"Chaichanok" Presides Over RUNWAY TO SLUSH 2026: FINAL PITCHING, Selecting 8 Thai Digital Startups to Thailand Representative at SLUSH 2026

The Minister of Digital Economy and Society presided over the opening ceremony of RUNWAY TO SLUSH 2026: FINAL PITCHING (Thai Digital Startup Round), a pitching event aimed at selecting eight promising Thai digital startups to represent Thailand at SLUSH 2026, scheduled for November 18-19, 2026, in Helsinki, Finland. During the opening, the Minister emphasized that participating in SLUSH represents a critical opportunity for the nation, with the government committed to serving as a 'Connector' that bridges startups with global opportunities. He also expressed high hopes that the selected delegates will leverage their international exposure to further develop digital innovations that benefit the Thai people.

Mr. Chaichanok Chidchob, Minister of Digital Economy and Society chaired the opening of the event, which was organized by the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa). The event was attended by Ms. Kasama Kongsmak, Acting Senior Executive Vice President of depa, distinguished panel judges, and the 15 digital startup finalists who successfully advanced through a competitive pre-screening phase. The pitching competition took place at depa Headquarters.

The RUNWAY TO SLUSH 2026: FINAL PITCHING (Thai Digital Startup Round) was organized to identify eight standout Thai digital startups to represent the country at SLUSH 2026. This initiative forms an integral part of ongoing efforts to foster business matching under the Digital Startup Ecosystem Promotion Program, in tandem with support from the depa Internationalization Voucher. The program aims to empower Thai startups to scale globally, forge strategic partnerships, and attract investments from international investors and global innovation networks.

Mr. Chaichanok noted that Thai digital startups possess immense potential, creativity, and technological acumen. He pointed out that the government's most crucial role is to provide 'opportunity'—the chance to tap into international investor networks, penetrate new markets, learn from leading global innovation ecosystems, and showcase Thai capabilities on the world stage. For these reasons, participating in SLUSH is far more than joining an international event; it serves as a springboard for businesses to reach new heights—an endeavor that depa has consistently championed.

This year, MDES and depa have placed a strategic focus on key digital industry verticals, including Smart Agriculture & Green Technology for Sustainability, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Tourism & Urban Wellness and Smart City. All these areas offer strong growth potential and can effectively deploy technology to address pressing global challenges.

"Another vital role of the government is serving as a 'Connector'—bridging Thai digital startups with global opportunities, opening avenues for expanded collaboration, and removing barriers to entrepreneurial growth. The startups selected today will represent Thailand and immerse themselves in a world-class innovation ecosystem. I sincerely hope every team brings back the insights and connections gained from SLUSH 2026 to further advance digital innovation for Thailand. Our nation must not be merely a consumer of technology, but a creator and developer capable of solving domestic problems and exporting innovations to the global stage." stated Mr. Chaichanok.

Delivering his closing remarks after attending the morning pitching session, Mr. Chaichanok stated that the event opened his eyes to the potential and creative ideas of Thai startups. He also provided a key recommendation for startups looking to go global, emphasizing that if they are going to scale internationally, their database or source has to be applicable there to align with the specific context of the destination country. Furthermore, he advised developers of AI and digital solutions that digital innovation has to go hand in hand with trust, urging them to make special effort into security and transparency.

The judging panel for the final pitching round featured esteemed experts, including Ms. Vipavee Kittitien, Advisor to the Minister of Digital Economy and Society, Mr. Kimmo Pekari, Special Advisor for Trade and Economic Affairs, Embassy of Finland in Bangkok, Mr. Tanawat Boonpanya, Head of Investment, Krungsri Finnovate, Mr. Ankit Upadhyay, Co-Founder & General Partner, A2D, and Ms. Kasama Kongsmak, Acting Senior Executive Vice President of depa.

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The eight winning startup teams will receive full sponsorship for exhibition booths and entry passes to SLUSH 2026, alongside exclusive access to Accelerator & Networking sessions scheduled for November 17-19, 2026, in Helsinki, Finland. Additionally, travel and accommodation expenses will be subsidized up to 150,000 THB on a matching fund basis under the depa Internationalization Voucher scheme.