BANGKOK – A student team from Khon Kaen University (KKU) has won an honorable mention award at the national UBI-Alpha Business Contest 2026 for their innovative “Crispy Water Meal” snack concept. The team presented their idea in the Future Food category of the competition, which was held on March 7, 2026, at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center.
The event, part of the One Stop Open House 2026, is a national platform for developing young entrepreneurs from University Business Incubator (UBI) programs across Thailand. The “Crispy Water Meal” team was guided and supported by officials from the Khon Kaen University Science Park, including Director Apirachai Wongsriworapol.
The winning team members are Kittinan Prabpayak and Aksarapak Prabpayak, both students from Khon Kaen University Demonstration School (Mor Din Daeng), and Viranchana Singhavannakul, a student from KKU’s Faculty of Economics. Their project focused on developing a novel food product from water meal (khai pham), an alternative, nutrient-rich local ingredient with commercial potential.
The national competition featured 15 finalist teams selected from regional contests across four parts of the country, representing over 30 educational institutions. The contest was divided into three business categories: Future Food, Green and Climate Change Solutions, and AI and Digital Technology.
Apirachai Wongsriworapol, Director of the KKU Science Park, congratulated the team on their success. “This achievement reflects the outstanding potential of our students to develop creative and innovative business concepts that meet modern market demands,” he said. He emphasized the Science Park’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurial skills by encouraging participation in such national platforms, which provide invaluable experience and networking opportunities.
Associate Professor Dr. Sutin Wianwiwat, Dean of the Faculty of Economics, also expressed pride in the students’ accomplishment. “The success of the ‘Crispy Water Meal’ team not only highlights their innovative capabilities but also shows that our economics curriculum equips students with analytical thinking, business acumen, and the courage to create something new,” he stated.
The UBI-Alpha Business Contest is recognized as a key mechanism for promoting the entrepreneurial ecosystem within higher education, allowing students to present innovative ideas to experts, investors, and industry leaders.
