The Cambodian Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation (MISTI) has signed a letter of intent with NFPO DFINITY to explore use of blockchain for smart city infrastructure. The collaboration includes research, training and entrepreneurial ecosystem support, and will aim to position Cambodia as a pioneer of blockchain, AI and sovereign cloud technologies for smart city applications in Southeast Asia.

The DFINITY Foundation is a Swiss not-for-profit organisation of computer scientists and cryptographers. The NFPO is a major contributor to the Internet Computer Blockchain (ICP). The Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation has the mission of advancing Cambodia’s technological infrastructure and driving innovation across sectors. It aims to foster fostering collaboration between public institutions, private enterprises, and global partners.

The partnership between DFINITY and the Cambodian Government will have a focus on sovereign cloud technology and explore practical applications for smart city infrastructure, including transparency, scalability, and security through ICP’s decentralised blockchain solutions. It will also offer Cambodian organisations the chance to partner with global and local academic institutions to foster joint research and innovation projects underpinned by blockchain technology.

H.E. Dr Try Sophal, Director General, General Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, MISTI, said “By integrating blockchain technology into our national infrastructure projects, we aim to develop secure, transparent, and scalable solutions that will not only accelerate our smart city initiatives but also strengthen the broader digital economy. This partnership will create new opportunities for research, technological innovation, and entrepreneurial growth, fostering an ecosystem where Cambodia can thrive as a regional leader in emerging technologies, particularly in blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI). Through this collaboration, we envision not only transformative technological advancements but also the cultivation of a robust digital landscape that will empower our economy and society for years to come.”

Dominic Williams, Founder and Chief Scientist at DFINITY, said, “The Internet Computer, and ICP technology generally, will play a key role supporting Cambodia’s digital transformation. ICP platforms host web applications, information systems and AI models that are immune to cyber attack, and cannot crash, and this will assist Cambodia in its mission to develop secure smart cities, reflecting their position as regional leaders in forward thinking tech adoption.”