OHESDC Minister-Counsellor Joins DC Startup & Tech Week 2026 Panel

On October 22, 2026, Mr. Thitidej Tularak, Minister-Counsellor (Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation) at the Office of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, Royal Thai Embassy, Washington, D.C. (OHESDC), participated as a speaker in a panel discussion titled “Passport to Scale: How Startups Unlock New Markets with Embassy and Ecosystem Support.” at the International Square Conference Center in Washington, D.C., as part of DC Startup & Tech Week 2026.

The panel brought together representatives from diplomatic missions and international business organizations to discuss how startups can expand into foreign markets and how embassies and business networks can support their international growth. Other speakers included Geoffrey Odero, Commercial Counsellor at the Embassy of Kenya; Alicia Sornson, U.S. Country Advisor for Invest in Türkiye; and Daniela Berger-Huza, Director of Programs and Business Operations at the German American Chamber of Commerce. The discussion was moderated by Guc Ozenci of the Founder Institute.

During the discussion, Mr. Thitidej highlighted Thailand’s efforts to support startups pursuing international expansion. These include connecting Thai entrepreneurs with U.S. investors and business partners and facilitating opportunities for Thai startup delegations to participate in international events such as DC Startup & Tech Week and SelectUSA. The discussion also touched on investment promotion, funding opportunities, and support programs offered by relevant Thai agencies, including the Board of Investment (BOI) and the National Innovation Agency (NIA).

In addition to the panel discussion, Thai startups from Chulalongkorn University participated in the Pitch Social event, which featured 28 startups. All three participating teams: MUU, LOCOL Company, and LIVVELL advanced to the top three, with LIVVELL taking first place.

OHESDC congratulates LIVVELL on its achievement and commends all three Chulalongkorn University teams for their success. Their participation demonstrates the potential of Thai startups to showcase their innovations, build international connections, and pursue growth opportunities in global markets.