The university’s New Era Battery and Energy Factory presented cutting-edge power solutions designed to support national defence strategic operations and civilian energy infrastructure.
Khon Kaen University (KKU), through its New Era Battery and Energy Factory (KKUVOLT), showcased its latest research and innovations in battery technology and energy storage systems at the Thailand Defence Industry Exhibition 2026 (THAIDEF-EX 2026). The university’s participation highlighted Thai researchers’ capacity to drive national technological advancement through strategic cooperation between the public sector, private industry, and academia.
The exhibition was staged on 8 July 2026 at the Multi-Purpose Building of the Office of the Permanent Secretary for Defence (Srisaman). The opening ceremony was presided over by Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, and welcomed by General Tharapong Malakam, Permanent Secretary for Defence. Prof. Thidarut Boonmars, D.V.M., Ph.D., Vice President for Enterprise and Societal Sustainability, alongside executive members and personnel from Khon Kaen University, attended the official launch.
At the exhibition, KKU presented two prominent innovations developed by Thai researchers to ensure energy security, safety, and high performance: the “Mobile Power Station” and the “Li-ion Battery for VT-4 Main Battle Tank”. While these advanced technologies are engineered to support national security operations, they are also designed for scalability, offering highly efficient power backup solutions for civilian industries and public energy infrastructure.
This initiative reflects KKU’s ongoing commitment as a leading research institution dedicated to creating knowledge, transferring technology, and generating positive socio-economic impact. These efforts align directly with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) through the development of advanced technologies, SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) by supporting national security infrastructure, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through close integration of government, private sector, and academic partners to advance Thai innovation nationally.
