Khon Kaen, July 1, 2025 — SEA Bridge, an international consulting firm and cross-border venture builder, has partnered with Khon Kaen University (KKU), led by the Faculty of Business Administration and Accountancy (KKBS), to officially launch “Isan Bridge” — a regional collaboration platform designed to connect local entrepreneurs, students, and innovation networks in Northeast Thailand with opportunities across ASEAN and global markets.

This partnership marks a major step in developing the potential of youth and emerging entrepreneurs in the Isan region through curriculum co-development, real-world internships, regional research and case studies, and impact-driven events such as the Isan Bridge Hackathon — a flagship program to be held annually in Khon Kaen and neighboring provinces. The goal is to establish a platform that inspires innovation, nurtures creativity, and mobilizes local strengths toward international growth.

“We’re proud of our continued collaboration with Khon Kaen University, particularly KKBS, over the past two years. This year, KKU became the university that sent the most students to SEA Bridge NextGen — and launching the Isan Bridge Hackathon is another powerful step forward.”

— Kasper-Tanakrit Sermsuksan, Founder of SEA Bridge

What Is “Isan Bridge”?

“Isan Bridge” is a strategic platform that integrates the FISH Capitals — Financial, Intellectual, Social, and Human Capital — to drive systemic transformation at the local, regional, and national levels. The initiative includes:

• Flagship events such as Hackathons, Design Sprints, and Bootcamps
• Project-based training programs and cooperative internships
• Regional research and case studies (e.g., Isan SMEs, cross-border trade, GI products)
• Empowering over 100 local and next-gen entrepreneurs annually
  
  

“KKBS has a clear vision to develop critical thinkers and action-oriented students. This aligns perfectly with SEA Bridge’s mission to be a ‘Growth Partner for Good Business.’ We believe this collaboration will become a replicable model for other universities to localize and expand in their regions. We look forward to create more successful next generations of entrepreneurs from Khon Kaen and Isan.”

— Asst. Prof. Dr. Pongsutti Phuensane, Dean of KKBS, Khon Kaen University

Looking Ahead With a Year Goal for Isan Bridge

• Support the development of at least 100 high-potential entrepreneurs in Isan
• Host the annual Isan Bridge Hackathon in Khon Kaen and surrounding provinces, with project showcases at major events such as the Isan Creative Festival and Isan Creativity and Innovation Summit
• Co-develop curriculum with KKBS and other faculties in collaboration with SEA Bridge and its university network
• Produce case studies and research on regional innovation and development
• Offer intensive training and internship opportunities through the SEA Bridge NextGen program, with dedicated bootcamps for participants

A Platform for Regional Transformation

The collaboration between SEA Bridge and KKU serves as the foundation for Isan Bridge to become a regional platform that brings together universities, government agencies, the private sector, and new-generation innovators — connecting local capital and talent with international markets and partners, forming a truly Local-to-Global network.

“This Hackathon was a crucial final piece of the puzzle — linking research, students, and market readiness. Our faculty is proud to take part in this process, and we are committed to expanding Isan Bridge into a true bridge of opportunity between Isan and the world.”

— Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kitapatr Dhabhalabutr, Dean, Faculty of Architecture, Khon Kaen University

Voices from the Next Generation

“Working on a real project with teammates from diverse universities and countries helped me see the business world more clearly — both in Thailand and abroad. It gave me the courage to break through my limits and dream even bigger.”

— Natcha Laepong, SEA Bridge NextGen Batch 3, International College, KKU

Be Part of the Isan Bridge Movement

Isan Bridge is no longer just a project — it is becoming a regional coalition of universities, government bodies, private-sector leaders, researchers, and next-generation changemakers who believe Isan can become a hub of creativity and global business expansion.

We invite you — whether you’re an entrepreneur, academic, public agency, or investor — to join us in building this future.

If you believe that local is powerful and that collaboration is the engine of transformation, then Isan Bridge may be the bridge you’ve been looking for.

About SEA Bridge and SEA Bridge NextGen

SEA Bridge is a cross-border venture builder and innovation partner specializing in co-creating businesses with family business successors and next-generation entrepreneurs. Our proprietary FISH Capital framework helps identify deep-rooted strengths of leaders and organizations, allowing us to unlock growth across emerging markets such as ASEAN, the Middle East, Central Asia, and BRICS.

More than just consultants, we co-create ventures, match clients with cross-border partners and investors, and help scale ideas with access to growth capital. We build with those who dare to think, act, and scale — because the future waits for no one.

Our flagship program, SEA Bridge NextGen, is a regional talent platform that trains and mentors students and young leaders through real-world activities such as Hackathons, Business Challenges, and the ASEAN Future Talent Forum. To date, over 2,000 participants from 24 countries have joined the movement.