UOB FinLab Thailand’s GTA programme wins Prime Minister Award

Representatives of the 12 Thai GreenTech companies selected for UOB FinLab’s 2024 GreenTech Accelerator (GTA) programme together with Mr Banlang Wongthawatchai, Head of Digital Engagement and FinTech Innovation, UOB Thailand (UOBT) and Mrs Sansanee Huasomboon, Director Business Innovation Division, National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), who are among mentors for the programme.

The GreenTech Accelerator (GTA) programme by UOB FinLab Thailand has been recently conferred the prestigous Prime Minister Award: Innovation for Sustainability 2024 at the Startup x Innovation Thailand Expo 2024 (SITE2024) hosted by the National Innovation Agency of Thailand in July 2024.

UOB Thailand (UOBT) unveiled the UOB’s FinLab GreenTech Accelerator (GTA) programme in Thailand earlier this year, marking a significant step towards addressing pressing sustainability challenges. This initiative aims to empower GreenTech companies to pilot innovative solutions that create positive environmental impact.

A total of 12 Thai GreenTechs are among the final 33 companies selected for the regional initiative from a competitive pool of 350 applicants across ASEAN. The selected enterprises will participate in a rigorous six-month programme designed to foster growth, transformation, and networking opportunities.

UOB FinLab Thailand has worked closely with its corporate partners across ASEAN to identify major sustainability challenges faced by companies and the industry. The selected GreenTech companies will collaborate with these partners and UOB FinLab to develop innovative solutions to address real-world sustainability issues. Key focal areas include energy efficiency, circular economy and waste management, carbon management and reporting, food and agriculture, and urban planning.

Mr Banlang Wongthawatchai, Head of Digital Engagement and FinTech Innovation, UOB Thailand, said, “We are truly excited to launch the GreenTech Accelerator Programme in Thailand, as this initiative reflects our strong dedication to fostering innovation and promoting sustainability. We designed this programme to help startups take their green technologies to the next level.”

UOBT’s FinLab team led by Ms Piyaporn Ratanaprasartporn, Country Function Head of Channels and Digitalisation (second from right), Mr Banlang Wongthawatchai, Head of Digital Engagement & Fintech Innovation and Ms Chatsarun Komanant, Head of Fintech & Ecosystem Partnership received the Prime Minister Award: Innovation for Sustainability 2024 recognising the GTA programme in Thailand. Mrs Sansanee Huabsomboon, Director of Business Innovation Center, NNSTDA) (left) also joined the award presentation.

This esteemed award was presented by the Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESRI) on behalf of the Prime Minister of Thailand. UOB FinLab Thailand was nominated for the GreenTech Accelerator award by government agencies partners National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) and National Innovation Agency (NIA), who are long-term partners with UOB FinLab. The nomination was meant to recognise UOB FinLab Thailand’s commitment in supporting Thai SMEs and tech solutions with their digital and sustainability transformation journey.