August 7, 2024, Bangkok – The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), through the National Innovation Agency (Public Organisation) or NIA, announce the success of the largest STARTUP x INNOVATION THAILAND EXPO 2024 (SITE 2024). Under the theme “Innovation for Growth and Sustainability”, the event aimed to accelerate sustainability for Thai innovation businesses and startups in all dimensions. 

This year, a diverse group of startups and innovators participated in the expo, which is part of MHESI to promote the utilisation of interdisciplinary power for the sustainable development of the Thai economy, known as MHESI Fair. The event attracted over 600,000 visitors and generated more than 500 million Baht.

Propelling Thailand into the future

Dr Krithpaka Boonfueng, Executive Director of the National Innovation Agency (Public Organisation) or NIA, revealed that “SITE 2024, the largest Startup x Innovation Thailand Expo in the country, took place for the first time within MHESI Fair, which has several corporations under the supervision of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation jointly showcasing diverse potential in science, technology, and innovation, aiming to propel Thailand into the future. This has made the overall event this year more dynamic and vibrant. With over 600,000 attendees and generating income exceeding 500 million baht.”

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For SITE 2024, NIA organised several highlighted activities that acquired significant attention from visitors including: 

1. Forums: Featuring discussions and workshops with leading speakers from both domestic and international backgrounds, addressing the creation of innovative businesses.
2. International Hackathons: The collaboration with King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang and other partners, focused on the theme “Saving the World with AI,” comprising a total of 22 activities.
3. Business Matching: SITE 2024’s Business Matching sessions connected startups and entrepreneurs engaged in business discussions with investors and substantial corporations, totaling 34 matching with the 7 Leading VC / CVC / Corporate participated: including Beacon Venture Capital, Bangchak Initiative and Innovation Center, Y&Archer, True Incube, InnoSpace (Thailand), AIS the Startup, and ALLY Global Management.
4. Marketplace: Showcasing innovative products from over 300 startups and innovative enterprises.

Honouring the contributions of different startups and individuals

Additionally, the activity of the Startup Thailand League 2024, National Championship Round featured 14 teams. The winning team was “MedStream Innovations” from King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, recognised for their development and design of organ-on-chip devices tailored to the needs of medical and pharmaceutical researchers. The first runner-up was “Scamtify” from Thammasat University, for their platform that allows users to easily verify online scams with a single click. The second runner-up was “DigiPeak” from Mae Fah Luang University, for their automated unmanned aerial vehicle system designed for precision agriculture.

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The event also included the presentation of the Prime Minister Award 2024, which honours individuals and organisations for their contributions to promoting and supporting the development of the national startup ecosystem. A total of 12 awards were given, divided into two categories: 

• National Startups 2024:
  • “Startup of the Year” — SkillLane
  • “Global Tech Startup of the Year” — Buzzebee
  • “Evangelist of the Year” — Mr. Saran Sutantiwong
  • “Investor of the Year” — CU Enterprise
  • “Best Brotherhood of the Year” — AIS The Startup, Katalyst, KBank, LiVE Platform SITE2024 Press Release
  • “Best Contributor in Human Capital Development” — Chulalongkorn University  

• Innovation for Sustainability 

The winners are Siam Commercial Bank, Kasikorn Bank, UOB Bank, and Thai Beverage Co., Ltd. 

Additionally, the NIA signed agreements to establish collaborative innovation networks with 13 organisations, both domestic and international, including:

• Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa) of Thailand
• National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA)
• Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB)
• Leave a Nest Singapore, Pte. Ltd.
• Techsauce Media Co., Ltd.
• IMPACT Muang Thong Thani
• The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
• Montgomery County, Maryland
• The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI)
• Kasetsart University
• Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences (CRAES)
• Small and Medium Enterprise Development Bank of Thailand (SME Bank)
  

These collaborations aim to strengthen the Thai innovation ecosystem across various dimensions and create opportunities for startups and innovative enterprises to expand into international markets.

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This article is sponsored by NIA.

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