Bangkok:The 2026 National Innovation Award ceremony, led by Mr. Yotsanu Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, celebrated Thai innovators and organizations contributing to economic and social progress. The event paid tribute to His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, recognized as the 'Father of Thai Innovation.'
According to Thai News Agency, the award, organized by the National Innovation Agency (NIA), is both prestigious and challenging to achieve, requiring innovations to be practical and meet high standards. Mr. Yotsanu emphasized the importance of advancing Thai innovation beyond national borders. Efforts are underway by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation in collaboration with the NIA to support this goal through various mechanisms, including an innovation registry to facilitate government procurement, co-investment in high-tech businesses through a university holding company, and advanced research partnerships to foster patent registration.
Dr. Kritphaka Boonfueng, Director of NIA, noted that the National Innovation Award, in its 22nd year, has significantly advanced the development of Thai innovators. With over 6,736 entries and more than 370 awards granted, the initiative has generated an economic and social impact exceeding 138 billion baht. The 2026 awards include the National Innovation Award, the Thailand Innovation Award in partnership with the Science Society of Thailand, and the Thai Rice Innovation Award, aimed at establishing Thailand as a sustainable 'Innovation Nation.'
Highlighted innovations include environmentally focused projects such as cold-climate plant innovations using waste LNG cooling energy, Myra Shell Aroma, and low-carbon cotton production enzymes. Recognition was also given to innovative communicators and organizations across various sectors, from large enterprises like Siam Cement Public Company Limited to small enterprises such as iBot Noi Co., Ltd. Awards in specific categories included the '12Tile' intelligent system for people with autism and the 'Soil Digest' innovation in rice technology.