The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), through the National Innovation Agency (Public Organization) or NIA, gathered to announce the recent success of the largest Thai innovation and startup expo in the country, STARTUP x INNOVATION THAILAND EXPO 2024 (SITE 2024). Under the theme “Innovation for Growth and Sustainability”, the expo aimed to accelerate the sustainability of Thai innovation businesses and startups in every dimension.
This year, a diverse group of startups and innovators gathered to participate in MHESI’s showcase of the immense potential of interdisciplinary studies to drive sustainable economic development in Thailand, or the MHESI Fair. The event attracted 600,000 visitors and generated more than 500 million Baht.
Dr Krithpaka Boonfueng, Executive Director of the NIA, explained that “SITE 2024, the largest Thai Startup x Innovation Expo in the country, took place for the first time within the MHESI Fair, which was co-organized by several agencies under the supervision of the MHESI, showcasing the diverse potential of science, technology and innovation to drive Thailand into the future. Which made this year’s event more dynamic and vibrant, with over 600,000 attendees and generating income exceeding 500 million baht.”
For SITE 2024, NIA organized five highlighted activities that enjoyed significant attention from visitors, including:
– Forums: Featuring seminars and workshops with leading speakers from both domestic and international backgrounds, addressing the question of creating innovative businesses.
– International Hackathon: In collaboration with King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang and other partners, the hackathons focused on “Saving the World with AI.”
– Business Matching: A total of 22 Business Matching activities connected startups and entrepreneurs in business discussions with investors and large companies, totalling 34 pairs. Seven leading VC / CVC / Corporates participated, including Beacon Venture Capital, Bangchak Initiative and Innovation Center, Y&Archer, True Incube, InnoSpace (Thailand), AIS The Startup, and ALLY Global Management.
– Marketplace: Showcasing innovative products from over 300 startups and innovative enterprises.
– Startup Thailand League 2024: National Championship Round, featured 14 teams. The winning team was “MedStream Innovations” from King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, which was recognized for designing and producing organ-on-chip devices tailored to the needs of medical and pharmaceutical researchers. The first runner-up was team “Scamtify” from Thammasat University, for its platform to easily detect online scams with a single click. The second runner-up was team “DigiPeak” from Mae Fah Luang University, for its automated unmanned aerial vehicle system designed for precision agriculture.
The event also included the presentation of the Prime Minister Award 2024, which honors individuals and organizations for their contribution to promoting and supporting the development of the country’s startup ecosystem. A total of 12 awards were given, divided into two categories:
I. National Startups 2024
II. Innovation for Sustainability
