NSTDA President Prof. Dr. Sukit Limpijumnong held a press conference on 1 March 2023 announcing the 18th NSTDA Annual Conference (NAC2023) to take place on 28-31 March 2023 at Thailand Science Park, Pathum Thani. He was accompanied by BIOTEC Executive Director Dr. Wonnop Visessanguan, NSTDA Executive Vice President Dr. Chularat Tanprasert, NSTDA researchers and staff, as well as a guest of honor Dr. Danuch Tanterdtid, Secretary to the Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation.
Prof. Dr. Sukit Limpijumnong revealed that NAC2023 will be held on site for the first time since the pandemic emerged so that participants and visitors will gain a full experience of the powerful science, technology and innovation showcased by NSTDA and its partners. The 4-day event will be held under the “NSTDA: STI Powerhouse to Drive BCG Economy for Thailand’s Sustainable Development” theme, and packed with activities for everyone, from kids to students and professionals.
“Most importantly, NAC2023 Opening Ceremony on 28 March 2023 will be graciously presided over by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. The ceremony will be live broadcast on NBT channel from 9:00 AM onwards.”
As the theme suggests, NAC2023 will showcase innovations and projects implemented under the Bio-Circular-Green Economy (BCG) national agenda from developing advanced technology to improve the competitiveness of Thai industry to utilizing technology and innovation to improve a grassroots economy and develop local community. Examples include innovative solutions for sustainable aquaculture as well as the value addition to fragrant coconut from Ratchaburi province. Research highlights displayed at the press conference were iPlant Multipurpose Spray, Exosuit, battery technology and AI chatbot Sontana.
Another highlight of NAC2023 is NSTDA Core Business. NSTDA Core Business represents a new strategy that brings together skills and expertise from various departments within NSTDA to drive the national development. NSTDA Core Business currently focuses on four innovations: a smart city application Traffy Fondue, Digital Healthcare Platform, a one-stop-service center for functional ingredient FoodSERP for functional food and cosmeceutical industries, and Thailand i4.0 Platform to provide comprehensive digital transformation services to the manufacturing industry.
Dr. Wonnop Visessanguan said that NAC2023 conference and seminar will cover as many as 40 topics, whereas NAC2023 exhibition will showcase over 70 innovations spreading across 6 display zones: Princess Sirindhorn Pavilion, NSTDA Core Business, BCG Economy Model, STI for Quality-of-life Improvement, NSTDA Services, and Commercialized Technology.
Dr. Wonnop also added that the NAC Open House activity will allow entrepreneurs and investors to visit laboratories of NSTDA and companies situated in Thailand Science Park and meet with researchers to form collaboration that will take their business to the next level. NAC Open House will take place from 29-31 March.
Another activity that will also draw interest from business and industry is R&D Pitching which will be held on 29-20 March. In R&D Pitching, audience will be introduced to advanced technology platforms such as waste valorization and cell factory to enhance the competitiveness of manufacturing and service businesses, especially in food technology, advanced biotechnology, Digital 4.0 Plus and cosmetic technology.
Participation to NAC2023 is free of charge. For more information and registration, please visit www.nstda.or.th/nac.
