Accelerator for startup ecosystem

An accelerator programme is now opened to welcome startups with disruptive products to capitalize on the vast size of the Asean market.

Called “Depa Accelerator Program x Techsauce”, the programme is a collaboration of Digital Economy Promotion Agency (Depa) and media content provider Techsauce.

The scheme is part of startup ecosystem by which Depa is a partner of Startup Thailand, marking another government effort to empower and raise the standard of Thai startups.

Startups in every sector, especially two-year-old startups in agriculture, healthcare and service tech, are welcomed.

Chatchai Khunpitiluck, Depa senior executive vice-president, said as of now, there are many programmes handled by the public and private sector offering funds and facilities to local startups, but it is still not enough,” he said.

Mr. Chatchai said the scheme is focusing on building a startup ecosystem to cash in on the Asean market. That is why it is targeting startups that already have disruptive products or at least prototypes.

Submissions for the accelerator programme run today to Aug 15. The 20 best startups will be selected by a committee on Sept 7 at the latest. The programme runs from October to December.

Twenty finalists will receive coaching from the world’s leading mentors, allowing them to learn specific skill sets for goal-setting and personal development.

In addition, the local instructors will also guide and train the selected startups before getting the chance to pitch their ideas to investors on Jan 23.

The winner will receive 500,000 baht cash and have a chance to attend an international startup competition.

There will also be special prizes from Amazon Web Services and Hubba, Thailand’s leading co-working space.