PUBLISHED : 2 Sep 2023 at 05:00
Chiang Mai University (CMU) has launched “Builds”, an entrepreneurial platform co-designed by the Stock Exchange of Thailand to help its students turn their research subjects into viable businesses.
CMU rector Pongruk Sribanditmongkol said the university wants to be an entrepreneurial institution and increase its contribution to the economy to 60 billion baht in four years.
“The platform will allow CMU students to improve their research, using the university’s technology to turn studies into business models that could provide jobs, make money and mobilise the economy to improve growth across the northern region,” Dr Pongruk said.
He said more employment opportunities for high-skilled workers are needed in the North. “This would offer local students the opportunity to seek jobs in the region rather than leaving to pursue a career in Bangkok.”
He said the Builds platform aims to create over 4,200 entrepreneurs and 240 firms by 2026, employing 3,600 high-skilled workers and making over 4.5 billion baht in revenue across the North.
Asst Prof Tanyanuparb Anantana, CMU vice rector, said the Builds platform offers five entrepreneurial programmes for students to try out.
Students can enrol on courses on the platform and join the education sandbox scheme, where they can receive study credits from business which count towards their graduation.
The platform also offers students the opportunity to join a start-up incubator programme, where they will study all aspects of business operations.
Builds also comes with a start-up club in which students can share their insights and experiences with the community and recruit potential team members.
Asst Prof Tanyanuparb added the university will provide financial support to subsidise students’ businesses. It is hoped the programmes will encourage students to turn them into business models while completing their degree.