The International College of Digital Innovation, Chiang Mai University (ICDI), in collaboration with the Chiang Mai Provincial Administrative Organization (PAO) and CNX Innovation Sandbox, organized the Youth AI-Preneur Project on September 6–7, 2025, at Lamai Hotel, Chiang Mai. The initiative aims to enhance AI competencies and foster creativity among young people, preparing them to become next-generation entrepreneurs.

The opening ceremony was honored by the presence of distinguished executives from various sectors, including Mr. Thiraphat Tanphiriyakul, Deputy Chief Executive of Chiang Mai PAO; Mr. Pochana Srisilpanan, Deputy Mayor of Chiang Mai Municipality; Associate Professor Dr. Rattasit Sukhahuta, Vice President of Chiang Mai University; Assistant Professor Dr. Rujira Ouncharoen, Dean of ICDI CMU; as well as representatives from Chiang Mai Municipality, private sector organizations, and digital innovation agencies.

The Youth AI-preneur Project focuses on developing Chiang Mai youth across three key dimensions:
• Upskill & Reskill: Learning AI and new digital skills to stay competitive in the global arena.
• Entrepreneurship Mindset: Strengthening entrepreneurial thinking and business model design.
• Innovation & Creativity: Applying Generative AI technologies such as ChatGPT, Gemini, and Botnoi Voice to create innovations and enhance digital marketing.
The program received overwhelming interest, with more than 160 participants including students, undergraduates, and members of the general public, actively joining the activities.

The two-day intensive program featured hands-on workshops delivered by expert speakers from the public and private sectors, as well as academia. Notable contributors included Dr. Thanawat Thiasiriphet (K.Toon) from Botnoi Group, Mr. Praya Komanee from DEPA, the ICDI lecturer team, and Adirek & Co.

Looking ahead, the project plans to expand into Virtual Training, enabling students and entrepreneurs to access online learning modules with assessments and free access to Generative AI tools. This initiative aligns with the policy of “Promoting Trilingual Learning and One Computer Skill,” aimed at enhancing youth potential, nurturing new-generation entrepreneurs, and fostering sustainable grassroots economic development through technology and innovation.