KHON KAEN – Khon Kaen University’s (KKU) Smart City Operation Center (SCOPC) recently hosted executives from Thailand Science Research and Innovation (TSRI) to demonstrate a suite of advanced digital and environmental innovations. The showcase highlighted projects that have successfully transitioned from academic research to practical applications, with several now slated for national expansion.

The visit took place on April 9, 2026, at the Northeastern Regional Science Park’s administration building. The KKU delegation, led by Prof. Dr. Wanida Kanark from the Faculty of Engineering and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Supasit Konyai, Deputy Director of Strategic and Digital Drive at the Academic Service Bureau, welcomed Prof. Dr. Suthipun Jitpimolmard, Advisor to TSRI, and his executive team. The primary agenda was to monitor the progress of projects backed by the Fundamental Fund and discuss strategies for maximizing research utilization.

During the event, SCOPC presented three flagship innovations designed to drive digital government policies and improve provincial administration:

• Provincial Data Dashboard (“Khon Kaen Model”): A comprehensive decision-support tool that provides provincial executives with empirical data on budgets, drought management, and public safety. Recognizing its effectiveness, the Office of the Public Sector Development Commission (OPDC) has already authorized its expansion to pilot provinces including Kalasin, Chiang Rai, Songkhla, Nong Khai, and Udon Thani.
• Sugarcane Bio-oil: A clean energy initiative addressing both agricultural waste and air pollution. The project converts a portion of the 16 million tons of discarded sugarcane leaves and tops generated annually into bio-oil for agricultural machinery. Utilizing four key prototypes—from collection to high-quality liquid fuel refining—the innovation helps lower fuel costs for farmers while mitigating PM 2.5 emissions caused by crop burning.
• WaterWayWatch and “Sri-alert”: An intelligent monitoring system for water levels and rainfall aimed at preventing urban flooding in areas like Ban Ped Municipality. The system features the “Sri-alert” function, which automatically broadcasts digital warnings to the public via Line and Telegram when water reaches critical levels. It is also equipped with an Automatic Floodgate Control to instantly manage water drainage.
  Prof. Dr. Suthipun of TSRI commended KKU for its high success rate in utilizing research budgets to create tangible, real-world solutions that generate widespread impact.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Supasit emphasized the crucial role of the university’s Academic Service Bureau in this ecosystem. “The Bureau acts as a vital gear in taking university innovations and applying them at the local level to create sustainable income for communities,” he stated. “This success stems from integrated collaboration with provincial agencies and local administrative organizations. Transferring knowledge to elevate the grassroots economy is a core mission of our academic service to society.”

The showcase aligns with Khon Kaen University’s overarching philosophy of “Social Devotion.” Looking toward its 2026 goals, the university aims to collaborate with national agencies to build a sustainable data ecosystem, helping elevate Thailand into a “Smart & Open Government.” By ensuring research directly addresses urban challenges and improves citizens’ quality of life, KKU continues to drive progress toward international Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).