National Science and Technology Development Agency

The National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) is Thailand’s national agency for S&T and one of the leading S&T centres in Southeast Asia. NSTDA was established in 1991 under a special law and is governed by an Executive Board appointed by Cabinet and chaired by the Minister of Science and Technology. NSTDA consists of four national technology centres, together with the Corporate Office, Technology Management Centre (TMC) and Agricultural Technology and Innovation Management Institute (AIMI). The four national technology centres are the National Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), the National Metal and Materials Centre (MTEC), the National Electronics and Computer Technology Centre (NECTEC) and the National Nanotechnology Centre (NANOTEC).
 
NSTDA’s main mission is to conduct R&D in the four main technology areas as well as to develop and support R&D in universities and other institutions, using in-house national technology centres and granting mechanisms. NSTDA is also involved in S&T manpower development in Thailand, creating S&T infrastructure and working with the private sector in support of national socio-economic goals.
 
The NSTDA Corporate Office and the four national centres are located at Thailand Science Park (TSP), the first science park in Thailand, which is located about one hour north of central Bangkok. TSP houses 2,800 NSTDA staff and about 80 private companies.