Chula Hosts Japan–ASEAN Startup Business Matching Fair 2026
Chulalongkorn University, through the CU Innovation Hub, in collaboration with Bank of Ayudhya (Krungsri Bank), organized the “Japan–ASEAN Startup Business Matching Fair 2026.” The event provided a platform to connect entrepreneurs, investors, and industry partners from Thailand, Japan, and the ASEAN region, while fostering collaboration in innovation, technology transfer, and international expansion of Thai startups and spin-offs.
More than 10 startups and spin-off companies involving a wide range of technological areas from Chulalongkorn University joined the event. They participated in one-on-one business matching sessions with leading companies, investors, and potential partners from several countries to explore opportunities for collaboration, technology commercialization, and international market expansion.
The event saw attendance from high-level government representatives from the government, the private sector, and the education sector of Thailand, Japan, and Indonesia. Among such guests were Prof. Dr. Yodchanan Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation; Prof. Dr. Rungsun Rerknimitr, Vice President of Chulalongkorn University; H.E. Mr. Masato Otaka, Japanese Ambassador to Thailand; Mr. Kenichi Yamato, President & CEO, Bank of Ayudhya PCL; Mr. Sonny Hendra Sudaryana, Director of Digital Ecosystems Development, Ministry of Communications and Digital Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia; and Mr. Kensuke Nishiji, Managing Director and Head of Startup Acceleration Strategy Division, MUFG Bank.
One of the event’s key outcomes was the strong interest shown by leading domestic and international companies in startups and spin-off companies from Chulalongkorn University. Participants exchanged ideas on potential collaborations to advance technologies and innovations toward commercial applications through joint product development, technology transfer, and industry partnerships. These efforts help strengthen the competitiveness of Thai entrepreneurs.
In addition, Chulalongkorn University held discussions with Indonesia’s Ministry of Communications and Digital Affairs on opportunities to connect Thai startups with Indonesia’s innovation and digital economy ecosystem through support for investment, business incubation, and innovation policy development. The partnership is expected to help Thai entrepreneurs expand more effectively into ASEAN markets.
The event also featured discussions on impact investing through the Impact X Platform, which promotes the commercialization of research and innovation into businesses that generate positive economic, social, and environmental impact. This initiative aligns with the principles of sustainable innovation.
The Japan–ASEAN Startup Business Matching Fair 2026 underscored Chulalongkorn University’s role in advancing Thailand’s innovation ecosystem by fostering collaboration among researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, and industry partners from both Thailand and abroad. The event also highlighted the university’s commitment to helping Thai startups and university spin-offs transform knowledge and technology into commercial applications, driving economic growth and enhancing Thailand’s competitiveness on the global stage.
