On October 31, 2023, the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), led by Associate Professor Dr. Toemsak Srikhirin, Director of the National Metal and Materials Technology Center (MTEC), and accompanied by MTEC representatives, actively participated in the Thailand Plastics Innovation Demonstration Day. The event was spearheaded by the Australian Embassy in Thailand as a part of the collaborative initiative, Mekong Plastics Innovation Alliance, between Thailand and Australia. The event brought together a diverse array of stakeholders, including the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) of Australia, the Thailand Environment Institute (TEI), the Thai Plastic Industries Association and its affiliated members, innovative startups, venture capital financial institutions, and key figures from regulatory bodies overseeing plastic waste management policies. This dynamic gathering convened at the SO/ Bangkok Hotel.
Dr. Angela McDonald, the Ambassador of Australia to Thailand, emphasized the Indo-Pacific Plastic Innovation Network (IPPIN)’s pivotal role as a regional network in driving innovation to tackle plastic waste challenges and mitigate the adverse effects of climate change.
“The Mekong Plastics Innovation Alliance is an integral component of the Mekong-Australia Partnership, which reflects Australia’s deep recognition of the pressing environmental challenges confronting Thailand and the broader Mekong subregion, particularly plastic pollution. Australia is firmly committed to collaborating with the region to enhance climate resilience.”
Associate Professor Dr. Toemsak Srikhirin, Director of NSTDA’s MTEC, emphasized the escalating prominence of plastic waste as one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. While the management of plastic waste presents a formidable global challenge, rapid technological advancements are paving the way for effective solutions to address this pressing issue. To navigate the ever-evolving landscape of plastic innovation, innovators and entrepreneurs must embrace a commitment to continuous learning, adaptability, and technological ingenuity. Simultaneously, they must recognize the indispensable role of international and regional collaboration as a driving force behind groundbreaking success. The Demo Day event is a captivating showcase of innovative solutions and transformative ideas from IPPIN Accelerator Program participants. Through rigorous mentorship and guidance, these innovators and entrepreneurs have honed their concepts and developed market-ready solutions that promise to revolutionize the plastic industry.
The Demo Day event features a captivating array of pitching presentations by researchers, innovators, startups, and entrepreneurs. Among the nine participating teams, six successfully completed the IPPIN Accelerator Program, an intensive eight-week training journey. This program was meticulously designed to equip participants with the essential skills and knowledge in business planning, marketing plan development, market analysis, and business development. Teams meticulously selected by the IPPIN committee will be granted the exclusive opportunity to progress to the Grow program, the culminating phase of IPPIN initiative. This comprehensive program provides participants with intensive coaching and the potential to secure seed funding from CSIRO or partner organizations, propelling the further development of their promising products and services.
The remarkable success of this event is a testament to the robust collaboration of the plastic innovation partnership in the Mekong region between Thailand and Australia. The MTEC research team, spearheaded by Dr. Nudjarin Ramungul, Environment Research Group specialist, Dr. Witchuda Daud, Director of the Advanced Polymer Technology Research Group, and Dr. Asira Fuongfuchat, Acting Deputy Executive Director in Research and Development of Material Science and Engineering, played a pivotal role in the development and execution of strategic activities alongside CSIRO, under the memorandum of understanding “MTEC-CSIRO Plastics Innovation Hub Thailand”.
Furthermore, as esteemed members of the Advisory Committee, they offer invaluable insights and guidance to innovators and entrepreneurs throughout the program, fostering collaborative endeavors that will shape the future trajectory of the Mekong Plastics Innovation Hub, with Thailand firmly established at the core of the hub’s operational activities.