Frequently Asked Questions
Challenges & Themes
What is Challenge 1: Building Resilience against Covid-19 focused on?
This challenge seeks out ideas and solutions to support MSMEs to recover from the pandemic and to transition into the new normal.
Themes:
Adapting to new normal (WFH, business continuity, hygiene & safety)
Leveraging e-commerce opportunities
Readiness & access to finance
Cost & operation efficiency, productivity
Access to market (digital presence)
What is Challenge 2: MSMEs On-boarding & Acceleration focused on?
This challenge seeks out ideas and solutions to accelerate transitioning and formalization of MSMEs into the e-commerce ecosystem.
Themes:
Digital capabilities / skills
Onboarding to marketplaces
Establishing online presence and channels
Digitalization and digital transformation (back office, front office)
Can I participate in all challenges?
Yes, you can participate in all challenges but it has to be relevant to the challenge theme. Please refer to “Participate or Showcase my business?” section!
Registration
Where do I apply for the MoCOM E-Commerce Innovation Challenge?
When is the registration period?
Building Resilience against Covid-19 : 11th November 2020 – 24th November 2020
MSMEs On-boarding & Acceleration: 11th November 2020 – 24th November 2020
How long is the program?
Building Resilience against Covid-19 : 11th November 2020 – 3rd December 2020
MSMEs On-boarding & Acceleration : 11th November 2020 – 3rd December 2020
Are there fees involved in participating in the challenge?
There is no fee involved in joining the MoCOM E-Commerce Innovation Challenge.
Criterias
Who should participate in the MoCOM E-Commerce Innovation Challenge?
We are looking for established e-commerce businesses, e-commerce pillars (such as logistics, financial technology) and established MSMEs jumping into e-commerce.
Criterias for Prize Track
– Proposed new solutions
– Established Businesses
– Startups
– Own IP of the solution which will be submitted
– Solution must be relevant to the thematic area
– Must have % of locals in the participating team
Criterias for Showcase Track
– 5 Years+ Established Businesses and/or 100+ Headcounts
– Own IP of the solution which will be submitted
– Solution must be relevant to the thematic area
– Must have % of locals in the participating team
– Exception: If an established business is proposing a completely new solutions, it will be eligible for “Prize Track”.
Applying
What is the MoCOM E-Commerce Innovation Challenge?
MoCOM E-Commerce Innovation Challenge is organized by The Ministry of Commerce Myanmar (MoCOM) and UNDP Myanmar under the Government’s COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan (CERP), to source innovative ideas from Myanmar’s e-Commerce community for combating COVID-19 and support the further development of the e-Commerce industry in Myanmar.
I’m interested and want to know in depth about the challenge, who should I contact?
Am I considered a participant after I submit the application form?
We will send you a confirmation email which you have provided in the registration form and give you more information regarding the challenge.
What is the maximum number of applicants for this challenge?
No. We do not limit the number to applicants.
My business is MSMEs and I am hoping to incorporate e-commerce into my business. Can my business join?
Yes! Please register to participate. Please register here.
Participate or Showcase my business?
Should I participate or showcase my business?
Different stakeholders will support you during the development process of your new initiative and will get support from mentors while showcasing your business will only be showcased on the pitch day and you will receive recognition and publicity, however, only winners will get prize and support on …………..
My business is well established in Myanmar, I am not interested in participating in the challenge but I want to showcase my business only.
Will I win the prize if I don’t participate in the challenge but showcase my business?
No. You will not win any prize for showcasing your business.
What will I gain out of showcasing my business?
You will get free publicity, MoCOM E-Commerce Challenge is one of the biggest e-commerce challenges in Myanmar!
You will be able to interact with different stakeholders in the e-Commerce ecosystem with the background as you.
Can I participate in one challenge and showcase my business in other challenges?
Yes, you are able to showcase your business that is relevant to the challenge with 5+ years of experience. Please refer to Criterias for Showcase Track FAQ for see if it fits your business/product.
Ministry of Commerce: Office No. 3, Nay Pyi Taw
Led by Ministry of Commerce
Supported by UNDP Myanmar
English
Myanmar (Burmese)