Khon Kaen University to Host ISAN Creativity and Innovation Summit 2026 to Drive Regional Creative Economy

The Faculty of Architecture, Khon Kaen University, invites innovators, researchers, and entrepreneurs across the Greater Mekong Subregion to explore high-potential industries and sustainable development at ICIS 2026.

Khon Kaen University (KKU) is set to host the ISAN Creativity and Innovation Summit 2026 (ICIS 2026). Under the theme “ICIS-Modern: Serving Innovation Experiences, Adapting, Recovering, Elevating Growth Opportunities, and Forging Thai-International Friendships,” the summit will serve as a dynamic platform for designers, innovators, business leaders, researchers, and creators from Northeast Thailand and the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS). The event aims to propel the regional creative economy by harnessing the power of design thinking and innovation.

Organised by the Faculty of Architecture, Khon Kaen University, in collaboration with network partners, the summit is scheduled to take place on Sunday, 12 July 2026, from 08:30 to 17:00 hrs at the College of Local Administration, Khon Kaen University. A parallel event, the Gen SEA Summit 2026, will also be held on the preceding day, Saturday, 11 July 2026, providing further opportunities for academic and professional networking.

The summit will prominently feature five high-potential modern industrial innovation groups specific to the Northeast region. The primary focus is the “Innovative-High Potential of Northeast-dern Industry,” which encompasses the entertainment industry, design and craft arts, and modern regional gastronomy. Additionally, the event will highlight “Green-novation” for environmental sustainability and disaster relief, “Medical and Wellness-Novation,” “Ag-Novation” for smart agriculture, and “Tour-Novation” focusing on contemporary tourism and recreation.

The event is particularly suited for designers, architects, inventors, academics, researchers, students, and entrepreneurs interested in the creative economy. Interested participants are encouraged to register for the summit online at https://arto.kku.ac.th/reg-icis2026. Further inquiries can be directed to the event’s official communication channel at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576284590870.

This initiative closely aligns with Khon Kaen University’s overarching mission to foster academic excellence, promote research and innovation, and drive sustainable development through community engagement. By empowering local creators and facilitating international collaboration, KKU continues to champion the creative economy and societal well-being across the region and beyond.