Suan Sunandha Showcases Thai Innovation on the Global Stage at Press Conference for International Award-Winning Works from JDIE 2026

On July 9, 2026, the Institute for Research and Development, SSRU, led a team of researchers whose innovations received awards at the 2026 Japan Design, Idea and Invention Expo (JDIE 2026) in Osaka, Japan, to participate in a press conference showcasing Thai inventions awarded on the international stage. The event was organized by the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) at the Research Promotion Center for Cultural Heritage, NRCT Building 8, National Research Council of Thailand.

The participation aimed to publicize the success of Thai researchers whose research and innovation outputs have gained international recognition. It also reflected the capability of Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University in driving research toward practical utilization across economic, social, environmental, and commercial dimensions.

On this occasion, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University presented four award-winning research and innovation works from JDIE 2026. The first was “Upcycling Banana Trunks into Fashion Enterprise: ITDO Model” by Asst. Prof. Dr. Phanuphatpanithipong, which transforms agricultural waste into fashion products, creating added value and promoting the grassroots economy of local communities.

The second work, “Modern KLA-Tex: Modern Circular Textile Innovation, Zero Waste from Wicker Scraps,” by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rosjana Chandhasa, is a contemporary textile innovation developed from discarded wicker scraps. Designed under the concepts of circular economy and zero-waste production, the innovation reflects an environmentally conscious approach to sustainable product design.

The third work, “SiamCanvas: Thai Aesthetic Front Panel Innovation for Contemporary Air Conditioners,” by Asst. Prof. Dr. Palang Wongtanasuporn, is an innovative front panel design for contemporary air conditioners that integrates Thai artistic and cultural identity with commercial product design. The innovation aims to add value, create product differentiation, and enhance the competitiveness of Thai products.

The fourth work, “AquaPulse,” by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wanida Wonsawat, applies scientific and technological knowledge to develop an innovation aimed at improving quality of life, addressing future utilization needs, and highlighting the role of research in creating new solutions for society.

Receiving awards from JDIE 2026 marks another proud achievement for Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University. It serves as clear evidence of the potential of Thai researchers to develop high-quality, creative, and internationally competitive innovations. The achievement also serves as an important mechanism for expanding research and innovation collaboration opportunities both nationally and internationally.

This success aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, through the development of research and innovation that can be applied in practice; SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, through the creation of value from identity, culture, and communities; SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, through the value-added use of waste materials based on the circular economy concept; and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, through the establishment of research and innovation collaboration networks to strengthen Thailand’s capacity on the global stage.