Chula Wins Five National Innovation Awards at the Higher Education Innovation Awards 2026

Doctoral students from the Doctoral Program in Technology Management and Innopreneurship Program (CUTIP), College of Interdisciplinary Studies (CUII), Chulalongkorn University, together with a master’s student from the Department of Petrochemistry and Polymer Science, Faculty of Science, won a total of five awards at the Higher Education Innovation Awards 2026, organized by the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT). The competition was held from June 22 to 24, 2026, at Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld.

The award-winning innovations are as follows: 

Developed by Mr. Arthit Prathumpuang, a Ph.D. student in the CUTIP program at CUII, the project received the Outstanding Award Trophy and a Gold Medal in Agriculture and Food Industry. 

CommCal™ is a bio-based calcium–boron liquid fertilizer created by transforming waste eggshells from households and the food industry into a high-value agricultural product through scientific processing. By integrating biochemical knowledge, chelation technology, and plant nutrition science, the innovation developed a Bioactive Calcium–Boron System that enables plants to absorb calcium and boron more efficiently than conventional fertilizers. 

The fertilizer strengthens plant cell structures, improves crop quality, reduces fruit cracking and premature fruit drop, and extends the post-harvest shelf life of many economic crops. It also lowers production costs for farmers, reduces dependence on imported chemical fertilizers, and converts biological waste into valuable products, supporting the principles of the Circular Economy and sustainable agriculture. 

Developed by Ms. Panward Jitpairoj and Ms. Piyada Tansawai, Ph.D. students in the CUTIP program at CUII, the innovation received the Very Good Award Trophy and a Gold Medal in Agriculture and Food Industry. 

FlowR CocoShot is a concentrated natural electrolyte drink made from aromatic coconut water using Low-Temperature Evaporation Technology. The process increases nutrient and electrolyte concentrations by approximately 3.5 times while preserving vitamins, minerals, bioactive compounds, and the distinctive aroma and taste of fresh coconut water. 

Designed for health-conscious consumers, athletes, and individuals seeking post-exercise recovery, the innovation also creates added value from aromatic coconuts that do not meet commercial appearance standards. This reduces agricultural waste, increases farmers’ income, and promotes efficient use of agricultural resources while creating a health product with strong domestic and international market potential. 

Developed by Mr. Rattanapong Kongcharoen, a Ph.D. student in the CUTIP program at CUII, the project received the Very Good Award Trophy and a Gold Medal in Quality of Life and Soft Power. 

OdorDrop addresses persistent cigarette smoke odors in enclosed spaces such as hotels, dormitories, and residential buildings. Using Active Odor Capture Technology, the spray employs a citric acid-modified chitosan solution that captures smoke particles and volatile compounds responsible for unpleasant odors at their source, rather than simply masking them with fragrances. 

The technology reduces airborne smoke particles and residue accumulation on surfaces and in the air, improving indoor air quality while lowering cleaning and room refurbishment costs for hospitality businesses. It offers practical benefits in hygiene, quality of life, and modern facility management. 

Developed by Ms. Petcharin Charoenrat, a Ph.D. student in the CUTIP program at CUII, the innovation received the Good Award Trophy and a Gold Medal in Quality of Life and Soft Power. 

PawShield™ is an antimicrobial pet cleansing wipe designed for modern pet owners who prioritize hygiene and pet wellness. Combining materials science, applied chemistry, and antimicrobial technology, it utilizes a proprietary Copper-Oxy Technology based on copper-zinc complexes that effectively inhibit bacterial and fungal growth on pets’ skin, paws, and fur. 

The wipes help reduce microbial buildup, unpleasant odors, and the transfer of dirt and contaminants into homes. They are ideal for cleaning pets’ paws after walks, grooming after outdoor activities, or wiping pets before entering the house. Made from biodegradable materials, the product also reduces waste from disposable wipes, supporting environmentally friendly product development and the rapidly growing global pet care industry. 

Developed by Mr. Jira Phattanawarit, a Ph.D. student in the Interdisciplinary Environmental Science Program at CUII, together with Ms. Duangduean Kingphan, a master’s student in Petrochemistry and Polymer Science at the Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, the project received the Good Award Trophy and a Gold Medal in Energy, Environment, Materials Technology, and the BCG Economy Model. 

PM Magnet is a surface-treatment spray designed to enhance the efficiency of air filters in capturing fine particulate matter, particularly PM2.5 and PM10, which pose serious risks to public health, the economy, and quality of life. 

The innovation uses a citric acid-modified chitosan solution combined with propylene glycol to create a positively charged coating on filter surfaces. This coating attracts negatively charged dust particles through electrostatic forces, enabling air filters to capture significantly more fine particles without requiring replacement of existing filtration systems or increasing energy consumption. 

By effectively transforming ordinary filters into “dust magnets,” the technology can be applied to air filters, ventilation systems, and air purification equipment in buildings, factories, and public spaces, providing a sustainable solution for mitigating PM2.5 pollution. 

This achievement highlights the capability of Chulalongkorn University’s students and researchers to develop innovations that address the needs of industry, society, environmental sustainability, and quality of life. It also demonstrates the university’s commitment to translating research into practical applications, representing another significant milestone in advancing Thai research toward creating meaningful national and international impact.