KPL
On August 14, 2024, the Laos-Japan Human Resource Development Institute (LJI) at the National University of Laos, with the support of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), hosted the LJI SUSU ‘‘Social Issue Solving’’ Startup Pitch Event 2024.
(KPL) On August 14, 2024, the Laos-Japan Human Resource Development Institute (LJI) at the National University of Laos, with the support of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), hosted the LJI SUSU ‘‘Social Issue Solving’’ Startup Pitch Event 2024.
This dynamic event, held in partnership with the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) Vientiane and the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Promotion Agency (MSMEPA) under the Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MOIC), showcased the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit of Laos.
Set against the backdrop of LJI SUSU's mission to bolster business competitiveness and foster connections between Lao and international companies, including those from Japan, the event drew over 180 business representatives from both countries. Nearly 20 investors attended this hybrid event, which seamlessly blended online and offline participation.
The pitch event was inaugurated with insightful remarks by distinguished guests, including Mr. Junya Nakano, Minister of the Embassy of Japan to the Lao PDR, Ms. Miyako Kobayashi, Chief Representative of JICA Laos, and Mr. Sa Siliphong, Deputy Director General of MSMEPA.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of innovative business cases by five companies, each of which had completed a rigorous eight-month proof of concept (POC) process, supported by JICA funding and guided by international mentors. The companies presented their visionary projects, focusing on potential collaboration opportunities:
SYSTORY Co., Ltd: Revolutionizing clinic management with efficient, paperless solutions to enhance patient services.
Yordxam Individual Enterprise: Preserving culture and livelihoods through the cultivation of Khao Kai Noi, a precious sticky rice once favoured by Lao royalty.
VendeeX Co., Ltd: Expanding customer convenience with custom vending machines that offer diverse product distribution channels.
Cofarm Co., Ltd: Unlocking the potential of urban farming to boost local food production.
SAYA Arts and Crafts: Elevating the global value of sustainable Lao cotton through timeless, generational designs.
In addition, a Japanese startup, Cuel, shared insights into the key factors that attract investors, while a successful Lao entrepreneur, renowned for managing Khob Chai Deu restaurant and Green Discovery Laos, inspired attendees with his talk titled “Resilience: Leading through Challenging Times.”
The event concluded with the presentation of LJI SUSU Awards, recognizing companies that have made significant contributions to Lao society:
LJI SUSU Awards Winners:
Best Performance Award: Cofarm Co., Ltd
Social Impact Award: SAYA Arts and Crafts
Special Awards Winners:
JETRO Awards: Cofarm Co., Ltd
TechSauce Awards: Systory Co., Ltd and Cofarm Co., Ltd
Lighthouse Partners (Venture Fund Law) Awards: Cofarm Co., Ltd
KPL
