The National Innovation Agency (Public Organization) or NIA, under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, organized the '2022 National Innovation Awards Ceremony' in celebration of 'National Innovation Day' to honor Thai innovators who have created outstanding innovations and to inspire further innovation that benefits organizations, society, and the nation. This event also pays tribute to His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great, 'the Father of Thai Innovation'. This year, a total of 821 entries were submitted, with 52 awards presented at the Royal Paragon Hall, 5th floor of Siam Paragon. Dr. Sumet Tantivejakul, Secretary-General of the Chaipattana Foundation, graced the occasion with his presence and delivered a special lecture titled 'The Science of the King and Innovation Development'.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Soranit Silatham, Chairman of the National Innovation Committee stated, “The organization of the '2022 National Innovation Day' serves as an opportunity to announce the success of the Thai innovation sector while honoring His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great (King Rama IX) as the 'Father of Thai Innovation', who is regarded as a 'model innovator' for all Thai people through the royal initiative project 'Soil for Life'. The NIA has continuously organized 'National Innovation Day' and the 'Innovation Awards Ceremony' as part of its mission to drive the Thai innovation ecosystem by creating and increasing the number of 'innovators' and 'innovative organizations', which is essential and a key mission of the NIA in developing personnel, resources, and knowledge in innovation that can propel Thailand forward. Our country has a wealth of capable personnel and organizations, and this platform will allow the Thai people and society to recognize the innovation potential of Thailand and inspire individuals and organizations to think creatively and drive the country forward with 'innovation' together.”

Dr. Phanuch Chaiyarat, Director of the National Innovation Agency (Public Organization) mentioned, “As the 'Focal Facilitator' for innovation, NIA is committed to driving Thailand towards becoming an 'innovation nation' that is ready to grow and create innovations that enhance competitiveness in economic, social, and environmental aspects sustainably. Our goal is to elevate Thailand into the top 30 of the Global Innovation Index (GII) by 2030. Achieving this goal requires strengthening the capacity and increasing the number of innovation-based businesses to restructure the country's business landscape towards a technology and knowledge-driven economy, as well as promoting and supporting the power of creativity and cultural capital or Soft Power, which is another resource leading to diverse innovations that push for the creation of a unique identity and branding of Thai innovation on the global stage.”

“Over the past 18 years of the National Innovation Awards, 'Thai Innovations Go Further Than Expected', we have seen outstanding and interesting innovations submitted across various dimensions. NIA believes that organizing 'National Innovation Day' will be a crucial mechanism to raise awareness and open new perspectives for the Thai people to recognize and take pride in Thai innovations, while also stimulating the invention, development, and enhancement of innovations that will continuously and tangibly benefit the country's development. It will also serve as a platform for communication and raising awareness of the power to drive the country forward with innovations from all sectors,” Dr. Phanuch added.

Dr. Kritphak Boonfueng, Deputy Director of the Innovation System at the National Innovation Agency (Public Organization) added, “This year's National Innovation Awards received a total of 821 submissions, divided into two award categories: 1) National Innovation Awards comprising five areas: Economic, Social and Environmental, Product and Service Design, Media and Communication, and Outstanding Innovative Organizations, with 504 entries and 44 awards presented. The awarded works are distinguished in various dimensions and can be utilized for the benefit of the public at large. 2) Thailand Innovation Awards, organized in collaboration with the Association of Science under the Royal Patronage, to promote and support innovation creation at the youth level, enabling projects to evolve into innovative businesses, consisting of two competition levels: undergraduate or vocational diploma and high school or vocational certificate, with 317 entries. The winners will receive a royal trophy from Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana Krom Luang Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra.”

“It is evident that the innovation awards organized by NIA in collaboration with leading agencies from the private sector, social sector, and education sector are open to all levels, from students, designers, academics, entrepreneurs, communities, to organizations. Everyone and every agency can submit their works for competition. The innovations are diverse and can connect with all sectors, whether in science and technology, arts, music, or civil society, reflecting the achievements in the efforts to promote innovation at every level,” Dr. Kritphak stated.

Results of the 2022 National Innovation Awards

1) National Innovation Award in the Economic Sector

    • Winner in the Medium Enterprise category: Project: Online Warehouse Services for Vendors by E-Empowerment Co., Ltd.
    • Winner in the Small and Micro Enterprise category: Project: Cat Litter from Cassava by Welty Moggies Innovation Co., Ltd.

2) National Innovation Award in the Social and Environmental Sector

    • Winner in the Private Sector category: Project: Parkinson's Gloves by Human Movement Co., Ltd.
    • Winner in the Public Sector category: Project: Technology for Producing Disinfectants by Prince of Songkla University.
    • Winner in the Social and Community Organization category: Project: Nonnon by Circularity Co., Ltd.

3) National Innovation Award in Product and Service Design

  • Winner in the Product Design category: Project: Flying Turtle Robotic Barista by Fort Corporation Public Company Limited.
  • Winner in the Service Design category: Project: Telemedicine System by Vajira Home Application by Navamindradhiraj University.

4) National Innovation Award in Media and Communication

  • Winner in the Media and Communication Innovation category: Project: Cybersecurity Volunteer Development by the Digital Technology Literacy Network Association.
  • Honorary Award for Individual Innovator: Mr. Chatpawin Treechatchavalwong.
  • Honorary Award for Corporate Innovator: Cloud and Ground Co., Ltd. and the National Science Museum.

5) National Innovation Award for Outstanding Innovative Organizations

  • Outstanding Award for Large Private Organizations: SCG Cement-Building Materials Co., Ltd. and Advanced Info Service Public Company Limited.
  • Outstanding Award for Medium Private Organizations: AI and Robotics Ventures Co., Ltd.

6) Thailand Innovation Award in Science and Technology

  • Winner at the High School and Vocational Certificate level: Project: O-RA, Assistant for Preventing and Recovering Joint Degeneration by Prince Royal's College.