The launch of the 'Scaleup Impact! Thailand x Sweden Global Startup Acceleration Program'

On September 10, 2024, the Royal Thai Embassy in Stockholm/TNIU, the National Innovation Agency (NIA), the Program Management Unit for Competitiveness (PMUC), Techsauce Media, and the Thai Startup Association co-hosted the launch of the "Scaleup Impact! Thailand x Sweden Global Startup Acceleration Program" at the K+ Building. Ambassador Arunrung Photong Humphreys participated in a panel discussion on "Developing Startups for the Global Stage." The event was also graced by opening remarks from Dr. Krithpaka Boonfuang, Director of the National Innovation Agency, Mrs. Klongkanit Rakcharoen, Director-General of the Department of European Affairs, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thongchai Suwansichon, Director of PMUC.

Over 85 participants from various sectors, including government, private companies, startups, and accelerators, joined the event onsite. Key partners such as NIA, PMUC, Techsauce, the Thailand Startup Association, and Beacon Venture were present to exchange perspectives on three major topics: Government strategies to propel Thai startups onto the global stage.

Insights from accelerators in both Thailand and Sweden. The significance of the Scaleup Impact program and why it is based in Sweden, including an introduction to the program by Jack Melcher-Claësson, Head of Accelerate, and Edgar Luczak, Head of Advisory at Epicenter Stockholm.

The Ambassador highlighted Sweden's excellence in developing innovation ecosystems and the crucial role of proactive economic diplomacy, or "Innovation Diplomacy," particularly in fostering sustainable innovation to enhance national competitiveness. She emphasized the importance of integrated collaboration, from budgeting and project development to uniting networks under the "Team Thailand" concept, to create synergies connecting Thailand and the world to Thailand.

The Ambassador encouraged startups focusing on sustainable development to apply for the program and transition from 'Soonicorns' to Unicorns soon.

For more details about the startup incubation program "Scaleup Impact! Thailand x Sweden Global Startup Acceleration Program."

(Applications are open until September 30, 2024).