The revered Sasin School of Management, in collaboration with its main sponsor, SCG Chemicals (SCGC), a trailblazer in the realm of sustainable polymer innovation, is ecstatic to unveil the Bangkok Business Challenge (BBC) 2025, empowered by SCGC. Marking 23 dynamic years, this competition holds the proud title of Asia’s longest-standing global student startup challenge. Guided by this year’s theme, “Growing Impactful Ventures,” it offers a vibrant global stage for university students to unveil entrepreneurial triumphs that address the pressing economic, social, and environmental issues of today. Scheduled from May 22 to May 24, 2025, at Sasin in the bustling heart of Bangkok, the event draws teams from all four corners of the globe, nurturing daring ideas, nurturing cross-cultural collaborations, and creating pathways for scaling ventures on an international stage.
The excitement is palpable at Sasin. “We are fully dedicated to crafting future leaders who are poised to make a significant impact on the world stage. A significant number of this year’s contenders are innovating in cutting-edge sectors like MedTech, HealthTech, AgriTech, and AI. Each is forging inventive pathways to tackle the globe’s most urgent challenges,” enthused Dibyendu Bose, Deputy Director of Strategy, Innovation & Impact at Sasin.
Dr. Suracha Udomsak, who dons the dual hats of Chief Operations and Innovation Officer at SCGC, joyfully noted, “At SCGC, innovation and sustainability are at the core of our ethos, powered by unrelenting research and development endeavors. Our pioneering efforts include breakthroughs such as eco-friendly plastics under the Green Polymer™ initiative and the top-tier SMX™ technology. Partnering with Sasin exemplifies the wondrous potential of cross-sector collaboration in nurturing startups that are designed to meet real-world demands.”
This year, the competition shattered previous records with an impressive 308 team applications from 82 academic institutions, marking an auspicious 11% leap from the previous year! What’s even more exhilarating is the participation of 32 universities for the very first time. A jury of esteemed judges stands ready to evaluate the pinnacle of innovation, awarding victorious teams over USD 42,000 in cash prizes and honors, among them, the coveted HM The King’s Award and HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn’s Sustainability Award.
Semi-finalist Teams:
- AGAP.AI – Asian Institute of Management, Philippines
- AgriConnect – Ateneo de Manila University, Philippines
- Beyond Connected – Sasin School of Management, Thailand
- CELLECT Laboratories – University of Waterloo, Canada
- CERO – School of Integrated Innovation, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand
- DeliGence – National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taiwan
- Edversity – Pak-Austria Fachhochschule, Pakistan
- HappEar – National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taiwan
- Humimic Biosystems – University of Arkansas, USA
- inspecTD – National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taiwan
- Joy to the World – Naresuan University, Thailand
- Krufarm – Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand
- Krumap – Sasin School of Management, Thailand
- LOCOL – Chulalongkorn University, Thailand
- MabLab – Harvard University, USA
- NeuroFore – Washington University in St. Louis, USA
- PinaClean – Shanghai Jiaotong University, China
- PowerBite – BUET, Bangladesh
- Protenere – Thammasat University, Thailand
- PulseArk Technologies – University of Arkansas, USA
For those yearning to dive deeper into the event’s riches, further details await at bbc.sasin.edu/2025. To follow the fascinating journey of these bright minds, join the network at Facebook.com/BangkokBusinessChallenge or drop a note to [email protected]. The future beckons, brimming with innovative potential and sustainable possibilities. Don’t miss it!
This event is amazing! It’s incredible to see a focus on sustainability at a global scale.
Agreed, but I wonder how much impact these startups actually have in solving real-world problems.
Every small step counts! These innovations can drive significant change over time.
But are these just buzzwords without substance? We’ve seen this before.
It’s important to also encourage younger students in schools to think like this.
Over 300 applications! That’s impressive. Shows the hunger and competition out there.
Sure, but quantity doesn’t always mean quality. Many might just be there for the prize money.
Let’s give them a chance! Many fresh ideas come from such bustling competitions.
The cash prizes are great, but what about mentorships and partnerships? Those can be invaluable.
True, mentorship over money any day! But it’s not often prioritized in these events.
Exactly! I hope Sasin and SCGC provide ongoing support for these startups.
MedTech and AI are the future. It’s thrilling to see students diving into these areas.
Not everyone shares your optimism. There are ethical concerns around AI’s rapid development.
Proud to see so many Thai universities participating and leading innovative ideas.
But are they leading, or just showcasing for international funding?
Sasin really knows how to bring international talent under one roof. This is a model for global cooperation!
Global cooperation, but is it only benefitting the privileged few?
I think it opens doors for everyone involved. It’s up to each team to leverage opportunities.
We need more events like this in different parts of the world to enhance cross-cultural collaboration.
The Green Polymer initiative sounds interesting. Does anyone know the specifics of its impact?
It’s mainly about creating plastics that are more environmentally friendly. Still early stages though.
These initiatives are great on paper, but the real-world application often lags.
It’s a gradual process. Every initiative like this pushes us in the right direction.
32 new universities joining is a sign of growing interest and commitment. Let’s keep this momentum going!
Or it’s just the latest trend that everyone wants to be part of.
The recognition from the royal family brings huge prestige to the event!
Prestige is fine, but what’s the actual follow-through after the pomp and ceremony?
I love seeing such a diverse range of international teams. Breaking cultural barriers through innovation!