The National Innovation Agency (NIA) has declared its intention to support 15 space-tech startups as part of its strategy to improve the deep-tech scene in Thailand over the next three years.
"We have to groom more local deep-tech startups engaged in advanced and emerging technologies. They spend time on R&D, which could potentially lift the country's technological capabilities and competitiveness over the long run," said Pun-Arj Chairatana, NIA executive director.
Space technology has been on the NIA's radar for a while, he said.
Citing the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency, Mr Pun-Arj said the country's space economy is currently valued at US$50 billion (around 1.6 trillion baht), but could exceed $1 trillion in 20 years.
"We need to build our own capability in this area so we can reduce the purchase or import of the technology," he said. "Even countries that are poorer than Thailand still engage in small satellite development. We need to think that space is not too far."
The NIA is working with both the public and private sectors to support startups associated with the space economy.
Startups will be supported in terms of R&D so they can further develop related products and services, said Mr Pun-Arj.
The startups can use space infrastructure, such as ground stations, and will be supported in producing satellites to reduce their import, he said, as well as leverage navigation systems, satellite communication devices and meteorological services.
Mr Pun-Arj said the NIA expects to help groom 15 space-tech startups as part of its campaign to support 100 deep-tech startups over the next three years.
The agency has three tiers for deep-tech development in its plan. The first concerns the bio-, circular and green economic (BCG) model, food tech and medical tech. The second focuses on space and defence technologies.
The third is called ARI tech, which involves artificial intelligence, robotics, immersive tech and the Internet of Things.
Krithpaka Boonfueng, deputy executive director of the NIA, said to drive the country's space economy, the agency worked with the Thai Space Consortium to usher in the "Space Economy: Lifting Off 2021" campaign. This initiative selects startups interested in space business and allows them to join the co-creation incubation and development programme to build a concrete space economy in Thailand.
The programme has been running since February this year, she said.
