PRESS RELEASE: Cambodia to Host Global Round of International Creativity and Innovation Award (ICIA) 2026
- ICIA Global
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
Phnom Penh, Cambodia – April 2026 — The Global Round of the International Creativity
and Innovation Award (ICIA) 2026 will take place in Cambodia from 24–26 April 2026,
bringing together young innovators, educators, industry leaders, and government
representatives from around the world.
The International Creativity and Innovation Award (ICIA) is a global platform designed to
nurture young innovators through hands-on experiences in creativity and innovation. Organized in alignment with World Creativity and Innovation Day (WCID) by the United Nations, the program celebrates the role of innovation in advancing sustainable development and global collaboration.
Participation in the Global Round is highly selective, with delegates chosen through 33 National Selections across 27 countries. The competition features three student categories:
● Inventor Wannabe
● Innovation Challenge
● Innovation Award
In addition to the student competition, ICIA 2026 expands its impact through several
collaborative platforms. The Startup Innovation Weekend provides opportunities for student
and professional startups to explore the Cambodian, ASEAN, and global markets while
engaging with mentors, business leaders, and investors.
A key highlight is the Educators Meetalk, an international forum designed for educators to
exchange insights and best practices about Artificial Intelligence in fostering creativity and
innovation in education. The forum will feature speakers from the United States, Cambodia,
Malaysia, and Japan, strengthening cross-border collaboration in education and innovation.
Marking its first debut, ICIA 2026 will also introduce the Teach Me Award, a platform dedicated to recognizing teachers who play a crucial role in guiding and accompanying students throughout their innovation journey. This initiative highlights the importance of educators in nurturing the next generation of innovators.
Within the Innovation Challenge category, participants will tackle real-world problems through
challenges presented by the Ministry of Environment and SEAMEO, reinforcing ICIA’s
commitment to impactful and solution-driven innovation.
The event is expected to attract thousands of attendees, including representatives from
academic institutions, government, industry, educators, technology enthusiasts, and members of the broader innovation ecosystem.
ICIA 2026 is initiated by Krya Global and Crebiz Factory, brought by the STEM Education
Organization in Cambodia (STEMEOC) in collaboration with key stakeholders such as the
Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, Ministry of Tourism, and Ministry of Environment, along and other government agencies. This collaboration aims to position Cambodia as a growing hub for innovation and creativity in the region.
“ICIA is more than just a competition—it is a growing platform where innovators and the
ecosystem evolve together. As we bring together students, educators, startups, mentors, and
stakeholders from across the world, we are building a stronger and more connected innovation community. ICIA continues to grow alongside innovators, creating a foundation that goes beyond competition—one that empowers collaboration, nurtures ideas, and drives meaningful impact,” said Antonius Malem Barus, initiator of ICIA and CEO of Krya Global.
The three-day program will culminate in Global Celebration ICIA and World Creativity and Innovation Day on April 26, 2026. This prestigious finale will be attended by esteemed guests, including H.E. Dr. Hang Chuon Naron, H.E. Sok Soken. They will be joined by senior government officials, representatives from Ministries of Education across Southeast Asia, and distinguished ambassadors to honor the winning innovators and celebrate the success of this global gathering.
As part of the celebration, a public exhibition will be held on 25 April 2026 at Paragon
International School, offering Cambodian communities the opportunity to engage directly with innovative projects and explore the world of STEAM Education, AI, creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship.
Event Dates:
24–26 April 2026
Public Exhibition:
25 April 2026
Location: Paragon International School, Phnom Penh
ICIA 2026 aims to inspire the next generation of innovators while fostering collaboration across borders and industries, reinforcing Cambodia’s role in the global innovation ecosystem.
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Read the press release document:
Media Contact
For media inquiries, interviews, and further information, please contact:
ICIA 2026 Communications Team
Email: c.ya@icia.global
Phone: +85515997080
Organization: Krya Global https://krya.global/ | STEMEOC https://stemcambodia.ngo/
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