The National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, extends its congratulations and highest praises to the Thai inventor delegation for bringing fame to Thailand once again by winning various award categories at The 5th Silicon Valley International Inventions Festival (SVIIF) 2026. This year, the Thai inventor team from the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) captured the Semi-Grand Prix award on August 16, 2026, at the Santa Clara Convention Center, USA.
The project receiving the Semi-Grand Prix award is titled "New Innovation in Mine Surveying: Integrating Laser Scanning Power and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles" by Mr. Bunyarit Kheaw-aram and his team from EGAT. This process innovation was developed to integrate data from Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and laser scanners to reduce delays in surveying and calculating the volume of coal mining excavations, as well as to solve machinery downtime issues. By utilizing laser scanning, or Cloud Ground Control Point (CGCP), the data provided is highly accurate and rapid, increasing coal mining opportunities by up to 10,000 tons per month.
Additionally, Thai inventors and researchers received major awards at SVIIF 2026, which include:
WIPO National Award for Enterprises from the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) for the project: “Innovative Traditional Thai Medicine Recipe from Kratom, an Economic Herb, for Treating Patients with Alcohol-Related Problems in the Public Health Service System” by Pharmacist Teeratorn Sangrai and her team from the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine.
IFIA Best Invention Award from the International Federation of Inventors’ Associations, USA, for the project: “Development of an Innovative Powdered Dietary Supplement Drink for Targeted Preventive Bone Care through Evidence-Based Nutritional Science at an Accessible Price (PEAK)” by Mr. Jirapon Sengnongban and his team from Smartmed Group 2019 Co., Ltd., and the Thai Biomedical Engineering Association.
On this same occasion, Thai inventor teams also received Special Prizes on stage from international organizations as follows:
“AbleCoach: A Digital Platform for Coordination and Collaboration between Employees with Disabilities and Organizational Teams” by Ms. Weena Nithipapanan and her team from Chulalongkorn University received the Special Award from the Taiwan Invention Association, Taiwan.
“Ventilating Natural Light Dome (100% Direct Radiation Protection)” by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sopa Visitssak and her team from Kasetsart University received the ARCA Award from the Croatian Union of Innovators, Croatia.
“Short Story Book Series Promoting Morality and the Love of Reading” by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Daranee Saksiriphol and her team from Srinakharinwirot University received the Hong Kong Innovation Grand Award from The Exhibition for Hong Kong SAR, Hong Kong.
“Innovative Antibacterial Bedsheet and Pillowcase from Thai Herbs for the Well-being Care of the Elderly or Dependents in Nursing Home Care” by Dr. Krittidet Anan and his team from Rajamangala University of Technology Krungthep received the Special Prize from the Korea Invention Promotion Association, South Korea.
“Development of an Atrial Fibrillation Screening System to Assess Stroke Risk” by Mr. Wichian Donram and his team from Princess Chulabhorn Science High School Chonburi received the RIVA Special Award from the Institute of Innovation Research and Attribute Verification, Vietnam.
During the award ceremony, Dr. Wiparat De-ong, Executive Director of the National Research Council of Thailand, delivered a Congratulatory Speech to the winning inventors and researchers at SVIIF. She praised the teams for building a strong reputation and earning international recognition for the high standards of Thailand's inventions and innovations. Furthermore, she emphasized the opportunities to promote and further develop these award-winning creations to generate commercial value and utilize them for the continued development of the country across various sectors.
