Tokyo: A Thai deep tech startup has successfully entered the Japanese market as the National Innovation Agency (NIA) prepares to expand into other countries, with a focus on artificial intelligence, robotics, and semiconductor business sectors.
According to Thai News Agency, Dr. Kritphaka Boonfueng, Director of the NIA, discussed the accelerated development of deep tech startups through the Startup Thailand Deep Tech Venture 2026 project aimed at driving growth in Thailand's target industries. The NIA is actively promoting new entrepreneurs with deep innovation capabilities, recognizing their potential for exponential growth.
Dr. Kritphaka highlighted the importance of advanced technologies, noting that these innovations go beyond traditional business models. They are developed from complex research, incubated, patented, and capable of being transformed into real-world applications. This initiative is supported by universities and research institutes under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), which are prepared to back such in-depth research.
Countries like the United States, Israel, South Korea, and Japan have shown significant interest in this business sector. The NIA's target industries for international market expansion include health technology, medical industries, food and agriculture, energy, and business solutions. The agency has organized programs to support startups by finding investors, developing prototypes, and promoting international market growth. This year, Southeast Asia and Japan are the primary target regions due to their high potential and readiness.
Penetrating the Japanese market marks a significant step, as Japan is open to collaboration and new technologies. Out of over 100 applicants, NIA selected 10 promising companies for Business Matching events in Japan, leading to over 140 meetings with Japanese companies. This success resulted in two Thai startups signing Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with Japanese counterparts: MUI Robotics Co., Ltd., which develops Digital AI for advanced odor analysis, partnered with Nomura Jimusho, INC., while Clean Tech and Beyond Co., Ltd., focusing on energy innovation, partnered with MRF Co., Ltd.
Dr. Kritphaka emphasized the importance of strong cooperation with Japanese partners such as the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), NEDO, and the private sector in achieving this success. She noted that expanding businesses overseas requires continuous follow-up rather than a single discussion, and this successful model will be applied to market expansion in other countries. NIA plans to continue promoting high-tech businesses, expanding into AI, robotics, and semiconductors.
Despite potential budget constraints next year, Dr. Kritphaka assured that NIA would efficiently manage resources by minimizing unnecessary expenses and focusing on providing maximum support for startup entrepreneurs. The objective is to enable these businesses to scale up and become strong global players.