Bangkok: The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET), in collaboration with the Capital Market Development Fund (CMDF), the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), and the National Innovation Agency (NIA), has launched the Private Equity Trust (PE Trust) and the University Holding Consortium (UHC). These initiatives are designed to support new economy businesses with a focus on deep-tech sectors. According to Thai News Agency, the PE Trust, with an initial investment value of 1 billion baht, aims to fund new economy businesses. Simultaneously, the UHC Consortium, involving 15 higher education institutions and their partners, seeks to leverage university resources to drive deep-tech businesses from research stages to commercialization. This dual initiative is part of a strategy to connect research and innovation with business establishment and funding. Professor Dr. Yotsanun Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, emphasize d Thailand's strong foundation in knowledge, research, and technology, particularly in deep-tech sectors. He highlighted the importance of mechanisms like the PE Trust and UHC Consortium in facilitating business growth, accessing funding, and fostering collaboration between government, private sector, and academia. Professor Kitipong Urapipattanapong, Chairman of SET, stated that the New Economy is crucial for Thailand's economic future. The PE Trust addresses funding gaps for innovative businesses, while the UHC Consortium aims to transform research into commercial value. This comprehensive ecosystem facilitates a growth pathway for businesses, aligning with the SET's efforts to ease capital market access for New Economy companies. The PE Trust is set to invest in sectors such as deep technology, AI, medical technology, and future agricultural and food technology, encouraging both public and private sector investment. SET has also proposed amendments to the dual-class share structure law to help startup ow ners retain control post-capital raising, easing their entry into the capital market. Mr. Chakchai Boonyawat, Manager of CMDF, noted that PE Trusts are developed to fill the funding gap for New Economy entrepreneurs during their expansion phase, enhancing their strategic and management capabilities. This initiative aims to build confidence and attract greater investment from the public and private sectors, facilitating long-term growth in the capital market. Dr. Kritphaka Boonfueng, Director of NIA, highlighted this collaboration as a significant advancement in Thailand's innovation ecosystem. The "NIA Venture" mechanism bridges early-stage funding and business expansion capital, reducing risks and building investor confidence. This aligns with MHESI policies and aims to improve Thailand's competitiveness in the capital market and generate long-term economic returns.