NRCT Partners with TSAJ to Organize the “Mirai Catalyst Hackathon Challenge 2026,” Connecting Thai Researchers in Japan to Thailand’s Research and Innovation System
5 July 2026
The National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, in collaboration with the Thai Students’ Association in Japan under Royal Patronage (TSAJ) and the network of Thai researchers in Japan, organized the “Mirai Catalyst Hackathon Challenge 2026.” The event took place on Sunday, July 5, 2026, at the Tokyo International Exchange Center in Tokyo, Japan. Its primary goal was to elevate the potential of Thai students and researchers in Japan, enabling them to channel their knowledge, experiences, and international networks back to benefit Thailand’s research and innovation ecosystem.
The event was held during the significant milestone of the 140th anniversary of Thai-Japanese diplomatic relations. It reflects the elevation of bilateral cooperation—expanding from education, industry, and technology into high-quality human resource development, the creation of next-generation researcher networks, and the drive toward future innovations.
More than 50 Thai master's and doctoral students, along with researchers from leading Japanese universities, participated in the event. Mr. Dom Rungrueang, President of the TSAJ, served as the main coordinator and delivered the welcome remarks.
The event was highly honored by Prof. Dr. Yodchanan Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, who delivered a special video address titled “Strategic Research and Innovation Translation.” He shared his vision for national development through science, research, and innovation, emphasizing the crucial role of overseas Thai researchers as "Global Thai Talent" who can bridge global knowledge to create a tangible impact on Thailand.
Furthermore, Dr. Wiparat De-ong, Executive Director of the NRCT, expressed her support for the initiative. She highlighted the NRCT's commitment to being an agency that not only provides research funding but also creates opportunities, connects networks, and cultivates an ecosystem conducive to the growth of Thai researchers both domestically and internationally.
While the Mirai Catalyst was a one-day seminar and hackathon, it was strategically designed as a "Learning Journey." Participants gained hands-on experience and insights through the following activities:
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Expert lectures and experience sharing
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Coaching and mentoring sessions from industry specialists
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Teamwork and innovation ideation
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Business and Intellectual Property (IP) learning
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Pitching presentations, complete with awards to inspire teams with outstanding concepts
To broaden participants' perspectives on translating research into practical applications across academic, business, industrial, and social dimensions, the event featured essential keynote lectures:
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"Thailand’s Innovation Ecosystem" by Asst. Prof. Dr. Tanyanuparb Anantana, Vice President of Chiang Mai University
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"Research Commercialization" by Asst. Prof. Dr. Thinnakorn Pongthiya, Deputy Director of the Science and Technology Park, Chiang Mai University (STEP)
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Anak Khantachawana, the Project Head, noted that the Mirai Catalyst initiative builds upon the "Zero to One" project previously conducted with the Thai student and researcher network in the United Kingdom. The core objective is to prepare overseas Thai researchers to tangibly integrate their global knowledge, experiences, and networks back into Thailand's science, research, and innovation systems.
The success of this event also underscores the strength of the TSAJ. As a robust student network, TSAJ played a vital role in co-designing and driving this initiative, creating a collaborative space for the new generation of Thais in Japan to meet, learn, collaborate, and build long-term connections.
Ultimately, the NRCT firmly believes that the Mirai Catalyst will serve as a crucial mechanism for driving "Brain Circulation"—the active flow of knowledge, experience, and networks from Thais abroad back to their home country. It marks the foundation of a strong Thai researcher network in Japan, paving the way for future collaborations in research, innovation, and high-quality workforce development.
