Thailand's National Innovation Agency (NIA) has gained new legal powers to become a direct equity investor and establish venture trusts—a major policy shift. The initiative introduces a 40:30:30 capital allocation formula across stages (university through Series A), targets five high-potential sectors (Health & Wellness, NatureTech, AgTech/FoodTech, Pet Economy, Creative Business), and plans to become a primary government customer via performance-based procurement to reduce tech imports. This directly expands funding pathways for Thai startups and signals serious state commitment to building local innovation capacity.