Wing Bank and Techo Startup Center Empower Young Innovators at Turing Hackathon in Siem Reap

October 27, 2025

Techo Startup Center (TSC) and Wing Bank concluded the Turing Hackathon – Cycle 9 in Siem Reap, as part of ongoing efforts to decentralize digital entrepreneurship and foster innovation across the provinces.

This year’s edition was historic — the first-ever Turing Hackathon held outside Phnom Penh, symbolizing a major step in bringing digital opportunity and innovation to Cambodia’s provinces.

H.E. Dr. Taing Nguonly, Executive Director of Techo Startup Center, stated that, “Bringing the Turing Hackathon to Siem Reap province is an important strategic step for the center to expand opportunities for youth outside of Phnom Penh to participate in the innovation ecosystem and showcase their ability to solve real-world problems in the market.

“This program also gives candidates the opportunity to gain a foundation in entrepreneurship and guidance from experts to enhance the quality of their solutions. The creativity and quality of the presentations from all the candidates clearly affirm the great potential and talent of the new generation of Cambodian youth,” he added. “We will continue to strengthen our support for youth, entrepreneurs, and startups to contribute to the growth of Cambodia’s digital economy.”

The intensive eight-week program began with a four-week application period, followed by an online Orientation and Hatching phase that equipped participants with essential entrepreneurial skills, including Human-Centered Design Thinking, Lean Canvas modeling, and Pitch Deck development.

“Supporting programs like the Turing Hackathon is central to our mission of contributing to Cambodia’s digital economy,” said Bunthe Hor, Deputy CEO of Wing Bank. “The winners are not just innovators; they are the future builders of a digitally empowered Cambodia. We look forward to seeing their ventures thrive as they bring local solutions to life.”

From October 24 to 26, 2025, eleven finalist teams gathered in Siem Reap for the final stage — three days of hands-on development, mentorship, and collaboration with experts from the business and technology sectors.

On Demo Day, October 26, after more than 48 hours of intensive brainstorming and preparation, the eleven teams presented their innovative business ideas to a panel of judges.

Following a rigorous evaluation, the judges awarded first place to TechSquadso TH for their Eco Tourist project, which drives visitors to the community in North Sras Srong, earning a prize of 4 million Riel. Second place went to Rent Me, with a prize of 3 million Riel, for their project that helps landlords send bill payments to multiple renters. Third place was awarded to Local Grew for their e-commerce platform that enables the community in Siem Reap to sell products in Phnom Penh, receiving a prize of 2 million Riel.

Over the past nine cycles, the program has provided opportunities to more than 500 young people, resulting in the creation of over 108 new business ideas. This clearly demonstrates that the Turing Hackathon is a vital driving force in promoting creativity, collaboration, and entrepreneurial spirit within Cambodian society.

Wing Bank and Techo Startup Center have actively collaborated to support the growth of Cambodia’s startup ecosystem through a series of impactful programs. These include the Reverse Innovation Program (Cohorts 1 to 4), the Digital SME Accelerator Program (2021), the Turing Hackathon, the Vietnam Startup Ecosystem Connectivity Visit, and the Digital Platform Accelerator in 2022, 2023, and 2025.