STeP Launches UBI-Alpha: Business Contest 2026 to Empower Young Innovative Entrepreneurs

The Science and Technology Park of Chiang Mai University (STeP) is moving forward with its mission to develop an innovation ecosystem and knowledge-based entrepreneurs. The UBI-Alpha: Business Contest 2026 is a key platform to enhance the potential of new entrepreneurs from higher education institutions, aimed at driving research and innovation towards concrete commercial applications. On January 23, 2026, Asst. Prof. Dr. Kasemsakdi Uthaichana, Deputy Director of STeP, welcomed participants as the chair of the University Business Incubator Network (C-UBI) for the upper northern region. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Prama Satsararuji, Director of the Science, Research, and Innovation Promotion Division, officially opened the event. The contest, organized by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, aims to elevate entrepreneurial innovation capabilities among university students. It focuses on building entrepreneurial mindsets and enabling the practical commercialization of university research and innovations. The regional northern event, held from January 22-23, included entrepreneurship skill development bootcamps and workshops, followed by a pitching stage for presenting innovative business concepts, prototypes, and commercially viable business plans. The competition featured 72 teams from the northern network, with 15 teams ultimately selected to represent the region in the national competition. The contest was divided into three business categories: 1. Future Food 2. Green and Climate Change Solutions 3. AI and Digital Winners from each business category in each region will compete in the national final at the One Stop Open House event at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. This event highlights STeP's role as a central hub for innovation development in the northern region, driving the creation of potential new entrepreneurs who can transform academic knowledge into economic value.