The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation, through the National Innovation Agency (NIA), is strengthening international partnerships to support innovation. Recently, NIA signed a memorandum of understanding with Asia Berlin Forum e.V. (ABF) to enhance innovation networks, facilitate business matching, and explore investment opportunities.
Berlin, known for its vibrant startup ecosystem, is home to 25 unicorns and is the second-largest recipient of venture capital investment in the European Union, following London, according to ABF. This partnership aims to push Thai startups into the European market, leveraging Berlin’s dynamic environment and substantial investment landscape.
This partnership focuses on supporting the development of startups in artificial intelligence (AI) and facilitating the exchange of knowledge and expertise to strengthen the startup ecosystems of Thailand and Germany.
Dr. Krithpaka Boonfueng, Executive Director of NIA, emphasized that building international relationships through Innovation Diplomacy is a key strategy to transform Thailand into an “innovation nation.” The collaboration with AsiaBerlin aims to elevate Thai innovations into the European market, with a particular emphasis on AI, which has significant growth potential.
Under this partnership, NIA will create platforms for entrepreneurs and startups to access essential resources, knowledge, and networks. These initiatives will include workshops, consulting programs, exchange visits, and innovation competitions designed to nurture potential and stimulate innovations.
By establishing these platforms, NIA aims to build a strong environment and ecosystem that fosters creativity, drives innovation, and promotes economic development, thereby supporting young innovators and entrepreneurs.
The memorandum of understanding signed with AsiaBerlin is a strategic step towards developing innovation networks and investment channels, particularly for AI startups. This partnership is expected to significantly boost the startup ecosystems in both countries, providing a bridge for Thai innovations to enter the European market.
Mr. Marten Rauschenberg, General Manager of Asia Berlin Forum e.V., highlighted Berlin’s appeal to Thai investors and startups aiming for European markets. Berlin’s startup ecosystem is robust, having secured €10.5 billion from 503 funding rounds in 2021, with three of Germany’s top five funding rounds occurring in the city.
He emphasized Berlin’s strengths in capital, talent, innovation, and diversity, noting its ability to attract significant venture capital investment and its diverse, highly skilled workforce.
Rauschenberg also pointed out the strategic advantages of Berlin’s predominantly English-speaking startup ecosystem, which facilitates strong international networks. The collaboration between NIA and AsiaBerlin aims to leverage these strengths to create market opportunities and strengthen connections between Asia and Berlin.
Programs like the AsiaBerlin Investors Club and the Expansion Lab are designed to promote networking, identify high-potential startups, and support cross-continental investment and knowledge exchange.
Additionally, the AsiaBerlin Summit 2024, scheduled for November 25-29 in Berlin, will be a significant platform for Thai startups to connect with the European market. This summit will bring connections and facilitate substantial changes in the startup ecosystem, reflecting Berlin’s role as a gateway to the European and other potential markets. Through these initiatives, the partnership aims to provide Thai startups and investors with enhanced opportunities and insights, driving growth and innovation.
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