The National Innovation Agency (NIA), under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), led a delegation of Thai startups on a Japanese visit to participate in "Sustainable High City Tech Tokyo 2024 (SusHi Tech Tokyo 2024)," the largest international technology and startup event in Japan, held in Tokyo from May 15-16, 2024. At this event, NIA showcased the potential of Thai innovation through four promising startups: Baiya Phytopharm Co., Ltd., VEKIN (Thailand) Co., Ltd., The Big Bang Theory Co., Ltd. and CT Asia Robotics Co., Ltd., with the aim of creating business opportunities on the international stage.

The "SusHi Tech Tokyo 2024" event, now in its second annual edition, is an international event attracting participants from around the world. It serves as an important platform for startups to showcase innovations, create business opportunities and expand their networks. NIA has organized several activities for startups to present their works at the event, including pitching sessions, exhibition showcases and business matching.

In addition to participating in SusHi Tech Tokyo 2024, NIA is actively fostering strategic partnerships with key Japanese organizations through the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with two prominent organizations.

1. Tokyo Metropolitan Government: The collaboration focuses on innovation development and fostering startups, with the following framework:

1) Exchange of information and policies beneficial to the development of the startup ecosystem.

2) Collaboration to promote the growth of Thai-Japanese startups.

2. Kiraboshi Bank, operated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, supports and invests in startups through the following cooperation framework:

1) Establish a platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration between Thailand and Japan on innovation and startup ecosystems. Work together to develop and manage an environment that fosters and supports innovative businesses.

2) Increase investment opportunities in innovative businesses and startups through programs or activities that promote and facilitate business development, such as international conferences or seminars, business matching, workshops or other relevant activities.

3) Establish a platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration between Thailand and Japan, specifically aimed at fostering sustainable growth in startups across the fields of manufacturing technology, service businesses, agriculture, food and herbs, medicine and health, energy, environment and electric vehicles, tourism, and Soft Power.

4) Other relevant areas of cooperation as agreed upon between the organizations.

Dr. Krithpaka Boonfueng, Executive Director of the National Innovation Agency (NIA), stated, "Participating in SusHi Tech Tokyo 2024 provides Thai startups with the opportunity to showcase their potential on an international stage, meet investors and business partners, pursue business opportunities, and build collaborative networks.

"NIA is committed to promoting and supporting Thai startups to grow and succeed globally. The signing of MOUs with two key organizations represents an extension of cooperation, expanding opportunities, and creating an ecosystem favorable for the growth of innovative businesses, attracting investment and driving the economies of both countries."

NIA is also fully prepared to support Thai startups in their expansion into international markets, providing knowledge and access to markets. It is hoped that this will contribute to the growth of Thai innovative businesses and their recognition on the global stage.