Session: 40 ปี เอ็มเทค สร้างคน สร้างนวัตกรรม: 40 Years of MTEC & RDC Homecoming
Date: Friday 13 November 2026
Time: 13:30 – 18:00
Onsite: Jupiter 4 – IMPACT Challenger, IMPACT Muang Thong Thani
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40 Years of MTEC: From “Innovator Incubator” to Thailand’s Innovation Network
When Talent Development Becomes the Greatest Research Outcome
“Over two decades ago, few could have anticipated that a small arena for robot design and fabrication would evolve into the origin of a powerful innovator network driving Thailand’s industrial sector today.”
The sounds of screwdrivers and whirring motors remain a shared memory for over 2,000 alumni of RDC Thailand (Robot Design Contest). Organized by the National Metal and Materials Technology Center (MTEC) under the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), RDC was established as a hands-on learning platform for youth in engineering and design.
As time passed, what remained in participants’ minds was not merely the competition or the robots built, but the enduring bonds, trust, and professional network. On the occasion of MTEC’s 40th Anniversary, the story of RDC underscores the center’s core conviction: “MTEC’s greatest research achievement is not merely technology, but the development of people.”
- The Genesis of Innovation: Human Capital First
Throughout its four decades, MTEC’s mission as a research institution in metals and materials has extended far beyond laboratory discoveries. MTEC believes that research achieves true national impact only when capable individuals apply that knowledge to innovate and advance industries.
RDC was designed not just as a competition, but as an “Innovator Incubator.” Students nationwide collaborate under equal conditions:
- Level Playing Field: Participants do not compete as university-based teams; there are no privileges or cash prize incentives.
- Network-Centric Design: Students from different institutions, academic disciplines, and regions are blended into mixed teams to learn adaptability and cross-functional collaboration.
These team dynamics have forged lifelong relationships, leading many alumni to become co-researchers, colleagues, and technology startup co-founders. As the RDC core philosophy states: “Competitions end in days, but friendships last a lifetime.”
- The RDC DNA: Cultivating Holistic Competencies
Beyond technical engineering skills, RDC cultivates an “Innovator Mindset.” Participants master mechanical design, material selection, control systems, time management, real-time problem solving, and cross-disciplinary communication. This process instills the RDC DNA, comprising three pillars:
| RDC DNA Element | Strategic Value |
| 1. Mechanics | Deep expertise in mechanical engineering, kinematics, and strategic material selection. |
| 2. Control | Systems thinking, automation control, and hardware-software integration. |
| 3. Soft Skills | Leadership, effective communication, teamwork, resilience, and learning from failure. |
These competencies cannot be acquired through textbooks alone; they are forged through hands-on practice, iteration, and perseverance under pressure—where failure is embraced as a crucial step in the learning process.
- From Competitors to Industry Leaders in the AI Era
Upon leaving RDC, alumni have progressed to become researchers, engineers, entrepreneurs, and founders of technology enterprises.
In the era of Generative AI and Large Language Models (LLMs)—which are rapidly revolutionizing robotics development—the “RDC DNA” is more valuable than ever. While AI accelerates code development and physical simulation, human capabilities in physical engineering design, real-world problem solving, and teamwork remain indispensable. Physical robotics continues to demand engineers who understand materials, comprehend complex systems, and can navigate real-world challenges where there is no “Undo” button.
- 40 Years of Building Thailand’s Innovation Ecosystem
MTEC continues to foster strong partnerships across universities, industrial sectors, and public-private alliances to build a robust ecosystem for science, technology, and innovation. RDC stands as an exemplary investment in Human Capital, growing from a local robotics contest into an international alumni network across top organizations.
This aligns with MTEC’s overarching anniversary theme:
“Strong Foundation, Materials Innovation & Sustainable Future”
A nation’s strongest foundation lies not in advanced machinery alone, but in its people—those capable of developing and applying technology to elevate national competitiveness and quality of life.
- Event Highlight: The 1st RDC Homecoming @ MSAT-13
To mark MTEC’s 40th Anniversary, MTEC is hosting the 1st RDC Homecoming event during the MSAT-13 International Conference:
- Dates: November 13, 2026
- Venue: IMPACT Arena, Muang Thong Thani, Thailand
- Theme: Connecting generations of innovators—from senior to junior, students to researchers, and robot builders to future industrial leaders—to exchange experiences, inspire new collaborations, and drive Thailand’s future.
Conclusion: A Lasting Legacy
Robots built in past competitions may become fond memories, and technologies will inevitably evolve. However, the true asset grown over the past 40 years is the enduring network of innovators cultivated by MTEC—people ready to share knowledge, collaborate, and pass on inspiration to future generations.
40 years ago, MTEC created innovations from materials. Today, MTEC is building the future through people—the most sustainable legacy for the nation.
Program
| Time | Topics | Speakers |
| 13:30 – 13:40 | Welcome Remarks by Dr. Patchralita Chatwalitpong, Vice President, Science and Technology Human Resources Development, National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) | |
| 13:40 – 14:10 | Cultivating Innovators: Lessons from 20+ Years of RDC Thailand | Associate Professor Dr. Witaya Wannasuphoprasit Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University |
| 14:10 – 14:40 | Global Trends in Robotics Human Capital & Research Ecosystem | Professor Masaki Yamakita Tokyo Institute of Technology, Japan |
| 14:40 – 15:40 | Panel Discussion
“Building Thailand’s Innovation Ecosystem” Panelists:
Moderators:
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| 15:40 – 16:00 | Refreshment |
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| 16:00 – 17:00 (12 min. each) RDC Alumni Ignite Talks (Theme A): Ignite Deep Tech & Industry Impact |
Fixing Blackouts in Seconds: Inside Thailand’s Smart Grid Revolution (แก้ไฟดับในเสียววินาที: เบื้องหลังการทํางานของ “สมองกลไฟฟ้า” ครอบคลุมทัวไทย) |
Mr. Damrongsak Chinchotiphan Engineer Level 6 of Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) |
| How High-fidelity Simulation Solves Real-world Robotics Challenges (การใช้เทคโนโลยีโลกเสมือนที่สมจริงเพื่อแก้ปัญหาการพัฒนาหุ่นยนต์ในปัจจุบัน) |
Mr. Titiwat Munintravong Founder of OmniCraft |
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| DentiiScan: Expanding Dental Care Access Across Thailand (DentiiScan กับการเพิ่มโอกาสเข้าถึงบริการทันตกรรมของคนไทย) |
Dr. Kittipong Kasantikul Researcher of National Electronics and Computer Technology Center (NECTEC), NSTDA |
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| Listening to Structures to Detect Hidden Damage (ฟังเสียงโครงสร้างเพื่อค้นหาความเสียหายที่มองไม่เห็น) |
Dr. Panida Kaewniam Engineer of Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) |
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| 17:00 – 18:00 (12 min. each) RDC Alumni Ignite Talks (Theme B): Ignite Entrepreneurs & Changemakers |
The 19 Years Journey (จากสนาม RDC ทักษะสร้างหุ่นยนต์ ต่อยอดสู่ทัศนคติสร้างธุรกิจ เส้นทางจาก Day 1 สู่การ Exit และก้าวต่อไปเพื่อสังคม) |
Miss Wannapen Saepian Learndo Social Enterprise Co., Ltd. |
| You don’t have to start from Zero: Changing Thai Farming with Second-hand Technology (ไม่ต้องเริ่มจากศูนย์ เปลี่ยนท้องนาไทยด้วยเทคโนโลยีมือสอง) |
Mr. Warut Phothiphan Owner of PLKC Co., Ltd. |
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| Transforming Patient Care Through AI (พลิกโฉมการดูแลผู้ป่วยด้วย AI) |
Mr. Narongchai Limpiyapirom Co-founder of CARIVA (Thailand) Co., Ltd. |
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| Zero to One: Founders Espresso (Zero to One: ช็อตเด็ดเคล็ดลับฉบับ Founder) |
Mr. Sathittham Sangthong Head of Engineering of The LivingOS |
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| 18:00 | Networking Dinner (Invited Only) | |
Note: Program is subject to change without prior notice.
Speakers & Moderator
| Keynote Speakers, Panelists and Moderators | |||
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| Assoc. Prof. Dr. Witaya Wannasuphoprasit Dean of Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University |
Prof. Masaki Yamakita Tokyo Institute of Technology, Japan |
Asst. Prof. Dr. Teerakiat Kerdcharoen Board Member of National Metal and Materials Technology Center Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University |
Asst. Prof. Dr. Surat Kwanmuang Associate Dean, Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University |
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| Dr. Sarawut Lerspalungsanti Deputy Executive Director of National Metal and Materials Technology Center (MTEC), NSTDA |
Dr. Kamol Chuengsatiansup A4 Robotics Co., Ltd. |
Miss Siriporn Pansawat Manager, National Electronics and Computer Technology Center (NECTEC), NSTDA |
Dr. Chi-na Benyajati Researcher, National Metal and Materials Technology Center (MTEC), NSTDA |
| RDC Alumni Ignite Talks (12 min. each): Ignite Entrepreneurs & Changemakers | |||
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| Miss Wannapen Saepian Learndo Social Enterprise Co., Ltd. |
Mr. Warut Phothiphan Owner of PLKC Co., Ltd. |
Mr. Narongchai Limpiyapirom Co-founder of CARIVA (Thailand) Co., Ltd. |
Mr. Sathittham Sangthong Head of Engineering of The LivingOS |
| RDC Alumni Ignite Talks (12 min. each): Ignite Deep Tech & Industry Impact |
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Mr. Titiwat Munintravong |
Dr. Panida Kaewniam Engineer of Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) |
Mr. Damrongsak Chinchotiphan Engineer Level 6 of Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) |
Dr. Kittipong Kasantikul Researcher of National Electronics and Computer Technology Center (NECTEC), NSTDA |