Dr. Theerayut Toojinda, BIOTEC Deputy Executive Director and Secretary of BCG Agriculture Subcommittee, revealed that three glutinous rice innovations resulting from BCG-NAGA Belt Road project picked up 13 awards at the 15th European Exhibition of Creativity and Innovation (EUROINVENT 2023) held from 11 to 13 of May 2023 in Iasi, Romania. The international event showcased more than 600 innovations from 40 countries.
BCG-NAGA Belt Road project advisor Dr. Kanyanat Sirithunya, along with Dr. Suraphon Chaiwongsa and Mr. Manoch Kumpanalaisatit from Rajamangala University of Technology led the research team presenting glutinous rice innovations at the event, with the support provided by the Association of Thai Innovation and Invention Promotion (ATIP).
“Black Rice Pearls Powder for Molecular Gastronomy Recipes” is a pre-mixed powder designed for molecular gastronomy recipes, particularly the spherification technique that involves creating semi-solid spheres with thin membranes out of liquid. Made from native Thai black rice, the powder is low in carbohydrate, gluten-free and rich in anthocyanins, gamma-oryzanol, vitamin B, vitamin E and dietary fiber. Black rice pearls powder won 5 awards:
- Gold Medal presented by EUROINVENT;
- Special Award presented by Stowarzyszenie Promocji Polskiej Nauki, Techniki i Innowacji;
- Special Award presented by Universitatea Politehnica Timișoara;
- Gold Medal presented by Politehnica University of Bucharest; and
- Excellence Award presented by Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi.
“Green Rice Flour” is made from fragrant, young, flattened glutinous rice called Khao Mao. The flour is non-GMO and gluten free and contains natural green pigment chlorophyll. It is rich in gamma-oryzanol, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), phenolic compounds, chlorophyll, beta carotene, and tocopherol. Green rice flour was honored with 4 awards:
- Gold Medal presented by EUROINVENT;
- Special Prize presented by Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu;
- Excellence Award and Gold Medal presented by National Institute for Research & Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry – ICECHIM Bucharest; and
- Excellence Award presented by Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi.
“Healthy and Eco -friendly Cricket Burger” is a frozen pre-cooked Thai-style burger consisting of blue sticky rice bun and cricket patty. Blue sticky rice bun is made with brown glutinous rice colored with butterfly pea flower extract, whereas cricket is a sustainable protein. The burger is low glycemic and packed with natural bioactive compound. Cricket burger was awarded 4 prizes:
- Silver Medal presented by EUROINVENT;
- Special Award presented by Toronto International Society of Innovation & Advanced Skills (TISIAS), Canada;
- Excellence Invention presented by Association of European Inventors; and
- Excellence Award presented by Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi.