NRCT Congratulates Chulalongkorn University on Winning the Grand Prize at iENA 2026
12 November 2026
The National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), congratulates Chulalongkorn University on winning the Grand Prize at the International Trade Fair – Ideas, Inventions and New Products (iENA 2026), held from 31 October to 2 November 2026 at the Nuremberg Exhibition Centre in Nuremberg, Germany.
The Grand Prize-winning invention, “SRPC: Social Reflection Picture Cards – A Picture Card Set for Screening Children's Social Risk Indicators and Preventing School Violence,” was developed by a research team from the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts, Chulalongkorn University.
The innovation features a set of picture cards designed to help screen children's social risk indicators by exploring their experiences and interactions with peers. Children can view and select images that reflect their own experiences, providing an alternative to conventional assessment methods that rely on reading, writing, or direct verbal responses. The cards also serve as a communication tool, enabling teachers, parents, and specialists to initiate conversations with children, identify potential risk indicators, better understand their social interactions, and provide appropriate support at an early stage.
In addition to the Grand Prize, five Thai inventor teams received Special Prizes from international organizations, including:
1.China Association of Inventions (CAI Award – Invention & Innovation), People's Republic of China: “Senovate AI: A Real-Time Predictive Artificial Intelligence Platform for Dairy and Beef Cattle in Tropical Regions Using High-Precision AI Sensor Technology to Predict Estrus and Disease, Reduce Farming Costs, Increase Profits, and Manage Carbon Footprints,” developed by Senovate AI Co., Ltd.
2.Korea Invention Promotion Association (Special Prize), Republic of Korea: “Smart Public Street Lighting Control Device,” developed by the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA).
3.International Federation of Inventors' Associations (IFIA Award): “Design and Development of a High-Performance Integrated Dental Unit for Mobile Dental Vehicles to Support an Ageing Society and Remote Areas,” developed by Smartmed Group 2019 Co., Ltd.
4.Indonesian Invention and Innovation Promotion Association (Special Award), Republic of Indonesia: “Home Abalone: Biomimetic Geopolymer Shelter Material to Enhance the Sustainable Survival Rate of Abalone Larvae,” developed by Princess Chulabhorn Science High School Pathum Thani.
5.Hong Kong Delegation Award (Junior), Hong Kong SAR: “NIRAC: An Innovative Acute Kidney Injury Risk Monitoring System Using Renal Oxygen Level Assessment and Infrared Light Analysis to Activate Kidney-Protective Mechanisms Against Ischemia,” developed by Bangkok Christian College.
Furthermore, Thai inventors and researchers received more than 47 medals across the Gold, Silver, and Bronze categories at iENA 2026, reflecting the diversity of Thai research and innovation showcased at the international exhibition.
Dr. Wiparat De-ong, Executive Director of NRCT, attended the award presentation ceremony and congratulated the Thai inventors and researchers on their achievements. NRCT remains committed to supporting the further development and practical application of these award-winning inventions and innovations, with the aim of creating economic value, expanding opportunities for technology adoption, improving efficiency, and contributing to national development across various sectors.
A total of 23 Thai organizations participated in iENA 2026, representing universities, government agencies, research institutions, private companies, and schools. Their participation provided an opportunity to showcase Thai inventions and innovations on the international stage, exchange knowledge and experiences, and establish connections that may contribute to further research development and international recognition.
