Chulalongkorn University, through the Chulalongkorn University Innovation Hub (CU Innovation Hub), in collaboration with Bank of Ayudhya (Krungsri), organized the Japan-ASEAN Startup Business Matching Fair 2026 to connect entrepreneurs, investors, and industry representatives from Thailand, Japan, and ASEAN, creating new opportunities for Thai startups to expand their networks and pursue growth in regional and international markets.
The event brought together more than 10 startups and spin-offs from Chulalongkorn University across a wide range of industries. Through One-on-One Business Matching sessions, participating startups had the opportunity to present their products and technologies to leading companies and investors from Thailand and overseas, while building business networks and exploring concrete opportunities for commercial collaboration.
The event received support from senior representatives across the public, private, and education sectors from Thailand, Japan, and Indonesia, including Professor Dr. Yodchanan Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation; Professor Dr. Rungsun Rerknimitr , Vice President of Chulalongkorn University; H.E. Mr. Masato Otaka, Ambassador of Japan 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 key outcomes of the event was strong interest from industry in adopting and further developing products and technologies from Chulalongkorn University startups and spin-offs. Opportunities included business collaboration, technology transfer, and joint innovation development, demonstrating the potential to translate university research and innovation into commercial applications and tangible economic value.
Chulalongkorn University also shared perspectives on impact investment through the Impact X Platform, which supports the development of research and innovation into social enterprises and sustainable businesses. The platform reflects an emerging direction for the startup ecosystem—one that seeks to create both economic value and positive social impact.
The success of the event further highlights Chulalongkorn University’s role in advancing its vision as an Entrepreneurial University—one that goes beyond knowledge creation to connect researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, and industry in order to accelerate the development and commercialization of Thai innovation. Through initiatives such as the Japan-ASEAN Startup Business Matching Fair 2026, CU Innovation Hub continues to build and expand local and international networks, connecting research, technology, and startups with industry and supporting the transformation of research and innovation into real-world impact.
