NIA Launches SITE 2026 to Position Thailand as the Year's Investment Game Changer
Thailand's National Innovation Agency launches SITE 2026, a June investment summit at Siam Paragon designed to transform innovations and networks into concrete business deals and foreign investment. The three-day event will focus on connect
On May 25, the National Innovation Agency (NIA), a public organization, announced the SITE 2026 event under the concept 'Global Innovation Impact: The Year of Investment,' scheduled for June 25-27, 2026 at Paragon Hall with expanded space at Nex Hall (5th floor) and SCBx Next Stage (4th floor) of Siam Paragon shopping center.
Dr. Krichapakh Boonfueng, Director of the National Innovation Agency, stated that SITE 2026 this year will evolve from a networking platform to one focused on delivering concrete results. Building on the previous year's emphasis on building networks and cooperation, this year aims to transform those networks into actual investments, new collaborations, and genuine business opportunities—both in attracting foreign investors and supporting Thai entrepreneurs to grow and access regional and international markets.
"This year, we want SITE 2026 to be a platform where opportunities meet capital and innovations meet global partners, because innovation impact isn't measured by novelty alone, but by the real value and results it generates," Dr. Krichapakh said.
The NIA has structured SITE 2026 around five core pillars: Frontier Tech & Future Industries, Investment-Ready Innovation, Global Connectivity, Multiplier Effect, and Strategic Alliances. These aim to connect Thailand with major innovation city networks worldwide and help Thai startups establish clearer global presence.
The NIA director added that SITE 2026 also targets systemic innovation impact across five areas: economy, society, environment, innovation ecosystem, and global cooperation—through focus industries including AI, Deep Tech, Sustainability, and Wellness Economy, alongside innovations ready for practical application in economic and social sectors.
"The key reason this year's SITE 2026 uses 'The Year of Investment' is because investment is the critical mechanism to transform Thai innovation potential into real growth. Recent data shows that in 2025, investment in Thai startups reached approximately 120 million US dollars or around 4 billion baht, while available capital in Thailand's innovation system totals over 1 billion US dollars or more than 32 billion baht. This shows 2026 is a crucial moment to concretely connect innovations with funding sources," Dr. Krichapakh stated.
For SITE 2026 highlights, the NIA has designed activities covering the future forum, investment opportunity platform, and Thai ecosystem stage. These include global-level forums and discussions, gathering 100 future technology startups and 100 ready-to-use innovations, pitch stages and business matching activities, international pavilions, the next-generation Startup Thailand League, unified state agency support, new collaboration through SYNC Design & Innovation, and the creative Maker Faire Bangkok to intensify hands-on creation and innovation culture.
