On November 23, 2024, Khon Kaen University, in collaboration with the Industrial Cooperation Center of Mahasarakham University, hosted the 12th “Research to Market: R2M” regional competition for the Northeastern region. The event was held at the Santarat Room, Taksila Grand Hotel, in Mahasarakham Province.
The opening ceremony was presided by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Prayook Srivilai, President of Mahasarakham University, with a report presented by Prof. Dr. Anongrit Kangrang, Vice President for Infrastructural Development, Research and Innovation. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kiattisak Sriprateep, Manager of the Industrial Cooperation Center at Mahasarakham University, welcomed the participants. Dr. Apirachai Wongsriworaphon, Director of KKU Science Park, appointed Ms. Rungthip Sarnwong, Deputy Director, to attend alongside other staff members. The event saw participation from executives, personnel, researchers, and students from the Northeastern Science Park network, including Mahasarakham University, Suranaree University of Technology, Ubon Ratchathani University, and Khon Kaen University.
The judging panel comprised:
1. Mr. Tinnakorn Rosruen, Policy and Planning Analyst, Office for the Promotion and Coordination of Science, Research, and Innovation.
2. Mr. Prisada Hirunburana, Senior Advisor, Technology Business Incubator, National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA).
3. Mr. Patchakorn Thainiyom, Manager of External Innovation Collaboration, CP All Group Innovation Center, CP All Public Company Limited.
4. Mr. Preecha Pannikul, Vice President, Khon Kaen Chamber of Commerce.
5. Mr. Surathin Thamrongpanthawanit, Managing Director, Thamrong Thai Electronics Co., Ltd.
Khon Kaen University achieved the second runner-up position, earning a prize of 10,000 baht and an honorary plaque. The ‘Nanowipe’ team, composed of first-year MBA students from the College of Graduate Study in Management, included:
1. Mr. Peeraphat Kurum
2. Mr. Supawit Thanitkul
3. Mr. Bunnampet Lumphut
4. Ms. Patcharamai Siri
5. Ms. Patimakorn Samranrak
Their project, “Carbon Nano Foam for Oil Spill Absorption from Wastewater,” was guided by Prof. Dr. Supree Pinitsoontorn from the Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University. These students will now represent the Northeastern region in the national competition, set to take place at the Northeastern Science Park Administration Building in Nakhon Ratchasima Province in February 2025.
