Call for Applications: Phoo Pwint Sa Incubation Programme (Myanmar)

Deadline: 15-Feb-2026

The Phoo Pwint Sa Incubation Programme is a year-long initiative supporting Myanmar’s cultural and creative entrepreneurs with training, mentorship, and seed funding. It focuses on fashion, esports, game development, and Webtoon creation, providing workshops, hands-on training, one-on-one mentoring, and a pitch competition with up to $50,000 in equity-free funding.

The Phoo Pwint Sa Incubation Programme is designed to empower young entrepreneurs in Myanmar’s cultural and creative sectors. The programme combines practical training, mentorship, and funding to help participants turn ideas into sustainable businesses.

It targets innovators in fashion, esports, video game development, and Webtoon creation, offering a comprehensive ecosystem for skill development, business growth, and networking.

Programme Objectives

• Support emerging entrepreneurs in Myanmar’s cultural and creative industries

• Provide practical skills in business management, branding, and intellectual property

• Foster innovation and creativity in fashion, gaming, and digital content

• Enable participants to launch sustainable businesses with mentorship and seed funding

Priority Areas

The programme supports projects in the following areas:

1. Fashion – Developing clothing brands, sustainable apparel lines, and creative fashion initiatives

2. Esports – Organizing gaming tournaments, esports events, and related community engagement

3. Video Game Development – Designing and developing games, interactive content, and digital experiences

4. Webtoon Creation – Producing digital comics, animated series, or other storytelling formats

Programme Structure

Workshops and Masterclasses

Participants will attend sessions covering:

• Creative economy fundamentals

• Ideation using design thinking

• Business model development

• Startup financial management

• Organizational leadership and team management

• Branding and marketing strategies

• Legal frameworks and copyright

• Professional pitching techniques

Mentorship

• 38 hours of one-on-one mentoring with industry experts

• Mentors provide guidance in:

  • Branding and communication

  • Intellectual property and legal advice

  • Business development

  • Finance management

  • Human resource strategies

Hands-On Training

• 150 hours of project-specific creative and technical skill development

• Tailored to support individual projects and growth objectives

Pitch Competition and Funding

• All 12 finalists participate in a pitch competition at the programme’s conclusion

• Top 6 winners receive equity-free seed funding, totaling $50,000

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Myanmar citizens residing in Yangon

• Intermediate English proficiency

• Projects at idea or prototype stage in the specified priority areas

• Availability of at least 20 hours per week over 9 months for workshops, mentoring, and programme activities

• Applications accepted individually or as teams

• Women-led businesses are especially encouraged

Selection Process

1. Applications are reviewed based on:

   • Innovation and creativity of the project

   • Expertise and experience of team members

   • Potential for business expansion and sustainability

2. 25–30 applicants are pre-selected for further consideration

3. 12 finalists are invited to join the full programme and receive hands-on support

Why This Programme Matters

• Supports self-reliance and entrepreneurship among Myanmar youth

• Fosters innovation in cultural and creative industries

• Provides mentorship and funding opportunities not otherwise widely available

• Builds capacity for sustainable business growth in emerging sectors

• Encourages inclusivity and representation, particularly for women-led ventures

How to Apply

1. Prepare a detailed project proposal including:

   • Description of your idea or prototype

   • Target audience and market potential

   • Team qualifications and expertise

   • Alignment with one of the four priority areas

2. Submit the application through the Phoo Pwint Sa online portal

3. Ensure availability for programme participation for the required 20 hours/week over 9 months

4. Await notification of pre-selection and invitation to the full programme

Tips for a Strong Application

• Emphasize innovation and originality of your project

• Highlight team experience and relevant skills

• Demonstrate potential for business scalability

• Show alignment with creative and cultural sectors

• Clearly outline project milestones and outcomes

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I apply as an individual or only as a team?

Applications are accepted both individually and as teams.

2. Is prior business experience required?

No prior experience is required, but expertise or skills relevant to the project will strengthen your application.

3. Can projects outside the four priority areas apply?

No. Only projects in fashion, esports, video game development, or Webtoon creation are eligible.

4. How many hours per week are required?

Participants must commit at least 20 hours per week over the 9-month programme.

5. Are international participants eligible?

No. Applicants must be Myanmar citizens residing in Yangon.

6. How is the funding awarded?

Funding is equity-free and awarded to the top 6 finalists after the pitch competition, totaling $50,000.

7. Are women-led projects prioritized?

Yes. Women-led businesses are strongly encouraged to apply.

Conclusion

The Phoo Pwint Sa Incubation Programme offers a unique opportunity for Myanmar’s creative entrepreneurs to gain training, mentorship, and seed funding. By combining technical skill development, business guidance, and financial support, the programme empowers young innovators to transform their ideas into sustainable, scalable businesses in the cultural and creative sectors.

For more information, visit Impact Hub Yangon.