MTEC NSTDA, CSIRO, and Thai Environment Institute Join Forces for IPPIN Demo Day to Boost Thailand-Australia Plastic Innovation Partnership
On November 7, 2024, the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), represented by Associate Professor Dr. Toemsak Srikhirin, Executive Director of the National Metal and Materials Technology Center (MTEC), joined by MTEC researchers led by Dr. Nudjarin Ramungul, Research Specialist of Environment Research Group, Dr. Witchuda Daud, Director of Advanced Polymer Technology Research Group, Dr. Asira Fuongfuchat, Deputy Executive Director attended the Indo-Pacific Plastics Innovation Network (IPPIN) Demo Day – Thailand Chapter. The event, themed “Innovation sparks hope for a future without plastic waste in Thailand,” was hosted by the Australian Embassy in Thailand. Representatives from various sectors, including Australia’s Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO), Thai Environment Institute (TEI), plastic manufacturing companies, startups, and governmental agencies responsible for plastic waste management policies, also participated in the event at The Peninsula Bangkok.
Australian Ambassador to Thailand, Dr. Angela Macdonald, highlighted the strength of Australia’s collaboration with Thailand in tackling plastic waste, particularly through the Mekong-Australia Partnership and the IPPIN network. “With Thailand’s robust innovation ecosystem, we see it as an ideal partner in transforming the plastic waste challenge into economic and social opportunities. Achievements over the past year confirm that technology and innovation have the potential to create significant reductions in plastic waste. Australia remains dedicated to supporting initiatives that address plastic pollution and promote sustainability across Thailand and the Mekong region,” Dr. Macdonald shared.
Adding to this, Associate Professor Dr. Toemsak Srikhirin remarked, “Plastic waste is a critical global issue that requires sustained innovation and technological solutions. As part of NSTDA, MTEC is committed to enhancing Thailand’s leadership in science and technology, particularly in plastic innovation, in alignment with the national Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) economic model. We focus on developing “materials solution for net-zero emissions” and high-value specialty products that reduce environmental impact. Today’s innovators and entrepreneurs are vital in driving accessible, scalable, and eco-friendly technologies while navigating market and regulatory landscapes.”
A standout element of the Demo Day was an idea-pitching session, showcasing six teams: three from Thailand—”Up-Sta-Sim,” “Waste 2 Cash”, and “Delifill”; two from Cambodia—”Plantic Cambodia” and “Trash is Nice”; and one from Laos—”Print Squares.” These teams emerged from the IPPIN Accelerator Program after eight weeks of intensive business planning and market analysis. Selected teams will move on to the Grow program, an advanced phase with coaching opportunities and potential seed funding from CSIRO or its partners to help bring their solutions to market. Dr. Asira Fuongfuchat as an Advisory Committee member, was invited to be a jury member in this session, offering valuable feedback and guidance to these budding entrepreneurs.
The event also included showcasing achievements, with presentations from participating start-up companies and local partners. Dr. Witchuda Daud, Director of the Advanced Polymer Technology Research Group, MTEC, shared her latest research, adding insight into the collaborative efforts within the region.
This Demo Day highlights the accomplishments of the Mekong Plastic Innovation Alliance. Building on this success, MTEC and CSIRO recently extended their collaboration under the MTEC-CSIRO Plastics Innovation Hub Thailand through a renewed agreement signed in April. This extension reinforces their shared commitment to advancing technology, innovation and sustainability in plastic waste management throughout this region.