to 60 participants across two specialized tracks—Full-Stack Development and AI & Data Science—with 30 students enrolled in each discipline.
The second cohort attracted more than 1,100 applications, more than double the number received during the inaugural program, highlighting growing demand for advanced digital skills and technology careers among Cambodian youth.
Applications More Than Double
Following a competitive nationwide selection process, 60 participants were chosen to undertake a curriculum that combines technical education, entrepreneurship, mentorship, and practical industry experience.
The bootcamp begins with four months of accelerated hybrid learning before moving into a two-week ideation phase, where participants work alongside industry partners to identify and develop technology-based solutions to real business challenges.
The final stage consists of a three-month hackathon and Minimum Viable Product (MVP) development period, during which teams of six will build functional products before presenting their innovations at Demo Day.
Throughout the program, students will receive mentorship from industry experts while gaining direct exposure to potential employers through the program’s expanding network of corporate partners.
Industry-Led Learning Model
Techpreneur Bootcamp 2.0 is jointly implemented by DICHI Academy and ELIX Organization with support from the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, the Capacity Building, Research and Development (CBRD) Fund, the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation (MISTI), Khmer Enterprise, and GIZ Cambodia.
The initiative also brings together a broad range of private sector partners, including SIS, Grab, AMK, FWD, foodpanda, AUPP Technology Startup Space, Smart, Kiripost, B2B News Asia, and CC Times, providing participants with industry mentorship, networking opportunities, and potential career pathways.
The official launch ceremony was presided over by H.E. Dr. So Visothy, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications. Also addressing attendees were Mr. Pork Pagnapich, Senior Manager of the Entrepreneurship Development Division at Khmer Enterprise, and Mr. Christof Weigelmeier, Deputy Head of Mission and Head of Cooperation at the German Embassy to Cambodia, who reaffirmed their support for strengthening Cambodia’s digital talent ecosystem.
Supporting Cambodia’s Digital Economy
Organizers said the bootcamp forms part of broader efforts to address the growing global shortage of full-stack developers and AI specialists while positioning Cambodia as an emerging source of digital talent.
By combining technical education with entrepreneurship and real-world business collaboration, the program aims to equip graduates with production-ready skills that align with the evolving needs of employers.
With the second cohort now underway, Techpreneur Bootcamp 2.0 is expected to graduate 60 skilled software development and AI professionals by early 2027, contributing to Cambodia’s digital transformation and supporting the country’s long-term technology and innovation ambitions.
