The National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, led a team of Thai inventors and researchers to build global confidence in the standard of Thai innovations. The team successfully captured the JDIE Grand Prize at the international invention and innovation competition, the “Japan Design, Idea and Invention Expo” (JDIE 2026), held on July 4, 2026, in Osaka, Japan.
The winning project for the JDIE Grand Prize was Bloomblock: A New Generation Orchid Planting Material for Farmers and Urbanites by Asst. Prof. Dr. Natthaphong Chanchula and his team from the Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research (TISTR). This invention serves as an orchid planting material of the future, specifically designed for farmers and urban green living. The novelty of the project lies in the creation of planting blocks by blending cement, coconut coir, and biochar. The innovation stands out for its high durability and excellent drainage, featuring a porous structure that facilitates quick drying, reduces moisture accumulation, and eliminates root/base problems.
In addition to the JDIE Grand Prize, Thai inventors were recognized with two other major awards at the event:
Monozukuri Excellence Award: Awarded to MycoGuard Air Purifier: An Air Purifier with an Anti-Fungal System for Libraries by Dr. Chutipan Lertvachirapaiboon from Nexbond Co., Ltd. This invention is a dual-function air purifier utilizing filter technology coated with anti-fungal agents to help reduce the contamination of fungal spores, dust, and airborne pollutants.
Universal Design Innovation Award: Awarded to the Decentralized Infrastructure Platform for Beyond Visual Line of Sight Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Operations by the Royal Thai Radio Control Airplane Sports Association. This invention is a decentralized infrastructure platform designed for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone operations and disaster surveillance.
Furthermore, three other Thai inventions and innovations received Special Prizes on Stage from international organizations:
Bougainvillea Extract Bubble Mask Cream Product Encapsulated in Nano-Chitosan Particles for Anti-Pollution and Skin Brightening by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kornwinwich Boonpisuttinant and team from MT Natural Herbs Co., Ltd. (Awarded by the Indonesian Invention and Innovation Promotion Association, Indonesia).
Cyber Step by Acting Major Dr. Watcharapol Laksanalomai and team from Chachoengsao Technical College. (Awarded by the Malaysian Research & Innovation Society, Malaysia).
Automated Field Heavy Metal Ion Detector Using Queen's Crape Myrtle Flower Extract by Miss Keetarat Somprasong and team from Princess Chulabhorn Science High School Mukdahan. (Awarded by the Toronto International Society of Innovation & Advanced Skills, Canada).
The inventions of Thai inventors and researchers also secured numerous medals across various categories at JDIE 2026, totaling:
Gold Medals: 67 projects
Silver Medals: 21 projects
Bronze Medals: 4 projects
Dr. Wiparat De-ong, Executive Director of the NRCT, extended her congratulations to the awarded inventors and researchers during the JDIE 2026 award ceremony. She expressed her admiration for the awardees, both from Thailand and internationally, who have dedicated themselves to creating high-potential inventions and innovations. She praised their efforts in showcasing these works to the global community through international competitions in order to drive global change. Finally, she thanked WIIPA for honoring the NRCT, on behalf of Thailand, in bringing the works of Thai innovators to compete and be exhibited at the prestigious event.
The 41 organizations from Thailand that won awards at the “Japan Design, Idea and Invention Expo” (JDIE 2026), among them are:
Thammasat University
Srinakharinwirot University
Royal Thai Radio Control Airplane Sports Association
Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT)
Zen Innovation Group Co., Ltd.
MT Natural Herbs Co., Ltd.
Chiang Mai University Demonstration School
Triam Udom Suksa School
Montfort College
and many other distinguished institutions across Thailand.
