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CPUGAD TBI conducts Foreign Benchmarking Mission in Thailand to strengthen innovation and startup ecosystem

by | Apr 10, 2026 | The Centralian Link | 0 comments

By CPUGAD TBI


Strengthening its global outlook, CPUGAD TBI undertakes a Foreign Benchmarking Mission in Thailand from March 16–20, 2026 under the HEIRIT Project, engaging leading institutions to enhance innovation, incubation models, and strategic partnerships.

The DOST–CPU CPUGAD Technology Business Incubator (CPUGAD TBI) successfully conducted its Foreign Benchmarking Activity in Thailand last March 16 to 20, 2026, as part of the implementation of the HEIRIT Project.

The activity aimed to strengthen CPUGAD TBI’s role as a university-based technology business incubator through international benchmarking, capacity-building, and strategic partnership development with leading innovation institutions in Thailand.

During the mission, the CPUGAD TBI delegation engaged with key institutions, including Kasetsart University (KU Technology Acceleration Center [KU-TAC] and KU Business Incubation Center [KUBIC]), Chulalongkorn University’s CU Innovation Hub, National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) Food Innopolis at Thailand Science Park, the National Innovation Agency (NIA) and SPACE-F, and the Eastern Science and Technology Park (EASTPARK) of Burapha University.

These benchmarking visits provided valuable insights into research commercialization, startup incubation and acceleration models, innovation policy frameworks, and university–industry–government collaboration mechanisms. The engagements underscored the importance of integrated innovation ecosystems, structured incubation pathways, and strong institutional and industry linkages in supporting startup development and scaling.

The visit to Food Innopolis and SPACE-F further highlighted Thailand’s advanced approach to agri-food innovation and food-tech incubation, aligning with CPUGAD TBI’s banner program on ICT for Sustainable and Creative Food Industries. Meanwhile, engagements with university-based incubators such as KU-TAC, CU iHub, and EASTPARK demonstrated effective models for translating research into market-driven solutions and nurturing startups from ideation to commercialization.

Through this mission, CPUGAD TBI strengthened its international linkages and identified opportunities for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and joint initiatives with partner institutions. These learnings are expected to enhance CPUGAD TBI’s incubation programs, operational systems, and strategic initiatives.

The activity was made possible through the continued support of the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD) and Central Philippine University, reinforcing their shared commitment to advancing innovation, entrepreneurship, and startup development in the region.

With this initiative, CPUGAD TBI reaffirms its commitment to translating global best practices into localized programs that empower startups, strengthen university–industry linkages, and advance a more dynamic and inclusive innovation ecosystem in Western Visayas and beyond.