The FOUNTAIN Project consortium members recently undertook a fruitful visit to Chiang Mai, Thailand, from Thursday, February 8th to Saturday, February 10th, 2024.

The visit commenced on Thursday with registration and an opening ceremony, followed by participation in the FAB 2024 Conference. After a lunch break at the Kantary Hills Hotel, the consortium members embarked on a series of educational food factory visits, including Nithi Foods Co., Ltd. and Sunsweet Public Co., Ltd. The day concluded with a welcoming dinner at the Kantary Hills Hotel.

On Friday, the group travelled to the Science and Technology Park (STeP) at Chiang Mai University, where they explored tech startup incubators. Following a lunch break, the afternoon was dedicated to a series of special guest lectures at the Kantary Hills Hotel. Dr. Chawapol Jariyawiroj, President of Huawei Technologies (Thailand) Co., Ltd., delivered a lecture on “Digital Transformation for Agriculture and Industry,” while Assistant Professor Dr. Tanyanuparb Anantana, Director of the Northern Science Park, Thailand, spoke on “Ecosystem for Creating Start-up to Drive Innovative Businesses.” After a brief break, the consortium members engaged in work package discussions and country presentations on the project’s WP 2 survey findings from Thailand and Sri Lanka. The day concluded with an evaluation session.

Saturday’s program focused on university-industry engagement, with dedicated sessions for both Sri Lanka and Thailand. Following a break, the steering committee meeting was held, and the group enjoyed a final lunch at the Kantary Hills Hotel before embarking on an excursion, marking the conclusion of the successful visit.

This visit to Chiang Mai provided the FOUNTAIN Project consortium members with valuable opportunities for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and fostering connections with stakeholders in Thailand’s food and agriculture sector.