AKP Phnom Penh, August 11, 2026 -- The Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC) has officially launched the National Strategy on Startup Development 2026-2030, establishing a milestone roadmap aimed at transforming the Kingdom’s startup ecosystem into a dynamic driver of digital innovation and sustainable economic growth.

H.E. Dr. Aun Pornmoniroth, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Economy and Finance, and Chairman of the Digital Economy and Business Committee, presided over the launching ceremony held at the Sokha Phnom Penh Hotel on Aug. 11.

The event brought together senior government officials, development partners, investors, academic institutions, entrepreneurial support organisations, entrepreneurs, and private sector representatives to build a shared understanding and to prepare for this strategy's implementation with a proactive spirit, a strong commitment, and a high sense of responsibility.

Concurrently, startups in Cambodia are rapidly evolving into a vital engine for national economic growth, playing an indispensable role in realising Cambodia Vision 2050. Recognising the sector's immense potential and positive economic impact, the Royal Government has introduced a comprehensive framework to strategically address the challenges hindering startup growth.

This newly launched national strategy will serve as a clear roadmap, guiding ministries, institutions, and all relevant stakeholders in contributing to the development of a more robust, inclusive, and sustainable startup ecosystem.

The strategy outlines a clear vision "To foster a vibrant, resilient, and inclusive Cambodian startup ecosystem that nurtures innovative entrepreneurs to develop new solutions, strengthen existing markets, create new markets, and grow startups into scalable and competitive companies while strengthening Cambodia's connectivity with the regional and global innovation ecosystem to contribute to national economic development."

This vision is built upon three primary approaches: 1) Government as a developmental enabler, 2) Ecosystem-based startup development, and 3) Co- evolution for startup development.

In his keynote address, H.E. Dr. Aun Pornmoniroth emphasised the role of implementing ministries and institutions in translating this strategy into concrete action plans.

He urged the Digital Economy and Business Committee to continue collaborating with relevant stakeholders to establish a robust monitoring and evaluation framework by utilising clear key performance indicators (KPIs), aimed at ensuring the strategy is implemented with maximum efficiency and effectiveness.

Furthermore, he called upon all actors within the ecosystem to work closely and actively participate with the ministries and institutions responsible for implementing policy measures to create synergy and a favourable environment for developing startups into highly competitive enterprises.

The event also featured a reporting address by H.E. Kong Marry, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Economy and Finance and Secretary-General of the General Secretariat of the Digital Economy and Business Committee.

This was followed by a comprehensive presentation summarising the strategy and an engaging panel discussion themed, "Translating National Strategy into Impacts: The Future of the Startup Sector in Cambodia."

It is also worth highlighting that the National Strategy has established 4 overall KPIs, which include: 1) Startup Ecosystem Performance Index (SEPI) transitioning from an Emerging Ecosystem to an Expanding Ecosystem, 2) the number of startups that participate in startup incubation programmes reaching 300, 3) the number of startups that receive investment reaching 100, and 4) the size of investment in startups reaching US$30 million.

By Chea Vannak