Thai Inventors Showcase Outstanding Innovations and Receive NRCT Special Awards at ITEX 2026 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
The National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), presented the NRCT Special Award Competition during the 37th International Invention, Innovation and Technology Exhibition (ITEX 2026), held from 18–20 May 2026 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The awards were established to recognize outstanding inventions and innovations that demonstrate excellence, creativity, and strong potential for practical application. The initiative also reflects Thailand’s commitment to promoting high-quality research and innovation on the international stage.
A total of 25 distinguished inventions and innovations received the NRCT Special Award at ITEX 2026. The award-winning projects represented a broad spectrum of fields, including healthcare and medicine, biotechnology, sustainable materials, environmental technology, agriculture, food innovation, engineering, industrial technology, and digital innovation.
Among the award-winning projects were:
- Graphene-Coated Iron for Safe X-Ray Radiation Protection by Associate Professor Dr. Akkawat Ruammaitree and team, Thammasat University.
- ALF Eco-Glass: Sustainable Foam Glass Insulation from Upcycled Industrial Waste by Associate Professor Dr. Nuntaporn Kongkajorn and team, Thammasat University.
- Neurophysiological Fatigue Assessment System for Safety Management in High-Risk Workplaces by Associate Professor Dr. Kedsara Rakpongsiri and team, Thammasat University.
- Smart Wound Healing Product Innovation by Assistant Professor Dr. Tullayakorn Plengsuriyakarn and team, Thammasat University.
- ChewScore: Dental Innovation for Mastication Assessment and Rehabilitation by Assistant Professor Dr. Sitakan Natphopsuk and team, Thammasat University.
- Hybrid Energy Storage Device Using Upcycled Biomass-Derived Carbon for Portable Energy Applications by Associate Professor Dr. Yuttana Mona and team, Chiang Mai University.
- All-Cellulose Thermal and Acoustic Insulation Panels from Recycled Textiles by Associate Professor Dr. Nattakan Soykeabkaew and team, Mae Fah Luang University.
- Rapid Antibody Test Kit for Fasciola gigantica Infection Detection by Assistant Professor Dr. Narin Changkluemmoa and team, Burapha University.
- Natural Rubber-Based Dental Surgery Simulator for Lip and Maxillofacial Surgical Training by Associate Professor Dr. Nithinat Saetang and team, Prince of Songkla University.
- ECOCRAFT: Sustainable Bio-Leather Innovation from Natural Rubber Composite and Agricultural Waste Materials by Assistant Professor Dr. Panita Sumanatrakul and team, Thaksin University.
- Fender Plus: A Novel Formulation for Aedes Mosquito Control by Associate Professor Dr. Nutchaya Kumrungsee and team, Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi.
- Smart Survey Platform for Modern Survey Engineering Applications by Ms. Kanokphan Buanoi and team, Rajamangala University of Technology Krungthep.
- SmartTS Digital Maintenance Platform by Mr. Nattapol Prawatruangsri and team, Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT).
- Palm Ash-Based Coagulant Product for Water Treatment and Water Quality Improvement by Dr. Rewadee Anuwattana and team, Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research (TISTR).
The NRCT Special Awards recognized innovations from leading universities, research institutes, government agencies, and technical institutions across Thailand. The award-winning projects demonstrated strong potential for commercialization, industrial application, environmental sustainability, healthcare advancement, and societal impact.
In addition, NRCT presented the NRCT Honorable Mention Award to participating inventor teams in recognition of their contributions and commitment to advancing innovation through their participation and presentations at ITEX 2026.
The success of Thai inventors at ITEX 2026 reflects the country’s growing strength in research, invention, and innovation. NRCT remains committed to supporting Thai inventors and researchers in bringing their innovations to international platforms, fostering global collaboration, and enhancing Thailand’s competitiveness in science, technology, and innovation.
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by: National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT)