Cambodia: Cambodia has launched the 'Collaborative RandDB Programme for Promoting the Innovation of Climate Technopreneurship,' a regional, investment-driven initiative to help climate technology businesses scale through global partnerships, technology transfer, and financing.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the Programme is funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) through its accredited entity, the Korea Development Bank (KDB). It aims to support investment-ready enterprises with proven solutions to expand commercially and access new markets. The initiative is implemented by the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), NH Investment and Securities (NHIS), NH Absolute Return Partners (NH ARP), and KDB, with the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation (MISTI) and the Ministry of Environment (MoE) as government counterparts in Cambodia.
H.E. HEM Vanndy, Minister of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation, emphasized the central role of SMEs in Cambodia's economy and highlighted the need for access to finance, advanced technology, and strong partnerships to scale them into competitive, technology-driven production. He stated that the programme supports innovation and joint ventures to empower entrepreneurs and advance a more competitive green economy.
H.E. Dr. Eang Sophalleth, Minister of Environment, remarked that the initiative is a critical step toward achieving national climate goals and protecting natural resources. He expressed the government's commitment to supporting new technologies for a clean and sustainable future.
A significant aspect of the initiative is the Climate Technopreneurship Fund (CTF), a US$ 200 million vehicle anchored by US$ 83.75 million in first-loss equity from GCF to de-risk private investment. Managed by NH Absolute Return Partners with KDB participation, the Fund will offer equity, mezzanine, and debt financing to high-potential climate enterprises across Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, the Philippines, and Viet Nam.
Ms. Se-kyung Park, Head of KDB Climate Business Team, underscored the importance of matching climate innovation with investment to achieve real impact. She expressed pride in supporting a financing platform that connects promising climate technology businesses with the necessary capital to scale their solutions through collaboration with the GCF and various partners.
In Cambodia, GGGI will serve as a co-executing entity, focusing on ecosystem development, business readiness, and technical assistance. Dr. Jaeseung Lee, Deputy Regional Director of Asia, GGGI, stated that the Programme supports climate technology enterprises in strengthening partnerships and readiness for market and investment opportunities. By collaborating closely with local stakeholders, the aim is to help climate solutions expand sustainably and deliver long-term development benefits.
Scheduled to run through 2030, the Programme aims to support 185 climate technology businesses across five countries, including at least 40 in Cambodia, while enabling eight regional joint ventures. It targets 30-50-percent women-led or gender-inclusive firms and is expected to avoid 1.63 million tonnes of emissions and benefit 2.3 million people, aiding Cambodia's transition toward a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy.