Scaleup to Global:
Thailand’s Innovation Gateway
to Hong Kong, China,
and the World
As the global technology race accelerates, breakthrough innovation alone is no longer enough. For startups to thrive, they must be able to scale beyond their home markets, forge strategic international partnerships, and gain meaningful access to global customers, investors, and innovation ecosystems.
Driven by this vision, the National Innovation Agency (Public Organization) (NIA) launched the Scaleup to Global 2026 initiative, leading a delegation of Thailand’s most promising startups to Hong Kong—one of Asia’s most dynamic innovation hubs. The mission centered around participation in two of the region’s premier technology events, JUMPSTARTER 2026 and InnoEX 2026, where entrepreneurs, investors, corporate leaders, and innovation policymakers from around the world converge to shape the future of technology.
More than an international showcase, the mission was designed to create tangible business opportunities. Through curated business matching sessions, investor pitching, strategic networking, and participation in the Soft-Landing Program with the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), Thai startups gained valuable insights and practical pathways for expanding into Hong Kong, Mainland China, and the wider Asian market.
Strategically positioned at the heart of the Greater Bay Area (GBA)—which connects world-class innovation centers including Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Macau—Hong Kong serves as an ideal launchpad for startups seeking access to one of the world’s largest technology ecosystems, sophisticated investors, advanced supply chains, and hundreds of millions of consumers.
Healing the Future: Thai MedTech for an Aging World
Among the innovators, the HealthTech and MedTech sectors took center stage, addressing the universal challenges of an aging population.
HealSphere is revolutionizing mental wellness by fusing Virtual Reality (VR), EEG brainwave analysis, and AI to provide precision assessments for stress and depression. Moving beyond traditional questionnaires, their solution allows healthcare professionals to track clinical outcomes with unprecedented accuracy—a technology already making waves in both Thailand and China.
Tech Care System has reimagined the humble walking stick. Their “Smart Stick” is a sophisticated mobile health monitor equipped with vital sign sensors, GPS, and an emergency alert system that keeps seniors connected to caregivers—ensuring safety and peace of mind for those living independently.
VTK Inno Group, creators of “Haruna,” leverage gut microbiome science to develop medical foods based on natural prebiotics. Their innovation tackles chronic digestive health issues, proving that science-backed nutrition can offer scalable, sustainable solutions for all generations, Future Food from Thailand for the Next Generation of Consumers
Culinary Evolution: Future Food for the Conscious Consumer
Thai innovation is also reshaping how the world eats. Whale Rice by Neramitfoodtech offers a game-changing “alternative rice” crafted from fish protein and seaweed fiber. It delivers the comfort of a staple Asian grain with significantly lower carbohydrates and a lower glycemic index, catering to the growing market of health-conscious consumers and those managing diabetes across Asia.
The AI Engine: Thai Intelligence on the Global Stage
As Artificial Intelligence becomes the bedrock of the digital economy, Thai startups are proving they can code at the highest level.
- Botnoi Group is building sophisticated Conversational and Voice AI, specifically tuned for Thai and Southeast Asian linguistic nuances.
- Wang Data Market provides the essential infrastructure for AI development, specializing in high-quality data sets that capture the region’s unique cultural context.
- AIYA.AI bridges the digital-physical divide with its Unified Commerce platform, using Generative AI to deliver hyper-personalized customer experiences that drive real-world retail growth.
Advanced Technologies Powered by Data
Data is the currency of the future, and several Thai startups are turning this raw asset into strategic intelligence.
- SABLE integrates Agentic AI with consumer behavioral science to provide deep, actionable insights for enterprise marketing.
- PAM CDP by 3DS Interactive offers a seamless 360-degree customer view, enabling real-time personalization across all touchpoints.
- RIFFAI is pushing the boundaries of DeepTech, utilizing satellite imagery, geospatial data, and AI to solve complex challenges in energy, urban planning, and disaster management.
A Global Milestone
The mission culminated in significant milestones, with Mui Robotics and Osseolabs securing spots in the Top 30 Global Finalists at JUMPSTARTER 2026—a testament to Thai excellence on the global stage. Furthermore, the NIA’s collaboration with industry giants like HKSTP, HKAI LAB, and the Alibaba Ecosystem has laid the groundwork for a sustained international presence.
NIA: Connecting Thailand’s Startup Ecosystem to the World
The Scaleup to Global mission reflects NIA’s evolving role as more than a national innovation agency. It is increasingly serving as a bridge between Thailand’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and the world’s leading innovation networks.
From strategic business mentoring and market readiness programs to investor access, international market validation, and overseas business establishment through global partnerships, NIA is helping reduce barriers while creating sustainable growth opportunities for Thai entrepreneurs.
Hong Kong therefore represents far more than another destination on the international exhibition circuit. It marks a strategic milestone in connecting Thai innovation with global markets, unlocking new opportunities throughout the Greater Bay Area, and empowering Thai startups to grow into globally competitive ventures with confidence, resilience, and long-term sustainability.
