The Science Park of Khon Kaen University, in collaboration with the Science Parks of Ubon Ratchathani University and Mahasarakham University, has advanced its support for northeastern entrepreneurs entering modern retail markets. A cohort of entrepreneurs developed under the technology business development initiative was selected to showcase and retail their products at the “2nd Tops Thongthin Open House 2026: Scouting the Best of 4 Regions”. Held from 5 to 7 June 2026 at Central Khon Kaen Shopping Centre, the event aimed to provide local entrepreneurs with market linkage opportunities, business networking platforms, and avenues for domestic and international distribution expansion.
During the event, Professor Thidarut Boonmars, D.V.M., Ph.D., Vice President for Enterprise and Societal Sustainability at Khon Kaen University, highlighted the significance of empowering entrepreneurs through the application of science, technology, and innovation. She emphasised that such integration enhances competitive capabilities and fosters knowledge-based economic growth. Dr Apirachai Wongsriworaphon, Director of the Science Park at Khon Kaen University, also attended the event to offer encouragement to the participating entrepreneurs.
The opening ceremony was presided over by Mr Brian Hill (Chirathivat), Head of International Business and Partnership at Central Food Retail. He was joined by Mr Sarawut Sukloerttrakul, Khon Kaen Region 1 Director of the Government Savings Bank (GSB)—a project supporter—who shared visions and institutional roles in effectively driving Thai entrepreneurs towards business opportunities and market expansion. Additionally, Associate Professor Chawalit Thinvongpituk, Director of the Science Park Project at Ubon Ratchathani University, and Associate Professor Kiattisak Sriprouteep, Ph.D., Manager of the University-Industry Cooperation Centre at Mahasarakham University Science Park, participated in promoting institutional missions and exchanging strategic approaches to support regional science park networks, which serve as crucial mechanisms in elevating the nation’s innovation-based economy.
The “Tops Thongthin Open House 2026” serves as a premier platform for entrepreneurs to engage in direct business negotiations with the Tops procurement team through Business Matching activities. This event provides local businesses with the opportunity to have their products selected for nationwide distribution through the Tops network, while gaining industry insights and shared experiences from successful entrepreneurs during the Exclusive Talk sessions, thereby enhancing the commercial knowledge and business perspectives of next-generation entrepreneurs.
Dr Apirachai Wongsriworaphon, Director of the Science Park at Khon Kaen University, stated that this event reflects the pivotal role of the KKU Science Park as a central hub connecting knowledge, technology, and innovation with the business sector. This initiative creates new opportunities for Thai entrepreneurs to develop products, add value to commodities, and expand their competitive potential in both national and international markets, ultimately strengthening the country’s foundational and innovation-driven economies in a sustainable manner.
The implementation of this project aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by supporting entrepreneurs and generating new business opportunities. It also advances SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) by promoting the use of science, technology, and innovation to create value-added products and services, as well as SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), which reflects the multi-sectoral integration between universities, the private sector, and financial institutions in fostering an ecosystem conducive to the growth of Thai entrepreneurs, leading to balanced and sustainable long-term economic and social development.
News/Photos: Section of Enterprise and Societal Sustainability, Khon Kaen University
