The research team behind this outstanding success includes Dr. Cattliya Laohapotjanart and Dr. Chollada Chamnanmanoontham, Residents in the Occlusion and Orofacial Pain, supervised by Asst. Prof. Dr. Supanigar Ruangsri, faculty advisor from the Department of Oral Biomedical Science, Faculty of Dentistry, Khon Kaen University.
“Non-Zabb” had previously won awards at the Thailand i-New Gen Inventors Award 2025, held from February 2–6, 2025, at BITEC Bangna. The team won a Gold Medal and First Prize in the Health and Medical category at the university level.
The origin of Non-Zabb traces back to an undergraduate research project in 2020. Since then, the device has undergone continuous development and refinement across student cohorts, and was implemented in real clinical settings at the Orofacial Pain and Dental Sleep Medicine Clinic, Faculty of Dentistry, Khon Kaen University in 2024. This highlights the team’s dedication and the potential of research to be translated into practical clinical applications.
At this recent event, “Non-Zabb” team was awarded the NRCT Special Award, along with a trophy presented by the Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, as well as a Gold Medal at the 11th China (Shanghai) International Technology Fair (CSITF).
The 8th China (Shanghai) International Invention & Innovation Expo 2025 was part of the 11th China (Shanghai) International Technology Fair (CSITF), a major platform that drew inventors, researchers, and academics from around the world. It was organized by the World Invention Intellectual Property Associations (WIIPA) in collaboration with various governmental and private organizations in China. The event showcased over 300 inventions from public and private sectors, universities, institutions, researchers, and independent inventors from different provinces in China and abroad.
Beyond its functional innovation, “Non-Zabb” reflects a strong sense of regional identity through its name, which is friendly and easy to understand, meaning “a delicious and restful sleep.” The invention has been granted a petty patent and received funding from the Fundamental Fund for the fiscal year 2022.
This success is the result of strong collaboration among young researchers, expert faculty members, and partner institutions, including the Faculty of Dentistry and Faculty of Medicine at Khon Kaen University and the National Metal and Materials Technology Center (MTEC). The advisory team also included several professors such as Assoc. Prof. Dr. Teekayu Plangkoon Jorns, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jarin Paphangkorakit, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Poonsak Pisek, Asst. Prof. Dr. Rajda Chaichit, Prof. Dr. Kittisak Sawanyawisuth, Asst. Prof. Dr. Supawan Laohasiriwong, Asst. Prof. Dr. Apichart so-ngern, and Dr. Yotsakorn Pratumwal.
This innovation is not only a reflection of the creativity of the new generation, but also a testament to the fact that Thai research has the potential to improve global health.
Non-Zabb marks a significant step in driving Thai innovation to be recognized on the international stage. This success will serve as an important inspiration for further development of innovations that will benefit society and the country’s economy in a sustainable way.
