Impact Hub Phnom Penh business acceleration lead, Rithya S. Tang, speaks about the programme at a DGIx event in February 2025. Supplied
Cambodia’s rapidly growing startup ecosystem has received a boost thanks to the introduction of the Digital & Green Innovation Accelerator (DGIx) Cambodia, a nine-month initiative aimed at propelling startups using digital and tech-enabled solutions for environmental sustainability.
This marks the first time the programme has been available in the Kingdom. It forms part of the global Digital & Green Innovation (DGI) Action initiative, a collaborative effort between the EU and the governments of Germany, France, Belgium and Estonia.
In Cambodia, the programme is being implemented by Impact Hub Phnom Penh and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, with financial backing from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the EU.
Applications for the first cohort of the programme are now open, with the deadline for the first round of submissions set for February 28.
From climate adaptation and food security to circular economy solutions, sustainable supply chains and more, DGIx Cambodia seeks mission-driven ventures that are already operational and leveraging technology for positive environmental impact.
“We see huge potential for digital or tech-enabled innovations to tackle pressing environmental challenges in Cambodia,” said Melanie Mossard, Impact Hub Phnom Penh CEO.
“We're also seeing diverse types of companies integrate digital solutions to lower their environmental footprint – another exciting impact pathway. Through DGIx Cambodia, we're looking forward to working hand-in-hand with these mission-driven ventures,” she added.
The new programme is designed to provide critical support to ventures that focus on addressing environmental challenges through innovative digital technologies.
The goal is to strengthen these businesses, helping them scale their operations and impact, while also preparing them to attract financing from investors or lenders.
The selected ventures will receive a comprehensive package of support throughout the nine-month accelerator program.
This includes hands-on consultancy, tailored training and coaching for their core teams, strategic advisory for senior executives, reviews of financial and impact documents, new marketing materials and more.
Jonas Herzing, advisor at GIZ’s Digital Transformation Centre in Cambodia, highlighted the importance of building venture capacity to attract investment.
“Impact ventures often struggle to access the capital they need to scale,” he explained.
“We know we can’t singlehandedly close that gap, but we can help startups navigate the steps and be in a stronger position to attract investment,” he added.
The programme is open to businesses that are legally registered in Cambodia or planning to register within six months, with a core team of at least four full-time staff members.
Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, via the Impact Hub website.
