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NIA Eyes Green Tech Unicorns Within Three Years, Four Thai Startups Set to Showcase at ‘Web Summit Qatar 2025’ as Global Green Innovation Market Forecasts 25% Annual Growth Over the Next Decade
This move comes amid booming global demand for green technology. The environmental tech sector is expected to grow at an average rate of 25% annually over the next ten years, underscoring a unique opportunity for Thailand to cultivate and launch a new generation of climate/green tech startups—potentially propelling them to unicorn status.
Dr. Krithpaka Boonfueng, Executive Director of the National Innovation Agency (NIA), noted that the global sustainability movement is gaining significant momentum. SMEs, startups, and industrial sectors worldwide are rapidly integrating technology to drive sustainable innovation. As a result, startups that develop solutions for environmental preservation and climate change mitigation are attracting increasing attention from both consumers and investors—domestically and abroad. The surging global appetite for these technologies reinforces their massive market potential, with projections suggesting a sustained average growth rate of 25% annually for the next decade.
Thai startups are well equipped with innovation capabilities comparable to their international counterparts. However, a lack of opportunities and readiness in structured business management has often hindered their full potential for expansion into global markets. As the nation’s designated Focal Conductor for innovation, the NIA is therefore committed to providing comprehensive support—including funding, opportunities, and knowledge development—to empower Thai startups to grow with greater strength and readiness for international expansion.
A particular focus is being placed on accelerating the development of startups in the fields of environmental technology and sustainability, with the ambition of nurturing more Thai unicorns—startups valued at over 1 billion US dollars—over the coming years. To achieve this, it is crucial to stimulate investment through collaborative efforts between the public sector, private enterprises, and academic institutions.
One key initiative towards this goal is the Unicorn Factory Thailand project, which aims to enhance the capabilities of promising startups and unlock new opportunities to propel them onto the global stage. The program will feature workshops targeted at startups in the Series A stage and beyond, covering vital areas such as building sustainable businesses, expanding investor and partner networks, strategies for international market entry, and gaining opportunities to pitch at leading global technology and innovation showcases.
Dr. Krithpaka further added that over the past year, the NIA successfully created new business opportunities and connected four growth-stage Thai startups, along with one winning student team from the Startup Thailand League 2024, to the global stage at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024—a leading global technology and startup conference and exhibition. During the event, the delegation also engaged in discussions with partner organizations supporting startup development in the United States. These engagements provided valuable exposure for Thai startups, enabling them to explore market expansion strategies and gain access to networks of investors, experts, and global business partners.
In 2025, the NIA remains committed to driving Thai startups towards international markets by continually building new business opportunities. This year, four promising Thai startups in the fields of Climate Tech and Green Tech have been selected for further internationalization efforts. These are:
1. Altotech.AI – developers of intelligent energy management systems;
2. ION ENERGY CORPORATION – a leading provider of residential solar energy solutions in Thailand, offering integrated energy management and payment platforms for PPA/EPC clients;
3. VEKIN (Thailand) – creators of the AI Carbon Editor tool, designed to analyze and manage carbon emissions for corporate and industrial sectors; and
4. MUI Robotics – developers of intelligent robotics and automation systems for applications in industries such as manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and agriculture.
These four startups are showcasing their innovations, presenting business plans, and engaging directly with investors and international markets at Web Summit Qatar 2025, held in Doha, Qatar. As the Middle East’s largest technology and startup conference, the event brings together startups, investors, major corporations, public and private sector organizations, and technology leaders from across industries to exchange knowledge, foster collaboration, and strengthen the international startup ecosystem.
The summit expects more than 25,000 attendees, featuring 1,520 startup companies, 723 investors, and 167 partners from around the world. Notably, the Thai startups’ booths attracted strong interest from investors and businesses across multiple countries, resulting in numerous business discussions and information exchanges.
“The NIA aims to produce one to two new homegrown unicorns within the next three years, focusing on startups in the FoodTech and GreenTech sectors,” stated Dr Krithpaka. “These sectors have considerable market demand, particularly GreenTech, which is proving especially promising. Organizations of all sizes—from large corporations to SMEs—are actively seeking solutions to environmental challenges, spurred in part by the growing pressure of carbon taxes imposed on fossil fuel emissions. This has created significant demand for environmental innovations, providing fertile ground for the emergence of high-growth startups in this space.
Investment in environmental and sustainability-focused technologies continues to rise, both in Thailand and abroad. Thailand, in particular, offers a unique combination of factors that position its startups for global expansion: abundant space and resources, as well as real-world environmental challenges that make it an ideal sandbox environment for piloting environmental technologies. These technologies can be trialed across industries under the country’s Green Transformation framework—whether through the adoption of renewable energy, boosting energy efficiency, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, or mitigating pollution.
There is capital available—both from end-users and from investors—and there is strong momentum in the ecosystem. All of this makes Thailand a viable launchpad for unicorns.”
Mr Phattananat Wongwan, Chief Growth Officer (CGO) of MUI Robotics Co Ltd, stated that MUI Robotics’ technologies are already being widely adopted within Thai industries, thanks to their ability to address environmental concerns within industrial production processes. With the support of the NIA, MUI Robotics has been able to accelerate its growth and extend its reach into international markets. In particular, the opportunity to meet with investors and showcase their solutions at Web Summit Qatar 2025 has significantly raised the profile of Thai innovation and helped gain recognition from overseas investors.
“Our technologies go beyond solving local environmental challenges—they’re applicable to industrial problems on a global scale,” said Mr Phattananat. He emphasized that government support is key to enabling more startups to emerge and thrive. “If the government continues to champion and invest in the startup ecosystem, especially in the Climate Tech and Green Tech sectors, Thai startups will be well positioned for sustainable growth on the world stage.”
Mr Pamekitti Puktalae, Technical Product at AltoTech Global Co Ltd, remarked that many industries today are striving to position themselves as leaders in sustainability. This demand creates opportunities for startups developing environmental solutions—whether by creating carbon-neutral spaces or providing ESG-supporting tools—to step in and add real value.
He continued, “NIA’s support in enabling AltoTech, which integrates AI and IoT to address sustainability challenges, to showcase our capabilities at Web Summit Qatar 2025 has opened a crucial gateway for Thai startups to enter the global stage. A market like Qatar, which prioritizes sustainability and smart infrastructure, is an ideal fit. Participating in this event has not only allowed us to engage with global stakeholders and gain insights into international market demands, but also helped us fine-tune our solutions to align with diverse expectations and accelerate our global expansion.”
“Additionally,” he added, “this opportunity has significantly boosted the credibility of Thai entrepreneurs, which in turn has increased our visibility and appeal to both domestic and international investors.”
Hashtag: #NIA
https://www.nia.or.th/The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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No Judgement, No Awkwardness: More Hongkongers Are Opening Up to AI for Mental Health Support
A newly completed Hong Kong study suggests there may finally be a way to bridge that gap. The AIM Greater China Psychology Research Group has completed a Hong Kong-based study conducted in the 2025–2026 academic year, comparing the effectiveness of human hypnotherapists against AI in delivering hypnotic experience-based stress relief experiences. The findings were striking: a significant proportion of participants felt that both approaches yielded virtually equivalent levels of relaxation — and more than 60% reported preferring their AI session after the fact.
Over 400 Applicants: A Reflection of a Generation in Need of Being Heard
The research team recruited participants experiencing family-related stress via Facebook. Within a short period of the post going live, over 400 individuals voluntarily applied — a figure that speaks not only to the pervasiveness of stress in modern life, but also to a growing willingness among the public to prioritise their own emotional wellbeing and actively seek self-care solutions.
From the applicant pool, 48 participants were randomly selected to take part. Each participant underwent two separate hypnotic experience stress relief audio sessions, each lasting approximately one hour — one recorded by a human hypnotherapist, and one fully generated by AI, including both the script and voice. Participants then compared their personal experiences of both sessions.
What Humans Can Do, AI Can Do Too
In the most critical area of comparison — stress relief effectiveness — the largest single group of participants (41.7%) rated the AI and human sessions as equally effective. On a scoring basis, the AI hypnotic experience averaged approximately 2.92 points, compared to 2.58 points for the human session — with AI coming out marginally ahead.
The study further found that nearly 90% of participants indicated they would enjoy a session if it genuinely helped them feel relaxed. In other words, what people truly care about is whether it works — not whether the voice behind it belongs to a human or a machine. On this front, AI has passed the test.
Over 60% More Willing to Share Their Feelings with AI
The results around personal preference were perhaps the most eye-opening. When asked which session they enjoyed more, 62.5% of participants chose the AI experience — and among women, that number climbed even higher, to 68.4%.
So what made AI the preferred choice? Researchers believe it comes down to one simple thing: feeling safe. With AI, there is no worry about being judged. No fear of saying the wrong thing. No awkwardness. About 1 in 4 participants said they actually found it easier to talk openly with AI — because it communicates in a way that feels clear, calm, and natural, much like everyday conversation.
The truth is, some things are just easier to say when no one is watching. That is not a flaw in human nature — it is simply how many of us work.
When it came to privacy, the findings were equally reassuring. More than half of all participants said they had no concerns about AI handling their personal information. Only a very small number — just 2.08% — said they felt uncomfortable. This points to a growing sense of trust in AI tools among the general public.
AI Reads the Data; Therapists Read the Person
Beyond the hypnotic experience itself, the local research team also evaluated AI’s capability as an analytical tool — with equally impressive results.
AI was able to rapidly process large volumes of participant responses, objectively assess individual stress levels, and identify underlying patterns. For instance, AI identified that 35% of participants independently expressed a desire for “personal space” or “better soundproofing” in their homes. On the surface, these may seem like trivial lifestyle concerns — yet AI connected this pattern to the reality of Hong Kong residents living in constrained spaces, highlighting a deeper psychological sense of having “nowhere to breathe”. This level of insight would be difficult to uncover through manual review of dozens of questionnaires alone.
AI also observed that many participants habitually occupied the role of “problem-solver” or “mediator” within their households, suppressing their own emotional needs in the process. Researchers noted that this reflects a widely recognised social phenomenon — the pressures faced by eldest daughters and the so-called “sandwich generation,” caught between the responsibilities of caring for ageing parents and raising children. AI’s ability to rapidly identify these hidden emotional burdens allows therapists to bypass lengthy preliminary assessments and focus more swiftly on the core issues that require their attention.
AI Is Here to Help, Not to Take Over
The local research team emphasises that the study was never intended to position AI as a replacement for human therapists. Rather, the aim is to explore how the two can work in tandem. Much like how blood test reports assist physicians in diagnosis, AI can play an analogous supporting role in the mental health field — organising data, identifying patterns, and lowering barriers to seeking help, so that mental health professionals can direct their energy towards the moments that truly require a human touch.
Those who proactively seek psychological support remain a minority, often deterred by the fear of inconvenience, social stigma, or the awkwardness of speaking up. If AI can serve as the bridge that encourages more people to take that first step, that alone may be its most meaningful contribution to society.
Hashtag: #HypnosisInstitute
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Hypnosis Institute
Hypnosis Institute is dedicated to helping people in Hong Kong lead healthier and more fulfilling lives through hypnotic experience. We offer accessible and practical hypnotic experience training programmes designed to integrate hypnotic techniques into everyday life, with a focus on stress management, emotional wellbeing, and personal growth.
Hypnosis Institute is Hong Kong’s only hypnotic experience professional development platform that simultaneously operates a research group, social innovation group, practical training group, crisis psychological support group, charitable initiatives, networking events, therapeutic services, and a comprehensive training pathway.
As the sole Hong Kong chapter of the Association for Integrative Medicine (AIM) in the United States, the sole overseas Hong Kong academy of UK educational institution Study House (Quality Licence Scheme), and the sole specialist hypnotic experience training school in Hong Kong under Cambridge International College in the United Kingdom, Hypnosis Institute provides internationally recognised qualifications that contribute to the advancement of the industry.
Founder Charles Leung is a trainer of trainers in the field of hypnotic experience, and has been specially appointed by the Association for Integrative Medicine as the Chief Instructor for Specialist hypnotic experience in Greater China. He has trained over 1,000 hypnotherapists and instructors, upholding the highest standards of professional development in the mental health field.
The Institute’s programmes integrate a comprehensive range of methodologies, including hypnotic experience combined with MBTI personality profiling, DISC behavioural analysis, mental health coaching, emotional education, and the HiddenMe Cards inner child tool — providing a holistic and personalised approach to hypnotic experience practice. Instructors specialise in paediatric hypnotic experience, Internal Family Systems (including inner child) hypnotic experience, stress and insomnia relief hypnotic experience, interpersonal relationship hypnotic experience, as well as hypnotic experience in reminiscence and palliative care.
Driven by the belief that everyone can harness the power of hypnotic experience to enhance their mental wellbeing, Hypnosis Institute is committed to sharing psychological knowledge and providing professional support in the areas of emotional management, life challenges, and the professional development of the hypnotic experience industry.
Follow us at hypnosisinstitute.com.hk, 
Facebook, 
Instagram and 
YouTube for the latest updates.
Held at deMori @ FCC Signature, the event featured a live platform demonstration, partner showcase, and networking sessions aimed at facilitating engagement between founders, advisors, and investors.
Introducing CapitalOS
CapitalOS, BizPal’s corporate finance platform, was presented through a live demonstration during the event. The system integrates operational, brand, and financial data into a structured framework designed to support investor readiness and due diligence.
According to BizPal, the platform is intended to help SMEs organise their business information into formats aligned with investor expectations, enabling clearer communication during fundraising discussions.
“SMEs should never walk into a funding conversation unsure of their numbers,” said Ms. Anya Tan, CEO of BizPal Malaysia.
MOUs Expand Distribution Network
The event also included the signing of Memoranda of Understanding between BizPal and two Malaysian partners, My Education Platform and VA Partners. Both organisations will serve as authorised distributors of BizPal’s education and advisory programmes across Malaysia.
The partnerships expand BizPal’s reach within the SME ecosystem by working with local organisations that support business development and capability building.
“Partnering with BizPal allows us to introduce structured, investor-ready methodologies to the SME community we serve,” said Mr. Jeff Lee, Director, My Education Platform.
A representative from VA Partners is expected to provide a statement following final endorsement.
Global Mentorship Exchange (GMX)
During the event, BizPal also presented the Global Mentorship Exchange (GMX), an ecosystem initiative designed to connect experienced business leaders with high-potential entrepreneurs.
The initiative provides a structured environment for mentorship supported by data-based evaluation and standardised assessment criteria aligned with investor expectations. GMX was first introduced during BizPal’s Data Fundraising Masterclass in December 2025 and was presented to a broader network of partners and investors at BizPal Day.
Next Steps
Following the event, BizPal plans to expand the adoption of CapitalOS and continue developing its partner network across Malaysia and the ASEAN region.
Hashtag: #NoDataNoTalk #DataFundraising #InvestorReady #CapitalReadiness #FinTech #BusinessValuation #ASEANSMEs #BizPalDay
https://www.bizpal.tech/
https://www.facebook.com/simplyfi.sg
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About BizPal
BizPal provides data-driven corporate finance solutions designed to help ASEAN SMEs become investor-ready. Its platform, CapitalOS, integrates operational, strategic, and financial data into a unified system that supports business evaluation and investor engagement.
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Vinhomes Green Paradise Can Gio And IHG Hotels & Resorts Partner To Bring Four International Hotel Brands To The Coastal Mega Urban Development
Under the agreement, IHG will develop four hotels with a total of more than 1,000 rooms at Vinhomes Green Paradise Can Gio, including InterContinental Saigon Can Gio with 400 rooms, Crowne Plaza Saigon Can Gio with 400 rooms, Holiday Inn Express Saigon Can Gio with 130 rooms, and Garner Saigon Can Gio with 130 rooms.
InterContinental Saigon Can Gio, a world-renowned luxury brand, will deliver premium hospitality experiences tailored to international travelers and domestic guests seeking high-end accommodation. Crowne Plaza Saigon Can Gio, one of the largest upscale hotel brands globally, will cater to frequent travelers with modern, flexible spaces designed to optimize productivity and foster connections.
Holiday Inn Express Saigon Can Gio and Garner Saigon Can Gio will expand the destination’s accommodation offering with efficient, high-quality stays focused on value, making the development more accessible to a broader range of guests. This also marks the official debut of both brands in the Vietnamese market.
According to the development timeline, Holiday Inn Express Saigon Can Gio and Garner Saigon Can Gio are expected to open in 2028, followed by InterContinental Saigon Can Gio and Crowne Plaza Saigon Can Gio in 2030.
In this partnership, Vinpearl, a member of Vingroup, will act as the project operator and lead the collaboration with IHG Hotels & Resorts, while coordinating with all stakeholders throughout the development and operational phases.
Together with Vinpearl’s world-class hospitality brand, the addition of four premium IHG hotels will help realize a 7,000-room accommodation ecosystem at Vinhomes Green Paradise Can Gio, meeting the growing demand for extended stays and diverse experiences year-round in Can Gio and Ho Chi Minh City.
Complementing the hospitality offering, a series of large-scale entertainment and resort facilities unique to Vinhomes Green Paradise Can Gio will further elevate the destination. These include the 122-hectare VinWonders theme park featuring the world’s tallest artificial snow mountain and nearly 200 attractions, the 5,000-seat Blue Waves Theater, the 800-hectare Paradise Lagoon, the five-star international cruise port Landmark Harbour, and two 18-hole international-standard golf courses. Together, these developments aim to position Can Gio as a globally-recognized tourism and resort hub, targeting 40 million visitors annually and standing alongside leading destinations in Vietnam and worldwide.
Mr. Rajit Sukumaran, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, East Asia & Pacific, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “This agreement marks the beginning of a strategic partnership between IHG and Vingroup. Bringing four of our standout brands to Vinhomes Green Paradise Can Gio reflects the diversity of our portfolio, as well as our strong commitment to supporting Vietnam’s goal of becoming a leading global tourism destination. With brands spanning multiple segments, we believe this collaboration will help create an integrated hospitality ecosystem that meets the diverse needs of travelers at one of Vietnam’s most significant developments.”
Ms. Ngo Thi Huong, Chief Executive Officer of Vinpearl Joint Stock Company, said: “We selected IHG not only for its global brand portfolio but also for its proven operational expertise across international markets. Introducing InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn Express, and Garner to Vinhomes Green Paradise Can Gio is a key step in completing our service structure and establishing international operating standards for the mega project’s hotel system. With this partnership as a foundation, we believe Vinhomes Green Paradise will progressively emerge as a world-class destination, where a fully integrated ecosystem continues to enhance its appeal to residents and both domestic and international visitors.”
Vinhomes Green Paradise is located in the southeastern part of Ho Chi Minh City. Construction began on April 19, 2025, with a total area of 2,870 hectares. The development features three sides facing the sea and is adjacent to the Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO-recognized site. The project is being developed to leading ESG++ standards, integrating green, smart, ecological, and regenerative principles.
The development benefits from a well-connected transport infrastructure network, including the Ben Thanh – Can Gio high-speed railway, which will reduce travel time from central Ho Chi Minh City to just 13 minutes, the Can Gio Bridge, the interchange connecting Rung Sac Road with the Ben Luc – Long Thanh Expressway, and the Can Gio – Vung Tau sea-crossing route, enabling travel between two major tourism hubs in just 10 minutes.
With a diverse range of accommodation options, internationally-standardized hotel systems, and a wide array of cultural, artistic, sports, and entertainment facilities aligned with green, smart, and community-friendly principles, Vinhomes Green Paradise Can Gio stands out as a rare mega urban development that both sets new benchmarks for ESG living and delivers a world-class tourism and resort experience.
Hashtag: #Vinhomes
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About IHG Hotels & Resorts:
IHG Hotels & Resorts is a global hospitality company with a portfolio of 21 brands and IHG One Rewards, one of the world’s largest hotel loyalty programs with over 160 million members. IHG currently franchises, leases, manages, or owns more than 6,900 hotels across over 100 countries, with more than 2,300 hotels in its development pipeline.
IHG’s brand portfolio spans Luxury & Lifestyle, Premium, Essentials, and Suites segments, including well-known brands such as Six Senses, Regent, InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn Express, Garner, Staybridge Suites, and Candlewood Suites.
About Vinhomes
Vinhomes is Vietnam’s leading real estate developer, pioneering the development of large-scale, well-planned urban areas with integrated amenities, green living environments, and modern lifestyles. In addition to 36 urban developments currently in operation nationwide, Vinhomes continues to focus on building next-generation mega and super urban developments of regional scale and significance, aspiring to create some of the most livable cities in the world while significantly transforming Vietnam’s urban landscape.
For more information, please visit https://vinhomes.vn/vi
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