The National Innovation Agency (NIA) under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), led by Dr. Krithpaka Boonfueng, Executive Director of NIA, participated in the Indo-Pacific Plastics Innovation Network (IPPIN) Demo Day – Thailand Chapter, hosted by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) of Australia.
Supported by the Mekong–Australia Partnership (MAP), the event aims to strengthen the innovation ecosystem for plastic waste management and advance the circular economy across the Indo-Pacific region.
The opening ceremony was presided over by H.E. Dr. Angela Macdonald PSM, Australian Ambassador to Thailand, along with representatives from international environmental and innovation partners.
Dr. Krithpaka delivered the keynote speech on “Building Innovation-driven Circular Economy in Thailand” and served as a jury member for the IPPIN Demo Day competition. Eight startup teams showcased their innovative, business-ready solutions tackling plastic waste while generating measurable environmental and social impact.
“Solving plastic waste challenges requires collaboration across government, private sectors, academia, and communities. Through IPPIN and CSIRO, we are empowering Thai entrepreneurs to create global-ready, circular business models that deliver real environmental impact,”
said Dr. Krithpaka Boonfueng.
🌿 Featured Innovation Teams
- Blue Ocean Plastic Recycling (BOP) — Transparent recycling supply chain solutions
- Ecocrew — Reusable packaging circulation systems
- GOMI Solutions — Pyrolysis technology converting plastic waste into energy
- Local Alike — Community-based sustainable tourism model
- Namtha Aa Saa Crafting — Community crafts from plastic waste
- PETWood — Transforming orphan PET plastic into wood-alternative materials
- Rematterso — Industrial recycling for circular design
- YOLO (Zero Waste YOLO) — Comprehensive low-value plastic management
🏆 Award Highlights
- Local Alike — GEDSI Champion for gender and inclusion-driven business model
- BOP — Outstanding Innovator for scalable commercial technology
- YOLO — People’s Choice Award for accessible and impactful waste management solutions
The event also featured a Venture Showcase and expert panel discussions on circular economy, sustainability, and green innovation investment.
This initiative reinforces NIA’s leadership in driving Thailand’s Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economy, empowering startups like PETWood to scale internationally through collaboration, innovation, and sustainability.
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