depa organized the Final Pitching event for Idea Stage digital startups, along with a national networking event, to select 30 promising digital startup teams. These teams will receive support through the depa Digital Startup Fund, with a total value of THB 6 million, marking a significant step toward strengthening Thailand's startup ecosystem.
The Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa) organized the Final Pitching round for Idea Stage digital startups, along with a national-level networking event, at the depa headquarters (Building A), Soi Ladprao 10, Chatuchak District. The event was officially opened by Mr. Chatchai Khunpitiluck, Senior Executive Vice President of depa and attended by Dr. Warin Ratchananusorn, Vice President/Director of Digital Startup Institute. This year, a total of 120 teams from four regions across the country participated in the Idea Stage competition. From these, 45 teams advanced to the Final Pitching round, and 30 outstanding teams were selected to receive support from depa through the depa Digital Startup Fund, a financial assistance measure aimed at helping early-stage digital businesses.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Nuttapon Nimmanphatcharin, President/CEO of depa stated that supporting the development of Thai digital startups at every stage of growth is one of depa's key missions, continuously driven through several strategic mechanisms. These include Build Platform: Establishing a comprehensive startup ecosystem that supports all dimensions of development, including access to funding, government support measures to create an investment-friendly environment, and the creation of a digital services registry to facilitate access to both public and private markets. Nurture Talents: Promoting the development of digital startups at every stage to ensure business growth potential and adaptability to technological changes and Support Digital Product & Service Design: Assisting Thai digital startups in the deep tech sector to enhance their capabilities and extend development into digital technology and innovation that addresses national economic and social needs. Support Prototype and Commercialize Innovation: Facilitating the advancement of digital products and services toward commercialization, including comprehensive testing and experimentation through a 10,000-square-meter Maker Space.
"The Idea Stage Digital Startup Pitching is a key mechanism for building Thailand's startup ecosystem and fostering a new generation of entrepreneurs. It serves as a vital starting point to inspire young entrepreneurs to transform their ideas into high-potential businesses capable of growth and competitiveness, both nationally and internationally. These entrepreneurs are also crucial drivers of Thailand's digital economy. The Final Pitching event not only serves as a platform for young entrepreneurs to showcase their potential and select 30 outstanding startups each of which will receive a THB 200,000 grant, totaling THB 6 million to support product and service development or official business registration, but also as an important opportunity to foster networks among startups, investors, and digital experts. These connections will help accelerate business growth in the future. All these efforts by depa aim to empower the Thai digital startup community and build a robust ecosystem that encourages investment and expands under the concept of 'Born Local, Go Global'." said the President/CEO of depa.
In addition, depa has collaborated with partner organizations from the public and private sectors, as well as academic institutions, to develop a comprehensive capacity-building process for Idea Stage digital startups. This includes business concept development, product prototyping, and connecting with investors and markets. Key support also comes from strategic partners such as G-Able Public Company Limited, which provides training programs and boot camps designed to enhance knowledge and understanding of business operations and the effective application of technology. Regional science parks across the country have also played an important role by serving as regional selection committee members, alongside leading venture capital investors and successful startup founders who bring hands-on business experience and give counsel to participants.
Those who are interested can stay updated on depa's news and activities via www.depa.or.th, LINE OA: depaThailand and Facebook Page: depa Thailand.