| Startup Thailand | TH |
The Role of Thai Startups in
a Health Transition Era:
From Technology to Elevating Thai
Public Health on the Global Stage
In an era of increasingly complex public health challenges, from the burden of chronic diseases and an aging society to a shortage of medical personnel—health technology is no longer an option; it’s a necessity. At the Startup Connext: MedTech – HealthTech event, the National Innovation Agency (NIA) provided a platform for Thai startups to showcase their innovations and, most importantly, connect with global opportunities.
Beyond Technology: Solving “Real-World Problems”
A key takeaway from the panel discussion, “Navigating Med Tech/Health Tech Challenges,” came from Dr. Wannaviputh Saraputhpong, Director of Business Development at VitalLife Scientific Wellness Center, a Bumrungrad Hospital Group company. She emphasized that “true health innovation must begin with ‘real-world problems,’ not just cutting-edge technology.”
Good technology, she noted, must have three essential characteristics:
- – Address the needs of actual users, particularly healthcare professionals and patients.
- – Reduce the burden and time within a system grappling with labor shortages.
- – Ensure accuracy and safety, because a patient’s life is the most critical stake.
If technology can help reduce staff burnout and provide people with faster access to services, it fulfills the primary goal of modern innovation design. When startups offer effective solutions that focus on helping people within the entire ecosystem, they are more likely to be embraced by healthcare facilities.
Dr. Wannaviputh also highlighted a challenge for MedTech startups: beyond focusing on practical, safe, and user-centric technology, they must also prioritize financial accounting and cash flow to ensure long-term sustainability. Partnering with a financial expert can also provide the confidence needed to drive the business forward.
NIA’s Mechanism for Supporting Thai Startups on the Global Stage
Ukrith Kitchsiricharoenchai, Director of the Division for Funding Critical Innovation for National Development at NIA, explained the agency’s “Groom – Grant – Growth – Global” framework. This approach goes beyond providing R&D grants, connecting startups with real-world testing opportunities through a “Sandbox” area like Yothi, which links over 30 hospitals and medical agencies. This also opens up avenues for both domestic and international business matching.
Ukrith stressed that MedTech and HealthTech startups should focus on developing user-centric, safe technology that addresses the greatest needs. Recognizing that this field requires high investment and a long timeline, NIA encourages startups to collaborate with other Thai businesses to strengthen their capital and work as a team. This collaborative effort increases their chances of widespread adoption and global competitiveness.
Health Technology Trends: The Right Opportunity at the Right Time
A panel on “Med Tech/Health Tech Trends Now” highlighted Thailand’s significant global potential if it focuses on specialized, low-cost but high-impact technologies, such as AI and IoT, especially for populations with limited access to healthcare.
Pongchai Petchsangar, President of the Thai Health Tech Association (THTA), emphasized that MedTech and HealthTech development needs clarity. Startups must “know whom they are helping” and “how to integrate into users’ lives.” Since access varies across different regions, the technology must be easy to access, practical, and truly meet user needs.
The biggest challenge for Thai startups, according to Pongchai, is the increasing number of foreign startups with more investment entering the Thai market each year. The question for Thailand is how to attract more capital for local startups to seriously expand into international markets.
To do this, startups must develop impactful technology, build a strong ecosystem, and “start by giving” to prove their value before being accepted. Health startups are not a sprint; they are a “marathon” that requires a clear goal and long-term commitment. Government and private sector support through domestic and international business matching provides concrete opportunities for global expansion.
Lessons from the Front Lines: Technology that Changes Lives
Supitchaya Phoopisut, CEO of Perceptra, shared insights from her experience. With Thailand’s transition into an aging society, health issues and the government’s burden are rising. Startups that develop technology to accurately measure and reduce this burden will gain wider acceptance and eventually attract international funding.
Supitchaya stressed that the core of health technology development isn’t just about creating a sophisticated innovation. It’s about being brave enough to enter a real system, listening to feedback sincerely, and deeply understanding users to build a sustainable business model and create tangible impact.
A key focus for startups should be to start with a real problem, build practical and measurable technology, ensure it’s safe, and help the government reduce its care burden. Success in this area will create a ripple effect in society and lead to widespread adoption.
“Giving first” is her guiding principle, as creating an impact first will lead to long-term acceptance and growth. She also stressed the importance of financial preparedness, such as meticulous cash flow planning, since developing health technology is a long-term investment.
Ultimately, a startup’s success begins by “going out and finding opportunities” and “starting as a giver without expecting immediate returns” to ensure technology is put to real use and creates genuine change in people’s lives.
From the diverse perspectives of both the public and private sectors, it’s clear that developing and driving health startups is not solely about technology. It’s about a holistic understanding of the healthcare system—including people’s health, economics, and society—and relies on a system of support and “true collaboration” between the government, the private sector, and users. However, the most crucial thing for Thai startups to do is to “go out and explore the real world, learn from users, build partnerships, and stand strong for the long term.”
When health technology can develop everything… the question we should ask is: does this technology help people get better, or does it improve the healthcare system for the entire country?
