The University Holding Company initiative has gained considerable attention among public research institutions and universities in recent years. A holding company is a separate legal entity established to professionally manage investments in innovation-driven businesses. Its core function is to facilitate the commercialization of university research through spin-offs and to invest in high-potential ventures. By connecting these businesses to university resources, industry leaders, and financial support, it fosters their growth and success.
The Holding Company initiative is a key mechanism for increasing the number of innovation-driven enterprises (IDEs), playing a critical role in advancing Thailand’s economy beyond the middle-income trap. NXPO has been actively promoting the initiative among universities across Thailand.
Key Developments
- The policy to support the establishment and operation of holding companies was approved by the Policy Council on 17 September 2020.
- Guidelines for the establishment and operation of holding companies by higher education and public research institutions were approved by the Special Committee on Innovation Ecosystem on 2 June 2021.
- Two regulations on public-private partnerships in projects utilizing research and innovation were enacted:
- The Prime Minister’s Office Regulation on Public-Private Partnerships in Projects Utilizing Research and Innovation B.E. 2566 (published in the Royal Gazette on 27 July 2023).
- The Policy Council Regulation on Public-Private Partnerships in Projects Utilizing Research and Innovation B.E. 2566 (published in the Royal Gazette on 26 January 2024).
- Seminars and roadshows were organized to raise awareness and understanding of the University Holding Company initiative.
Achievements
Eleven universities have successfully established holding companies, including:
- CU Enterprise by Chulalongkorn University
- Ang Kaew Holding by Chiang Mai University
- M Venturer by Mahidol University (under restructuring)
- Nawawiwat by King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi
- TUIP by Thammasat University
- KUniverse by Kasetsart University
- TSU Enterprise by Thaksin University
- KMIT Ladkrabang by King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang
- PSU Holding by Prince of Songkla University
- MAGROW Holding by Maejo University
- SUTx by Suranaree University of Technology
Impacts and Future Prospects
The University Holding Company initiative has not only led to the establishment of 11 holding companies but also supported over 80 IDEs and facilitated more than THB 300 million investments. Moreover, several other universities and public organizations are in the process of setting up their own holding companies with support from NXPO. These include Srinakharinwirot University, the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA), the Provincial Electricity Authority, the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT), the National Innovation Agency (NIA), and the Royal Thai Navy.
Note: Information as of August 2024.
