Guangzhou: Chiang Mai University won an award at the IEI 2026 forum in Guangzhou, reflecting the power of research and innovation for international application. Chiang Mai University (CMU) showcased its research and innovation capabilities on an international stage after submitting works from faculty, researchers, students, young innovators, and partner networks to be exhibited and presented at 'The 12th International Exhibition of Inventions (IEI 2026)' held from August 21-23, 2026, at the China Import and Export Fair Complex in Guangzhou, People's Republic of China. CMU's diverse works across various fields, including environment, bioresources, food, health, and value-added products, received awards at the event. This reflects the university's ability to translate research knowledge into practical innovations that meet real-world needs and gain international recognition. It also reflects CMU's research approach, which focuses on connecting scientific knowledge, technology, and innovation with practical appl ication through collaboration between researchers, students, youth, government agencies, and the private sector. The goal is to develop works that address societal needs, leverage local resources and knowledge, and create added value and positive impacts in economic, social, and environmental dimensions.
According to Thai News Agency, two projects from the Environmental Science Research Center, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, were showcased, under the supervision of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wan Wiriyaporn. These included: 'SAPOPURE: Natural Saponin Deodorizer Innovation for Animal Spaces,' an innovative odor-reducing product using natural saponin for animal rearing areas, which received the Silver Medal and the NRCT Honorable Mention Award from the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT); and 'Beeotic: Stingless Bee Honey Jelly Beads from Bio-Composite Plywood Hives Enhanced with Local Fruit Antioxidants for Vulnerable Groups,' an innovative stingless bee honey jelly beads made from bio-composite plywood hives, fortified with antioxidants from local fruits for vulnerable groups, which received the Bronze Medal and the NRCT Special Award from the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT).
The "SAPOPURE" product was developed by extracting natural saponins from agricultural waste materials such as crab claw pods. This extraction process resulted in a product designed to reduce unpleasant odors and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in livestock farming areas, markets, and waste management zones. The project prioritizes safety, biodegradability, and environmental friendliness, following the principles of the circular economy. The development team comprises Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wan Wiriya (advisor), Ms. Rattiya Saikaew (postdoctoral researcher), Mr. Briwut Jiramongkolrat (Master's student in Environmental Science, Chiang Mai University), and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Arthit Yawutt (Faculty of Engineering, Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna).
Meanwhile, the "Beeotic" project, a collaboration between students from Watthanothai Payap School and researchers, utilized knowledge of stingless bee honey, biomaterials, and antioxidants from local fruits to develop a product that adds value to community resources and addresses the needs of vulnerable groups. It received the Bronze Medal and the NRCT Special Award from the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT).
The Food and Packaging Innovation Center (FIN) of the Faculty of Agro-Industry, Chiang Mai University, led a team of Thai researchers and entrepreneurs under the project 'Connecting and Strengthen Herbal Capabilities in Mekong-Lancang with Green Technology' to present their work at IEI 2026. Professor Dr. Yutthana Pimolsiriphol, Dean of the Faculty of Agro-Industry, Chiang Mai University, as the project leader, along with the project researchers and representatives from the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (OHEC), International Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Policy Driving Group, participated in monitoring the project's progress. This project is supported by the Mekong-Lancang Special Fund, with FIN serving as the project management unit.
The Faculty of Agro-Industry and its network participated in this event with 5 innovative projects, covering dietary supplements, functional drinks, health and beauty products, and bioactive ingredient innovations. These include: 'GX Shoot: High-Bioavailability Supplement for Men' by Professor Dr. Yutthana Pimolsiriphol, Faculty of Agro-Industry, Chiang Mai University, in collaboration with Skin Medical Consultant Co., Ltd.; 'NEXT-GENERATION ADVANCED PREBIOTIC INNOVATION: Active Prebiotic Shot and Bird's Nest Analogue Functional Drink for Gut Health and Longevity' by Assistant Professor Dr. Supat Pongthai, Faculty of Agro-Industry, Chiang Mai University, in collaboration with Yingpaisarn Agricultural Co., Ltd.; 'Marta's REJUVENA JEWEL: Edamame Procyanidin Functional Beverage Innovation' by Associate Professor Dr. Chulaluk Khemajiwakul, Faculty of Agro-Industry, Chiang Mai University, in collaboration with Doyrak Laewang Co., Ltd.; and 'Juicy Skin: Nanoemulsion Skin Treatment Oil from Cold-Pressed Peach Seeds' .
The collaborative work between the Food and Packaging Innovation Center (FIN) and The Empress Enterprise Co., Ltd., and 'SERO-9: Multifunctional BioActive Serum with Green-Extracted Botanical and Insect Bioactives via Advanced Nano-Delivery' by Associate Professor Dr. Warthida Chaiyana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Chiang Mai University, in collaboration with Siam Dermapotec Co., Ltd., along with five other projects, received honorary awards at IEI 2026, along with special awards from the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT).
Chiang Mai University's (CMU) participation in IEI 2026 reflects the diversity of research and innovation that can be leveraged from university knowledge into practical applications. This ranges from creating value from bio-resources and waste materials, developing environmental innovations, to food, health, and beauty products. This success is achieved through the integration of knowledge from various disciplines and collaboration with networks from the government, academia, and the private sector. This achievement marks another significant step for CMU in promoting research and innovation at the international level, creating opportunities for knowledge exchange, fostering collaborative networks, and expanding avenues for the widespread application of research findings. This is part of CMU's commitment to becoming a hub for knowledge and innovation that creates value and positive impact on society, the economy, and the environment.