Phnom Penh: Smart Axiata inaugurates the “Smart Startup Space” to support local startups

A new incubation space within the Connexion innovation center, in the Koh Pich business district of Phnom Penh, provides young companies with a comprehensive environment offering support, training, and coworking, with the aim of stimulating innovation in Cambodia.

Ziad Shatara, Chief Executive Officer of Smart Axiata

Smart Axiata has just launched Smart Startup Space, Cambodia's first privately-run business incubator, to support young entrepreneurs and help local startups grow. According to the telecom operator, this is a major initiative in Cambodia's entrepreneurial ecosystem and a new milestone in its commitment to the country's development.

A strong and connected entrepreneurial community

Located in Connexion, the new hub offers project leaders a modern and green space combining incubation, specialized training, shared offices, and personalized support. The goal is to create an ecosystem conducive to the realization of innovative ideas and their transformation into viable and sustainable businesses.

More than just a workspace, the Smart Startup Space aims to be a real catalyst for talent, offering easy access to mentoring, funding opportunities, strategic partnerships, and a dynamic network of professionals.

“We want to make this place a true hub for Cambodian innovation, where ideas come to life, talent meets talent, and ambitions find the means to be realized,” said Ziad Shatara, CEO of Smart Axiata.

He emphasized that this model is inspired by successful international experiences, such as Telefónica's Wayra in Latin America and Orange Fab in France, which have demonstrated the key role that operators can play in promoting innovation.

Attending the opening ceremony, Keo Sothie, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, praised the initiative as an example of successful collaboration between the public and private sectors to advance the digital economy.

“From the Smart Axiata Digital Innovation Fund (SADIF) to SmartStart, and now Smart Startup Space, Smart's initiatives support young people, strengthen innovation and contribute to growth,” he said at the center's inauguration.

The telecom operator has distinguished itself in recent years with several large-scale programs: the SmartStart Unipreneur Learning Platform (ULP), which introduces students from more than 16 universities to entrepreneurial skills, and the Smart Axiata Digital Innovation Fund (SADIF), which has invested in promising local startups such as Nham24 and Morakot Technology.

Connexion: an innovation hub in the heart of Phnom Penh

Connexion, developed by OCIC Group, already hosts several innovative institutions such as DichiAcademy, the Federation of Cambodian Startups, the Swedish Trade Mission, Robot Young Academy, and many others, making it a true hub for innovation and technology.

“In rethinking Connexion, we wanted to offer a new type of urban space: a lively, open, green place entirely dedicated to collaboration and innovation,” explains Thierry Tea, Vice President of OCIC.

“This building, which was originally intended to house a shopping center, has been transformed into a symbol of tomorrow's economy, a place where ideas take root in a community setting with startups, students, entrepreneurs, and investors.”