The Kangsadan Medical Innovation District (KMID) Administration Centre at Khon Kaen University, in collaboration with the National Innovation Agency (Public Organization) (NIA) and network partners, officially hosted the “Kangsadan Medical Innovation District Tech Forum & Masterclass 2026: The Northeast Gateway to Thailand Medical Innovation Hub”. The event was held from 27 to 28 August 2026 at The Heritage Grand Khon Kaen Hotel & Convention.

The opening ceremony was presided over by Ms. Montha Kaihirun, Director of the Start-up Promotion Department at the National Innovation Agency (NIA), alongside Assoc. Prof. Cholatip Pongskul, M.D., Director of the KMID Administration Centre, KKU, together with executive representatives from partner organisations. The forum attracted a large audience of medical innovation experts, university faculty members, healthcare entrepreneurs, and interested members of the public.

Building upon the success of the “Road to Thailand Medical Innovation Hub” pitching stage held on 20 July 2026, this event represents another vital milestone for KMID in establishing Khon Kaen Province as the primary regional gateway to the national medical hub. The initiative aims to build and interconnect a sustainable medical innovation ecosystem across the Northeastern region.

Assoc. Prof. Cholatip Pongskul, M.D., Director of the KMID Administration Centre, highlighted the Strategic direction and potential of the Kangsadan District:

“The Kangsadan area possesses high potential and readiness to become a key strategic zone for testing and developing national health innovations. We are committed to developing this district into a vibrant ecosystem that connects research, technology, and clinical applications within hospitals. Ultimately, this will improve public health outcomes and strengthen the international competitiveness of Thai medical innovations.”

Ms. Montha Kaihirun, Director of the Start-up Promotion Department at the NIA, outlined the vision behind the Thailand Medical Innovation Hub initiative:

“The NIA places immense importance on nurturing and supporting regional health tech entrepreneurs. This partnership with KMID and our network allies serves as a vital catalyst to accelerate the growth of medical start-ups in the Isan region, granting them essential access to funding, expert mentorship, and standardized clinical testing pathways necessary to successfully launch Thai-developed innovations into commercial and global markets.”

The two-day conference featured an intensive, action-oriented schedule. Day one (27 August 2026) focused on the KMID Masterclass 2026, where 11 shortlisted medical innovation teams participated in specialized mentoring sessions with industry experts before presenting on the Innovation Stage. The day concluded with a Networking Dinner and an awards ceremony recognizing outstanding ventures:

• Masterclass Best Performance Award: Team SOMA plant nugget

• Judges’ Choice Award: Team Portable Automatic Dreadlock Braiding Machine

• Medical Consultation Advancement Grants (3 Teams): Team Shield step, Team Growth & BoneTH Application, and CentricX AI Co., Ltd.

The second day (28 August 2026) opened with a panel discussion on innovation district network integration, featuring the Director of the KKU Science Park and representatives from the Phyathai-Paolo Hospital Group. This was followed by technical seminars on advanced medical technologies divided into three core tracks:

1. Medical Artificial Intelligence (AI): Featuring four key sessions, including the FixAi fracture detection system and KMID’s Health Data Sandbox.

2. Medical Devices: Highlighting automated patient screening systems under the topic SMART EASY OPD/IPD.

3. Cell and Gene Therapy: A session exploring advanced therapeutic potential in collaboration with the KKU Therapy Centre and the KKU Phenome Centre.

Throughout the two-day event, participants also explored the Thailand Medical Innovation Hub Showcase, which featured over 15 interactive booths from partner organizations.

The successful hosting of the “Kangsadan Medical Innovation District Tech Forum & Masterclass 2026” marks a significant milestone for Khon Kaen University and the NIA in bolstering the regional innovation ecosystem. This initiative plays a vital role in elevating Thailand’s medical innovation capabilities to international standards, delivering high-value health technologies and skilled personnel to drive sustainable economic and societal progress.