Isareli tech to boost Thai start-ups
THE NATIONAL Innovation Agency (NIA) has joined with Israel’s AGW Group to set up a global accelerator programme called SPARK in order to boost start-ups in Thailand.
NIA director Pun-Arj Chairatana said SPARK was aimed at accelerating the potential in start-ups and enhancing their competitiveness for global expansion.
The agency will be one of the mechanisms to generate more successful start-ups in order to develop the Thai start-up ecosystem and meet government expectations.
The plan is to choose 12 participants, who will enter the boot camp. The start-up that wins the final pitch will be financed by the NIA to meet investors and attend global start-up accelerating events such as Google Campus Tel Aviv and Barclays Accelerator Tel Aviv.
Those who participate in the boot camp will also have chance to present their business ideas at Start-up Thailand 2017, which will be held on July 6 to 9 at Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre.
“NIA has signed a memorandum of understanding with AGW Group and international mentors to drive the global acceleration programme,” the director said.
“Mentors who participate in the global programme are experts in law and intelligent property [IP], cyber security, venture capital, big data and analytics, the Internet of Things, financial technology [FinTech], business development and marketing as well as organisation development. These mentors will give lectures and provide individual mentoring to those participating in the eight-week boot camp. The event, which is free, will be held at the Innovation Park NIA.”
He added that the global programme would allow Thai start-ups to meet directly with investors from Israel and gain international experience, which will boost their potential to engage with international investors.
“I think Thai start-ups have high growth potential, especially in the areas of agriculture, food, manufacturing and tourism. The programme will also offer them new opportunities to expand into new markets overseas,” Pun-Arj said.
Eitan Levy, chairman at AGW Group, said that under the cooperation, the group will provide mentoring and consulting service to the participating start-ups.
“The group will use all team members who have long-term experience and all global connects will contribute to the success of this vision.
“AGW Group believes that joining hands with NIA will leverage the ability to approach and invite all players in the Thai start-up ecosystem to collaborate in exposing Thai start-ups to the global market with skill, knowledge, international marketing and finance opportunities.”
