KATALYST by KASIKORNBANK (KBank) has launched “EARTH KATALYST: Accelerating the Path to Decarbonization” in collaboration with Google Cloud. This three-month fellowship program is aimed at accelerating the growth of startups in Thailand and Southeast Asia that are developing innovations to accelerate the world’s transition toward a more sustainable future.

The program is open to Seed to Series A stage ClimateTech and AgriTech startups, underscoring KATALYST and Google Cloud’s commitment toward helping early-stage startups take advantage of cloud and AI technologies to develop and scale innovative solutions that address Sustainable Development Goals.

Mr. Thanapong Na Ranong, Managing Director of Beacon VC, shared that as the venture capital arm of KASIKORNBANK, Beacon VC is committed to promoting the growth of Thai startups by providing support in the form of funding, knowledge-sharing, advice, and technology tools. He added that KATALYST by KBank plays a key role in empowering startups, with initiative like EARTH KATALYST is designed to strengthen participating startups’ business strategy and technology capabilities, so they can make a tangible and positive impact on society and the environment, while meeting the needs of the private sector and keeping up with the latest digital advancements.

The EARTH KATALYST program curriculum covers the following:

• Applying data analytics and AI to inform decision-making and unlock new revenue opportunities
• Integration with Google Earth Engine and Google Maps to tackle salient sustainability challenges using satellite imagery and geospatial datasets
• Understanding environmental, social, and governance (ESG) strategies and best practices, with real-world examples and case studies, to carve out a competitive advantage
• Creating a clearly defined path toward consistent revenue generation and profitability

Startups that are accepted into the program will receive access to advanced technology resources and capabilities, including Google Cloud credits; Google Cloud’s industry-leading, fully-integrated data analytics and AI stack; as well as mentorship, training, and technical project support.

At Google Cloud, we are committed to helping 'impact-focused' startups across the world accelerate growth through a variety of high-touch programs tailored to different stages and needs. For example, the Google for Startups Cloud Program has benefited ListenField, which is applying Google Cloud AI to help farmers in Thailand increase crop yield," said Mr. Annop Siritikul, Country Director, Thailand, Google Cloud. "By partnering with KBank on a localized program like EARTH KATALYST, we're expanding and deepening our commitment toward empowering Thailand's next generation of ClimateTech and AgriTech innovators. We're confident that local founders will see value from leveraging our open and optimized AI stack, broad choice of infrastructure solutions, and many other essential tools for startups."

Startups with the most innovative and impactful solutions will have the opportunity to showcase their work to potential investors and customers at EARTH JUMP 2025, hosted by KBank in Bangkok.

To be eligible for the program, a startup must be developing an ESG-focused ClimateTech and AgriTech solution in Southeast Asia. It must be a Seed to Series A stage startup that has an existing customer base and is seeking opportunities to expand the reach of its solution, enhance its solution's capabilities, and forge new partnerships.

Applications for EARTH KATALYST are open from now until March 7, 2025, with the program taking place from March to May 2025.

For more information and to apply, visit rsvp.withgoogle.com/events/earth-katalyst-2025. For further inquiries, contact [email protected].