More than 150 entrepreneurs, investors, students, technology professionals, and startup founders came together on Koh Pich in Phnom Penh last week for the first ever Tech Talk organized by La French Tech Phnom Penh. Held at The Last Stage at Aquation Theater, the event served as a platform for discussing Cambodia’s growing technology ecosystem and exploring how local innovators can build competitive digital products in the age of artificial intelligence. As Cambodia prepares to host the 2026 Francophonie Summit in November, the gathering highlighted the country’s increasing ambition to become a regional hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital transformation.
The event brought together representatives from government institutions, venture capital firms, startups, universities, and international businesses. Discussions focused on the opportunities and challenges facing Cambodian innovators, including access to funding, talent development, cybersecurity, and strategies for scaling businesses beyond the domestic market. The strong turnout reflected growing confidence in Cambodia’s startup landscape and its ability to produce technology solutions with both local and global relevance.
Building Digital Products from Cambodia
The forum was held under the theme “Apps for Emerging Markets: In the Age of AI, How Do We Build from Cambodia?” The discussion centered on how Cambodian startups can leverage emerging technologies while addressing local market needs.
The presence of Chea Ratha, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Commerce, and Kim Korn Long, Chairman of the Federation of Cambodian Startups, underscored the increasing collaboration between government agencies and the private sector. Their participation signaled a shared commitment to supporting innovation and strengthening Cambodia’s digital economy.
As technology continues to reshape industries worldwide, speakers emphasized that Cambodia has an opportunity to create products tailored to its own unique market conditions rather than simply adopting solutions developed elsewhere. This approach, they argued, could give local startups a competitive advantage while addressing real challenges faced by Cambodian consumers and businesses.
Aiming for Cambodia’s First Unicorn Startup
One of the most inspiring presentations came from Seng Rothsethamony, Co Founder and CEO of Bamnang, a platform operating at the intersection of educational technology and property technology. The startup has already secured support from respected international organizations including Plug and Play, Harvard Innovation Labs, and Singapore Management University.
Rothsethamony shared an ambitious vision for the future of her company and Cambodia’s startup ecosystem. She said, “We hope that by 2030, Bamnang can become one of the first Cambodian unicorns — which aligns with the vision of Minister of Post and Telecommunications, Chea Vandeth, to have a successful case of a Cambodian unicorn. We are waiting to support and inspire more startups to grow from the Kingdom of Cambodia.”
Her remarks reflected a broader aspiration within Cambodia’s startup community to create globally competitive companies while inspiring a new generation of entrepreneurs to pursue innovation driven ventures.
International Entrepreneurs See Opportunity in Cambodia
The event also showcased the experiences of foreign entrepreneurs who have chosen Cambodia as a base for innovation and investment. Among them were Hélène Quintin and Sébastien Lacan, Co Founders of The Map, a location based travel discovery platform, and Laurine Chateau, Co Founder and CEO of Umami, a food technology platform connecting diners with local restaurants and culinary experiences.
Their participation demonstrated that Cambodia is increasingly attracting international talent and investment. These entrepreneurs view the country not only as an emerging market but also as a place where innovative ideas can be tested, refined, and scaled.
The growing presence of international founders adds valuable perspectives to Cambodia’s technology ecosystem and creates opportunities for collaboration between local and global innovators.
Experts Discuss Challenges Facing Startups
A major highlight of the evening was a panel discussion featuring key voices from across Cambodia’s startup ecosystem. The panel included representatives from Plug and Play Tech Center, Techo Startup Center, RedBridge, NewWave, and SKAI Technology, with moderation provided by DICHI Academy.
The conversation addressed several critical issues confronting startups today, including fundraising, talent development, cybersecurity, and market expansion. Panelists shared insights on the realities of building technology companies in Cambodia and the importance of understanding local conditions before scaling internationally.
One of the most thought provoking perspectives came from AmrithVatey C. Kim, founder of NewWave. She emphasized that Cambodia requires AI solutions built around local data, language, culture, and business practices. Her comments challenged the belief that artificial intelligence products developed overseas can automatically meet the needs of Cambodian users.
Why Local Context Matters?
The discussion repeatedly returned to the importance of understanding Cambodia’s unique market environment. While many successful technologies originate abroad, panelists argued that local adaptation is essential for long term success.
Sokha Phanith, Department Director of Techo Startup Center, highlighted this reality during the discussion. He said, “Replicating solutions that work abroad does not always guarantee success in Cambodia. To build products that truly work here, founders need to understand the local context, user behaviour, market realities, and the specific needs of Cambodian communities.”
His remarks reinforced the idea that startups must focus on solving local problems with locally relevant solutions before attempting to compete on a larger regional or global stage.
Investing in Cambodia’s Future Talent
The evening’s keynote message was delivered by Thierry Tea, Co President of La French Tech Phnom Penh and CEO of Canadia Impact Fund. Drawing from his experience as an investor across Southeast Asia, Tea offered a clear vision for Cambodia’s innovation future.
Rather than relying on imported success stories, he argued that Cambodia should focus on nurturing its own entrepreneurs and innovators. He emphasized the importance of investing in education, skills development, and talent cultivation as the foundation for sustainable growth.
“Cambodian talents can become world class talents. Local, homegrown startups can solve the problems in Cambodia, for Cambodia, and grow internationally. What we currently need to focus on, is training and upskilling the young generation: grooming, nurturing, and developing them to reach their full potential,” Thierry Tea said.
His message resonated strongly with attendees, many of whom see Cambodia’s young population as one of the country’s greatest competitive advantages.
A Diverse Ecosystem Comes Together
Perhaps one of the strongest indicators of Cambodia’s growing innovation ecosystem was the diversity of participants attending the event. The audience represented sectors including FinTech, EdTech, PropTech, FoodTech, TravelTech, HealthTech, blockchain, cybersecurity, logistics, media, and artificial intelligence.
Representatives from organizations such as UNICEF, Falcon Tech, Visa, FoodPanda, Camtech University, Paragon University, CADT, Khmer Enterprise, Innolabs, and Obor Capital also joined the discussions. Their presence highlighted the increasingly interconnected nature of Cambodia’s technology and business communities.
The broad participation demonstrated that innovation is no longer confined to startups alone. Universities, corporations, investors, development organizations, and government agencies are all becoming active contributors to Cambodia’s digital transformation journey.
Conclusion
The inaugural Tech Talk organized by La French Tech Phnom Penh highlighted both the progress and potential of Cambodia’s startup ecosystem. With strong participation from entrepreneurs, investors, government officials, educational institutions, and international innovators, the event showcased a shared belief that Cambodia can build world class technology solutions rooted in local realities. As the country prepares to host the 2026 Francophonie Summit, the discussions reinforced a clear message: Cambodia’s future success in technology will depend on nurturing talent, encouraging innovation, and creating solutions designed for Cambodian communities while remaining competitive on the global stage.