NATIONAL INNOVATION AGENCY
(NIA)
Empowering Innovation for Sustainable Growth
NATIONAL INNOVATION AGENCY (Public Organization) or NIA, under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), is the primary agency with a mission to strengthen Thailand’s national innovation system. NIA promotes and supports innovation-based enterprises through funding, education, and providing opportunities to access and utilize innovation infrastructure, including supporting Thai innovation businesses in reaching global markets.
Established in 2003, NIA plays a vital role in developing the country’s innovation ecosystem through the 4G support mechanism, which includes:
- Groom – developing the capabilities of entrepreneurs and innovators,
- Grant – providing funding for research and innovation projects,
- Growth – supporting the expansion of innovation-driven businesses, and
- Global – connecting Thai innovators to the global stage.
Acting as a “Focal Conductor,” NIA serves as the central hub coordinating collaboration among the government, private sector, academia, and civil society, effectively driving Thai innovation toward the sustainable goal of “Thailand: Innovation Nation.”
Highlight
Success from organizing the Startup x Innovation Thailand Expo (SITE), an international innovation platform
Hosting exhibitions and connecting innovators, investors, and experts from around the world to exchange knowledge and explore business opportunities.
Driving Thailand’s policy toward “Innovation Nation”
Supporting and promoting policies that build a robust innovation ecosystem, propelling Thailand toward becoming a nation of innovation.
Supporting innovation nationwide
Providing funding, development programs, and advisory services to diverse innovation projects across both the business and community sectors.
Leading the funding mechanism for Innovation-Based Enterprises
Offering financial support and resources to entrepreneurs and startups with the potential to create impactful innovations.
Global collaboration network across more than 20 countries
Establishing partnerships with innovation agencies and international organizations to foster knowledge exchange and open access to global markets.
Collaboration Opportunities
NIA welcomes collaboration in green innovation and ESG projects, especially in Net Zero, Circular Economy, Green Tech, and Sustainable Cities.
- Collaboration types: joint programs, co-funding models, knowledge exchange, co-developing pilot projects, and co-hosting events
- Supporting Thai green tech enterprises to expand into Asia, Europe, and beyond via soft-landing and partner programs
Key Areas for Collaboration:
Green CEO Program
Building leadership capacity in sustainability and ESG.
Knowledge-Based Fund (KBF)
A funding mechanism supporting green innovation and the circular economy.
Startup x Innovation Thailand Expo (SITE)
An international platform for innovation collaboration and investment.
Global Startup Hub & Soft-Landing Program
Supporting Thai and international startups to expand and collaborate globally.
Innovation Capacity-Building Programs
Equipping public, private, and community sectors with innovation knowledge and skills.
Global Innovation Index (GII) Analysis
Monitoring and analyzing innovation indicators to inform policy and enhance Thailand’s innovation performance.
GROOM. GRANT. GROWTH. GLOBAL
Contact Partner
Closing Note
NIA believes that green innovation and ESG are key drivers for a sustainable future. We are committed to supporting the innovation ecosystem to scale up pilot projects into tangible results and are ready to collaborate with global partners to create a positive impact on the economy, the environment, and society.
