A Teen’s Solution for Farmers in Cambodia and a Passion for Sustainability Wins Him a Trip to Sydney ft. Sophareach Mann
For 17-year-old Sophareach Mann, the idea of studying in Australia had never crossed his mind. Like many ambitious students in Cambodia, his higher-education aspirations were centered on universities in the United States. But then came the Venture Makers Innovation Challenge, a competition that would challenge his thinking in ways he never expected.
“I Just Wanted to Try”
The Moment It All Began
Sophareach’s journey into entrepreneurship didn’t start with a grand plan—it started with a simple decision to try.
“I recently took on the mindset that the worst thing they say is no. Nothing bad will happen so I just give it a try,” he recalled during our conversation.
But that one decision changed everything. The AI for Impact Innovation Challenge, hosted in Phnom Penh and powered by Western Sydney University’s Launch Pad, pushed young minds to use AI to tackle real-world problems.
As he immersed himself in the challenge, Sophareach discovered that it was about more than just problem-solving—it was a mindset shift. He learned that entrepreneurship isn’t reserved for adults or seasoned professionals. It’s about taking a leap, even when you’re unsure of the outcome.
Sophareach Mann has proven that age is no barrier to entrepreneurship and innovation.
“It Was Actually Very Personal”
The Birth of CropLink
For Sophareach and his team, the competition wasn’t just about creating a business idea—it was about solving a deeply personal problem.
“It was actually very personal,” he shared. “At the beginning of the competition, we were very broad. So, we started looking at things happening around us—what problems were closest to home?”
That reflection led them to an issue rooted in their own backgrounds.
“I have a lot of farmers as ancestors, and so does my teammate. So, we thought, why don’t we look into the challenges they are facing right now?”
Farming is a major part of Cambodia’s economy, yet many farmers struggle with inefficiency, unpredictable weather, and crop diseases. These problems directly impact their livelihoods, and most small-scale farmers don’t have access to advanced technology or data-driven solutions.
“So, we just came together, brainstormed ideas, and that’s how the problem was able to form and propose,” Sophareach explained. “I never really thought about it before, but this was a problem that came from my own background.”
His team’s solution? CropLink—an AI-powered platform that helps farmers monitor their crops, predict weather patterns, assess market demand, and receive instant recommendations on best farming practices.
The judges were impressed by CropLink’s innovation, practicality, and potential for large-scale impact, earning Sophareach’s team the Runner-up award.
Beyond innovation, the challenge also reshaped his understanding of sustainability. Like many young students, he had once viewed it simply as recycling and reducing waste. But now, he saw its broader implications—economic, environmental, and social.
A Second Chance to Win—And a Life-Changing Experience
After the challenge, Sophareach saw another exciting opportunity: the Unlock Your Unlimited Future Challenge by Western Sydney University – an interactive competition designed for students in Malaysia, Cambodia, Vietnam, and The Philippines. It provides participants with the opportunity to develop skills in areas such as computer science, nursing, business, and engineering.
Seizing the opportunity, Sophareach submitted a compelling 500-word essay along with a dynamic video presentation. His submission showcased a deep comprehension of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a subject of particular importance to Western Sydney University. His efforts paid off—winning the Grand Prize secured him a four-night, all-expenses-paid trip to Sydney, Australia.
Exploring Sydney and the Future Ahead
Arriving in Sydney was a whirlwind. As part of the experience, he and his father visited Launch Pad, Western Sydney University’s Technology Business Incubator, at the Parramatta Engineering Innovation Hub, home to cutting-edge manufacturing technologies.
Walking through these spaces, Sophareach saw firsthand how ideas transformed into real-world impact. Sophareach also had a one-on-one mentoring session with Inu Rana, Launch Pad’s Senior Manager, Global Entrepreneurship. This session gave him valuable insights into the different pathways he could take to bring CropLink to the next level and what support is available to him—not just from Launch Pad, but globally.
What’s Next for Sophareach and CropLink?
Now, with incredible recognition and full support from Launch Pad, Sophareach is determined to take CropLink to the next level after finishing his Year 12 in Cambodia. His goal? To make AI-powered farming assistance accessible to farmers across Cambodia and beyond.
But one thing is certain—Australia is now firmly on his radar.
And this is just the beginning.
At Venture Makers Innovation Challenge, participants are put in the driver’s seat to solve an emerging problem and develop and communicate innovative ideas. The skills learnt from this challenge would be valuable whether they become an employee for any organisation or choose to become an innovator, inventor or entrepreneur.