Hackathon
Hack innovative business concepts using solar
to add value to the agri-fishery market
What is a Hackathon?
Hack (creative problem solving) athon (marathon)

It is a dedicated weekend to help you and like minded people come up with a business concept using solar technologies to add value to the agri-fishery market in Cambodia.

It is a chance to put aside distractions, work in a team to hack solutions: motivated with prizes, deadlines and food to fuel you and expert mentors to help you stay on track.

If you're alone, we help you find a great team!
APPLICATION CLOSED
How It Works
The Hackathon covers 4 processes
Challenges and Business Opportunities Introduction
Presentation of potential business concepts and case study supporting participants to understand issues in agriculture and fishery sectors.
Team formation & Ideation Process
Brainstorm with a clean energy business concept.
Kick-off Presentation
Informally pitch the business concept to mentors for feedback and improvement.
Final Pitch
Presentation of business concept to the judges and win the prize.
Prize
"To use towards your startup idea.
Guaranteed entry to Pre-Incubation, access to co-working space and mentors."
Meet Our Prize Winners in 2020
  • First Prize Winner
    $300
    Lobster King
    Business concept: Using a smart solar aquaculture system for lobster farmers.
    01
  • Second Prize Winner
    $150
    Kasika Propey
    Business concept: Supplying solar operated Aerator for intensive aquaculture in Cambodia.
    02
  • Second Prize Winner
    $50
    Dried Shrimp Enterprise
    Business concept: Collecting processing shrimp with a solar dryer and selling them.
    03
Meet Our Prize Winners in 2021
  • First Prize Winner
    $400
    Solar Aeration Energy
    Business concept: Using solar aerators to improve dissolved oxygen in aquaculture farms.
    01
  • Second Prize Winner
    $200
    Agro Solar Energy
    Business concept: Using a solar dryer for horticulture post-harvest, i.e. coffee, tea and herbs.
    02
The Challenge
How might we develop a business model integrating Solar as value-adding to the agri-fishery market in Cambodia?
Need Some Inspiration?
Check out some existing solar technologies and where they could be applied with the right business.

Mentors will help you explore these in the
Hackathon and Challenge Briefing.
Solar Water Pumps
innvonate a business model such as water as a service for farmers?
Solar Sensors
monitor efficiency and conditions on farm or in the supply chain
Solar Dryers
improve hygiene, output or create dried food people love
Evaporative Cooling
keep fruit, veg, fish, animals cool on the farm, at collection or transport
Solar Cold Chain
keep fruit, vegetables, fish fresh in a 'cold chain' from farm to table
Solar Grinders
prepare feed for fish or livestock
Cricket or Chicken Incubators
solar can power incubators
Solar Pond Aerators
increase yield with improved water quality
Solar Hydroponics
increase yield, produce anywhere, access premium markets
Who Should Participate?
Are you:
  • a problem solver, ambitious, open minded, a fast learner, collaborative, adaptable, hard working and willing to take risks
  • entrepreneurial or have always wanted to start something
  • experienced in business, marketing, sales, consulting, finance, and investment
  • experienced in the food value chain, such as farming, post harvest, food production, food safety
  • keen to build something - either hardware or software
If some (not all!) of this applies to you - join us!

You don't need to have solar experience - we will help you connect with this.
Meet Our Mentors
  • Buntong Borarin
    Director of Research and Extension, Royal University of Agriculture
    Agriculture post-harvest
    LinkedIn
  • Ian Jones
    CEO, Mekong Inclusive Venture
    Entrepreneurship, Innovation, Impact ventures

    LinkedIn
  • Thida Kheav
    Director, Solar Green Energy Cambodia
    Solar, Water pumps, Component Manufacturing, Sales
    LinkedIn
  • Phanith Chou
    Program Manager, Sevea
    Biodiversity conservation, Ecosystem services valuation, Rural enterprise
    LinkedIn
  • Sebastien Pitot
    Solar Energy Specialist, SEVEA
    Solar and renewable energy business development

    LinkedIn
  • Vansonita Men
    Senior Consultant & Project Manager, Sevea
    Business development, of SMEs, Energy, WASH, and Agriculture sectors
    LinkedIn
SEE ALL ENERGYLAB MENTORS
This SWITCH to Solar Startup Program is part of the SWITCH to Solar project, funded by the European Union (EU) through the SWITCH-Asia Programme and the Czech Republic through the Czech Development Agency (CzDA).
Khmer Enterprise provides seed investment grants in this Incubation Program under KE mandate to support the agriculture sector and use of solar.