AI accelerator programs expanded into Southeast Asia this week as OpenAI launched an eight-week program with Thailand’s science ministry on August 28, selecting 10 health, wellness and education startups, the company said.

Key Takeaways

  • OpenAI launched an eight-week accelerator program with Thailand’s science ministry on August 28

  • Thailand’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, known as MHESI, is co-running the program

  • The first cohort includes 10 startups building health, wellness and education tools

  • OpenAI also announced plans to deepen engagement with developers and businesses in Brazil

Inside OpenAI’s AI Accelerator For Thai Startups

Thailand’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation is co-running the program with OpenAI, according to an OpenAI post. The ministry, known as MHESI, sets Thailand’s national science and technology policy.

The program’s first cohort includes 10 startups building health, wellness and education tools, giving them mentorship, technical resources and a fixed deadline to refine a working product.

Also Read: OpenAI Ships Jalapeño, Its First Inference Chip

A Global Push That Started With Startups, Not Just Governments

OpenAI expanded its footprint elsewhere this week, saying Thursday it would deepen engagement with developers and businesses in Brazil, according to an OpenAI announcement. Both moves fit a pattern of OpenAI courting emerging markets through local partnerships rather than product launches alone.

OpenAI has run similar programs before, including its Converge cohorts for US startups, though this marks its first with a national government as co-sponsor.

Y Combinator’s typical batch includes roughly 200 companies, making OpenAI’s 10-startup Thailand cohort a far more selective bet on quality over scale.

What Comes After The Demo Day

The eight-week program is expected to end with a showcase for investors and officials, though OpenAI did not confirm a date. Whether it produces funded companies will determine if OpenAI expands the model to other Southeast Asian countries.

OpenAI has expanded government partnerships this year in Brazil and other markets as it competes with rivals for enterprise and public-sector AI adoption.

Read Next: Judge Voids Pentagon Blacklist of Anthropic as Illegal Retaliation