Thailand to host SITE 2026 as regional startup platform for innovation and investment

Thailand’s National Innovation Agency, or NIA, under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), has officially launched SITE 2026. Organized under the concept “Global Innovation Impact: The Year of Investment,” the event is elevated to serve as a tangible platform of opportunities, bridging Thai innovations with global capital, partners, and networks.

The expo will take place from June 25 to 27 at Paragon Hall, expanding its footprint to cover Nex Hall on the 5^th floor and the SCBx Next Stage on the 4^th floor of Siam Paragon to accommodate the continuously growing activities and collaborative networks.

According to Dr. Krithpaka Boonfueng, executive director of NIA, the goal is to create a platform where opportunity meets capital, and innovation meets global partners. In her view, innovation impact is no longer defined by novelty alone, but by the value it creates and the measurable outcomes it can deliver.

NIA frames SITE 2026 around several strategic drivers, including future-focused technologies, investment-readiness innovation, global connectivity, multiplier effects across the economy, and stronger strategic alliances. Together, these are intended to help position Thailand more visibly within the regional and global innovation landscape.

NIA’s latest figures indicate that startup investment in Thailand reached approximately $120 million in 2025, while capital ready to be deployed within Thailand’s innovation ecosystem exceeded $1 billion. Against that backdrop, SITE 2026 is being presented as a timely platform to connect investable innovation with available capital in a more deliberate and market-oriented way.

Key features of the event include: global forums and thought-leadership sessions, showcases of 100 future-focused startups, 100 market-ready innovations, startup pitching opportunities, Business Matching sessions, an International Pavilion, youth innovation platforms through Startup Thailand League, and cross-disciplinary collaboration through SYNC Design & Innovation and Maker Faire Bangkok.

SITE 2026 is designed to bring Thai startups together with venture capital firms, corporate venture capital arms, international investors, and strategic business partners in one integrated venue. It also opens broader regional connectivity through participation and collaboration from countries including Japan, South Korea, China, Hong Kong, and Singapore.

For regional investors, corporates, and ecosystem leaders, SITE 2026 offers a closer look at how Thailand is attempting to become a lucrative market where innovation can be funded, scaled, and connected internationally.

SITE 2026 will be held from June 25 to 27 at Paragon Hall, Siam Paragon, Bangkok. Admission is free of charge. More information and registration are available at site.nia.or.th.

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