On 25 June 2026, Khon Kaen University (KKU), through the Sector for Student Affairs and Innovation Commercialisation, partnered with the Khon Kaen Innovation Center, the Ministry of Public Health, the Science and Technology Trade Association, and the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), along with public, private, and academic networks, to launch “LAB Future & Bio Expo 2026,” co-located with “ISAN Wellness Expo 2026.” Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University, presided over the opening ceremony at the Golden Jubilee Convention Centre, Khon Kaen University. 

The joint event was organised to position Khon Kaen Province and the north-eastern region (Isan) as a centre for science, biotechnology, medical laboratories, and future healthcare industries. The event brought together government agencies, private enterprises, academic institutions, researchers, medical personnel, and entrepreneurs through academic seminars, research presentations, business matching sessions, and health and wellness activities.

Associate Professor Panthongviriyakul highlighted the regional importance of the collaboration in his opening address, emphasizing that the future of the northeast relies heavily on scientific advancement.

“Khon Kaen University firmly believes that the future of the Isan region will be driven by scientific knowledge, technology, and innovation under the collaboration of all sectors,” the President stated. “The most critical factor is the practical application of innovation and research in medicine, healthcare, agriculture, and biotechnology. This cannot be achieved by any single organisation alone. I would like to invite all sectors to collectively shape the future of Khon Kaen and the Isan region together.”

Associate Professor Pensri Jaroenwanit, Ph.D., Vice President for Student Affairs and Innovation Commercialization, elaborated on the objectives of the exhibition, emphasizing its role in creating a sustainable scientific framework.

“This platform provides an excellent opportunity for knowledge exchange through academic seminars, laboratory technology exhibitions, and business matching to commercialise research,” the Vice President remarked. “It also strengthens robust collaborations between the university, government agencies, businesses, and technology entrepreneurs to cultivate a sustainable science and innovation ecosystem in the region.”

      

A key highlight of the exhibition featured a prominent research presentation by a KKU researcher on a hydrogel formulation derived from phenolic compounds. Professor Pornnapa Kasemsiri, Ph.D., from the Faculty of Engineering, Khon Kaen University, who led the research project, explained the breakthrough.

“This research focuses on utilizing agricultural waste, specifically cassava starch, which is readily sourced in the Isan region, to develop medical-grade hydrogels,” Professor Kasemsiri disclosed. “These hydrogels can be utilised in wound dressings, drug delivery systems, and tissue engineering. The developed hydrogel possesses antibacterial properties, exhibits no cytotoxicity, and enables precise controlled drug release. This project represents a significant value-addition to agricultural raw materials, transforming them into high-potential medical innovations.”

For further information regarding the project and exhibition outcomes, interested parties may contact Ms. Julaluk Khemphet at +66 61 426 4134 or via email at julala@kku.ac.th.