CU Social Innovation Hub Calls for Research Proposals to Drive Sustainable Impact
Chulalongkorn University’s Social Innovation Hub (CU SiHub), in collaboration with Tact Social Consulting, officially launched the Social Innovation-Led Enterprise Project on March 6, 2025, at the Visid Prachuabmoh Building. This initiative is designed to support high-potential research and transform it into social innovations that create meaningful societal and environmental impacts, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Director, Research Development and Integration, Office of Research Affairs, Chulalongkorn University
The project offers expert mentorship, business training, and funding to help bring these innovations to market. CU SiHub is currently offering two types of research grants:
- Prototype Fund – For early-stage exploration and concept testing.
- Seed Fund – For projects with ready-to-use prototypes looking to scale into the market.
Since its inception in November 2020, the CU Social Innovation Hub has played a crucial role in advancing social innovation at Chulalongkorn University. Over the past four years, it has incubated two cohorts of faculty members and researchers—totaling 60 participants across multiple disciplines—and allocated more than 15 million baht in funding for social innovation development. This initiative, supported by the National Innovation Agency (NIA), contributes significantly to Chulalongkorn University’s leadership in sustainable innovation, addressing critical areas such as poverty, education, social equity, environmental sustainability, and the circular economy.
Launch of the Social Innovation-Led Enterprise Project
The launch event featured an insightful discussion on “Social Innovation” with distinguished speakers from both the public and private sectors, including Ms. Atchara Rungchet (DIPROM), Dr. Savanit Boonyasuwat Kosolpisitkul (FTI), and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chaleeda Borompichaichartkul (BPP). Attendees also explored a public relations booth from the Department of Industrial Promotion (DIPROM).
At the launch event, an exhibition highlighted a range of social innovation projects led by Chula faculty and researchers, including:
- Social Impact Assessment Innovation Development for Sustainable Development Goals – A research project case study supported by the CU Social Innovation Hub (Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nuttaporn Lawthong, Asst. Prof. Dr. Sornnate Areesophonpichet from the Faculty of Education and Asst. Prof. Dr. Thitirat Panbamrungkij, Faculty of Arts)
- Digital Community Economic Map – Promoting local economies and strengthening SMEs (Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rattiya Phulaor, College of Population Studies)
- Art Education for Health and Well-being (Asst. Prof. Dr. Intira Phrompan, Faculty of Education)
- CU PGS NAN Social Enterprise Project (Asst. Prof. Dr. Thanasiporn Na Nan, School of Agricultural Resources)
- Workshop Project for Leaders of Change Toward a Just Society (Dr. Sayamol Charoenratana, Social Research Institute)
- Tourism & Learning App for Wat Pho (Dr. Wilasinee Suksawang, Faculty of Architecture)
- Party, Share, Change Nan – Innovation in fundraising for social and environmental causes (Dr. Nattapong Tuntiwiwattanapun, Sustainable Environment Research Institute)
- Marketing Data Collection for “Plastic Filament for 3D Printers from
- Recycled Materials” (Dr. Saran Keeratihattayakorn, Faculty of Engineering)
Assistant to the President, Chulalongkorn University
The opening ceremony was presided over by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pannee Cheewinsiriwat, Assistant to the President overseeing the CU Social Innovation Hub, followed by remarks from Ms. Arpornpat Chantavanich, Director of Research Development and Integration, Office of Research Affairs.
Call for Proposals: Be Part of the Future of Social Innovation
The Social Innovation-Led Enterprise Project invites proposals that address social, cultural, and environmental challenges, with a strong emphasis on long-term, sustainable impact. The five key focus areas include
- Climate Change
- Circular Economy
- Biodiversity
- Health & Well-Being
- Soft Power—Culture & Inclusive Society
Those interested can submit their proposals via the myResearch system until April 15, 2025, at https://myresearch.chula.ac.th/.
For further details on submission guidelines, visit https://www.bit.ly/4hItRbT.
