MHESI & SET Launch 1B Baht PE Trust for Deep-Tech
Thailand's MHESI, NIA, and SET launch a 1,000 million Baht PE Trust and University Holding Consortium to scale deep-tech research into the new economy.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- MHESI, NIA, SET, and CMDF launch a 1 billion Baht Private Equity Trust
- University Holding Consortium unites 15 institutions to commercialize research
- Targeting New Economy sectors including deep-tech, AI, health, and agrifood
- SET proposes dual-class share legislation to support startup founders
Thailand's Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), through the National Innovation Agency (NIA), has partnered with the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET), the Capital Market Development Fund (CMDF), and public-private allies to establish a Private Equity Trust (PE Trust) with an initial capitalization of 1,000 million Baht to invest in New Economy enterprises.
This initiative is launched alongside the University Holding Consortium, a network connecting 15 higher education institutions, their respective holding companies, and partners to develop research outputs into commercial ventures and grant them access to larger-scale investments.
Prof. Dr. Yossanan Wongswadi, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of MHESI, delivered a keynote address titled 'Thailand New Economy: From Knowledge to National Growth', noting that Thailand possesses robust knowledge bases, research, technologies, and entrepreneurs—particularly in deep-tech—with strong potential to evolve into spin-off companies and New Economy businesses that drive national value addition.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
Dr. Krithpaka Boonfueng, Executive Director of the NIA, stated that the agency is expanding its role from a grant provider to a co-investor through the 'NIA Venture' mechanism, bridging the gap between seed funding and growth-stage capital. The PE Trust and University Holding Consortium are expected to mitigate innovation risks and heighten investor and private sector confidence.
"Many Thai New Economy entrepreneurs possess high growth potential but face capital constraints during expansion. The PE Trust aims to elevate these businesses in strategy, management, governance, and capital market readiness."
The PE Trust will prioritize investments in New Economy sectors, specifically deep-tech, digital and artificial intelligence (AI), medical and health technology, and future agriculture and food technology, welcoming participation from both the public and private sectors.
The creation of the PE Trust and the University Holding Consortium represents a critical milestone in overcoming Thailand's 'Valley of Death'—the funding gap between laboratory research and commercialization where growth-stage capital is historically scarce. Integrating the SET and CMDF provides startups with a transparent roadmap toward an initial public offering (IPO) from their inception phase.
Meanwhile, Prof. Special Kittiphong Urapeepatanapong, Chairman of the SET, noted that this mechanism aligns with modified SET regulations permitting BOI-promoted New Economy firms to raise capital swiftly on LiVEx, mai, or SET. Furthermore, the SET has proposed amendments regarding Dual-Class Shares to the Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Commerce to ensure founders retain strategic control post-IPO.
Jakkachai Boonyawat, Manager of the CMDF, added that the fund will support market confidence and stimulate joint investments, with Trust Manager applications opening in late September 2026. Interested startups can access details via the SET and CMDF websites or contact the SET Contact Center at 0 2009 9999.
Source: Techsauce
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