On 22 October 2025, at the Conrad Bangkok Hotel, the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), represented by Dr. Asira Fuongfuchat, Deputy Executive Director of the National Metal and Materials Technology Center (MTEC), together with MTEC researchers and delegates, participated in the Indo-Pacific Plastics Innovation Network (IPPIN) Demo Day 2025 – Thailand Chapter. The event functioned as a platform to present innovative solutions to the challenges of plastic waste and pollution, thereby promoting sustainability and the circular economy within the framework of Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI).
On 22 October 2025, at the Conrad Bangkok Hotel, the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), represented by Dr. Asira Fuongfuchat, Deputy Executive Director of the National Metal and Materials Technology Center (MTEC), together with MTEC researchers and delegates, participated in the Indo-Pacific Plastics Innovation Network (IPPIN) Demo Day 2025 – Thailand Chapter. The event functioned as a platform to present innovative solutions to the challenges of plastic waste and pollution, thereby promoting sustainability and the circular economy within the framework of Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI).
The event was co-organized by the Australian Embassy in Thailand and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO). It also brought together delegates from various organizations, including the Thailand Environment Institute (TEI), the Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research (TISTR), and the National Innovation Agency (Public Organization) (NIA). The assembly was well attended by delegates representing government agencies, the private sector, startups, plastic industry associations, and environmental policy organizations.
Dr. Angela Macdonald, the Australian Ambassador to Thailand, remarked that the IPPIN program has supported eight entrepreneurial teams in developing various green innovations, including waste bank applications, reusable packaging systems, regenerative tourism models, and others. Notable innovators include Blue Ocean Plastic, a team working with waste collectors to promote equitable, transparent, and traceable recycling practices, and Rematterso, which converts difficult-to-recycle materials into new products such as flexible packaging.
Dr. Asira Fuongfuchat, Deputy Executive Director of MTEC, NSTDA, expressed that, "Through platforms such as IPPIN, these projects have delivered significant value and created new pathways for material application, while also cultivating progressive mindsets towards sustainability. The purpose of today’s assembly extends beyond celebrating the accomplishments of innovators and entrepreneurs; it also reaffirms our collective dedication to addressing the plastic crisis—one of the most urgent issues of our era. Achieving a balance between the indispensable use of plastics in everyday life and their environmental implications necessitates the integration of advanced technology, effective collaboration, and a unified vision.”
A key highlight of the Demo Day was the Pitching Session, during which eight teams comprising researchers, innovators, startups, and entrepreneurs presented their innovative solutions. The participating teams included 1) Blue Ocean Plastic Recycling Co., Ltd. (BOP), 2) Ecocrew – reusable packaging system, 3) GOMI Solutions Co., Ltd., 4) Local Alike, 5) Namtha Aa Saa, 6) PETWood, 7) Rematterso, and 8) Yolo. All teams had completed an eight-week incubation period under the IPPIN Accelerator Program, which concentrated on advancing business planning, market analysis, and strategic implementation capabilities. The teams selected by the judging committee will progress to the Grow Program, the final phase of IPPIN, which offers intensive coaching and opportunities to access seed funding from CSIRO and partner organizations to further develop their products for market entry.
Another highlight of the event was the Showcase Session, featuring research and innovation exhibits from participating companies and partner organizations in Thailand. Dr. Witchuda Daud and her research team from the Advanced Polymer Technology Research Group at MTEC, NSTDA, also presented their research at the showcase.
Since 2023, the Indo-Pacific Plastics Innovation Network (IPPIN) has supported over 165 enterprises across its chapters in Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia, as well as over 80 organizations in the Mekong
subregion. This reflects the program’s strong commitment to empowering sustainable plastic innovation entrepreneurs and fostering a regional collaborative network to drive a truly sustainable circular economy. – For more information, please see the Cohort Booklet