The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), in collaboration with OpenAI and AIAT, launches a health innovation hackathon to empower the new generation and propel them onto the global stage.
On May 9, 2026, Prof. Dr. Yossachan Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), presided over the opening ceremony and presented awards to the winning teams of the “AIAT × OpenAI Codex Hackathon Bangkok.” The event brought together more than 200 young talents and developers to collaboratively create prototype artificial intelligence (AI) innovations focused on healthcare and wellness. The initiative aims to position Thailand as a regional hub for AI innovation.
The event was organized by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) in collaboration with the Artificial Intelligence Association of Thailand (AIAT) and OpenAI, a world-leading AI technology developer. Distinguished attendees included Prof. Dr. Supachai Pathumnakul, Permanent Secretary of MHESI; Mr. Dhanuporn Punnakanta, Assistant Minister attached to MHESI; Dr. Sriyada Palimapun, Advisor to the Minister of MHESI; Mr. Chatrin Janhom, Secretary to the Minister of MHESI; Dr. Phanumphemsak Arunee, Deputy Permanent Secretary of MHESI; along with executives from partner organizations. The event took place at the To Be Number One Conference Hall, The Pine Resort, Sam Khok District, Pathum Thani Province.
Prof. Dr. Yossachan stated that the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), together with its partners, has a clear mission to build a comprehensive innovation ecosystem by engaging global networks such as OpenAI to help enhance the capabilities of Thai developers. While keeping pace with AI technology trends is important, what the Ministry truly wants to see is a new generation that deeply understands the foundations of technology — not merely learning how to use ready-made tools, but gaining insight into the underlying structures and reasoning behind them. This deeper understanding will empower Thai people to create their own technologies and compete successfully on the global stage.
“The hackathon today serves as a safe space for everyone to experiment and create new things. I would like to emphasize: do not be afraid of failure, because failure is where we learn. But once you succeed, even just once, the world will remember you. What matters most is that after the competition, you continue turning your ideas into real innovations and push yourselves toward incubation programs that the Ministry is ready to support — especially in the fields of healthcare and wellness. This depth of knowledge and uniqueness is a key strength that can attract global investment, including from Silicon Valley, and ultimately help Thai innovators grow into world-class startups,” the Minister said.
As for the results of the “AIAT × OpenAI Codex Hackathon Bangkok,” several teams demonstrated outstanding creativity in developing AI prototype innovations for healthcare and wellness that effectively addressed real-world needs and earned awards across five categories.
The Grand Prize was awarded to Team OpenAGI.
The First Runner-up award went to Team Solace.
The Second Runner-up award was presented to Team Nhu Phrom.
In addition, two Honorable Mention awards were given to Team NeWReaSoN and Team Ban Bang Khae.
All awarded teams will receive support and further development opportunities from the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) through incubation programs designed to help transform their innovations into practical startup businesses capable of operating at both national and international levels.
News by: Ms. Sirilak Sikkhaburan
Photography by: Mr. Thitiphong Saengrak
Office of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI)
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