Bangkok Business Challenge 2026 Honors Global Student Innovators with Royal Awards
His Majesty the King graciously appointed Mr. Ampon Kittiampon, a Privy Councilor, as a representative to present awards to the winning teams of the Bangkok Business Challenge 2026 international business plan competition. The ceremony took place on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at Sasin Hall on the 9th floor of the Sasa Patasala Building, Sasin School of Management. The event was also attended by Prof. Dr. Ian Fenwick, Director of Sasin School of Management; Assistant Professor Dr. Ravee Chudasring, Assistant to the President of Chulalongkorn University; and members of the organizing committee.
On this occasion, Mr. Kongpan Pramoj Na Ayudhaya, Chairman of the Organizing Committee, presented the event program and delivered a report and invited the competition sponsors to receive commemorative gifts. Mr. Suracha Udomsak, Chairman of the Judging Committee, then presented a summary of the competition results. Following this, the Privy Councilor presented awards to the champion and runner-up teams.
The Bangkok Business Challenge 2026 was organized by the Sasin School of Management of Chulalongkorn University in collaboration with SCG Chemicals Public Company Limited. Now in its 24th year, the competition provides university students with an opportunity to showcase their capabilities and compete in developing business plans on an international stage. It is the longest-running global startup business plan competition conducted in English for university students in Asia and has contributed significantly to advancing Thailand’s startup ecosystem onto the global stage.
This year’s competition was held under the theme “Growing Impactful Ventures: Building Solutions for Tomorrow’s World,” encouraging ideas driven by sustainability and green innovation. The focus was not only on business growth but also on creating positive long-term impacts on the economy, society, and the environment.
The winning team, Imagine Devices from the University of Texas at Austin, United States, received the HM the King’s Award, graciously bestowed by His Majesty the King, along with a cash prize of USD 18,000. The runner-up team, SafeSock from Johns Hopkins University, United States, received USD 3,000. In addition, the team TriChokro Trambulance from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology received HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn’s Sustainability Award, graciously bestowed by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, along with a cash prize of USD 5,000.
This year’s competition selected participants from 385 teams representing 83 higher education institutions worldwide. The event was held at the Sasin School of Management from May 21–23, 2026.
