MFU Hosts the 14th Regional R2M 2026, Championing the Commercialisation of Academic Research

On 8–9 July 2026, the Northern Science Park at Mae Fah Luang University (MFU), operating under the Regional Science Park North (RSP North), successfully hosted the 14th Regional Research to Market (R2M 2026) competition. Held at the Kham Mok Luang Room in the M-Square Building, the event was designed to accelerate the transformation of student-led research and innovation into viable business ventures and commercial applications.

The opening ceremony was officially presided over by Dr. Sumonrat Riyapan, Senior Policy and Plan Analyst representing the Science, Research, and Innovation Promotion and Utilisation Division under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI).

Prof. Dr Sujitra Wongkasemjit, Vice President and Director of the MFU Science Park, warmly welcomed the attendees, while Asst. Prof. Dr Sitthi Duangphet, Deputy Director of the MFU Science Park, outlined the strategic objectives of the event. The gathering brought together university executives, staff, researchers, and students from across the RSP North network.

This year's regional competition featured 21 groundbreaking project pitches from seven leading northern institutions: Chiang Mai University, Maejo University, Mae Fah Luang University, University of Phayao, Naresuan University, Uttaradit Rajabhat University, and Pibulsongkram Rajabhat University.

Throughout the day, teams presented their business plans to a panel of experts. Scores were compiled immediately afterward, culminating in the official results announcement and awards presentation at the conclusion of the event.

This robust participation highlights the crucial role of the RSP North in cultivating a collaborative innovation ecosystem. By bridging the gap between university laboratories and real-world commercialisation, the network continues to sustainably elevate the innovation capacity of the northern region.

The innovative pitches were rigorously evaluated by a distinguished panel of five industry and academic experts:
•    Dr. Sumonrat Riyapan – Representative from MHESI
•    Dr. Teerapong Yata – Managing Director, Naive Innova Co., Ltd. and Premier Innova Co., Ltd.
•    Dr. Kunn Kangvansaichol– CEO/Founder Algaeba Company Limited, 
•    Mr. Peerawong Jaturongkakul – Expert in Marketing Strategy, Branding, and Packaging Design
•    Dr. Ek-anong Tangrukwaraskul – Project Development Director, Technology and Innovation-Based Enterprise Development Fund (TED Fund)

Official R2M 2026 Regional Results (Northern Region)
Winner
•    Team PhytoShield (Uttaradit Rajabhat University) Innovation: ACTIVE BIO GEL – A bioactive plant wound dressing innovation.
1st Runner-Up
•    Team Smart Retic (Chiang Mai University) Innovation: A ready-to-use staining kit equipped with a reticulocyte counting system.
2nd Runner-Up
•    Team PODITY (Mae Fah Luang University) Innovation: A thermo-responsive hydrogel formulated from chitosan, Thai silk sericin, and longan seed extracts, designed for injectable application in damaged tooth roots.
Honourable Mentions (6 Teams)
•    Team Sausage Cheese (Mae Fah Luang University): Impact-resistant net-sheet packaging derived from natural rubber latex to reduce post-harvest fresh produce loss.
•    Team QuitX (University of Phayao): Mitrava – A fast-disintegrating smoking cessation tablet with a dual-action mechanism targeting the brain and lungs.
•    Team Bioseed Pro (Maejo University): Bio-seed coatings for sustainable agriculture.
•    Team ZANOX (University of Phayao): Research and development of an SPF/PA-boosting agent from natural flavonoid-rich extracts.
•    Team Tor Thep (Pibulsongkram Rajabhat University): Development of a smart loom innovation integrated with a digital navigation system.
•    Team Trixie (Naresuan University): BANOVA – A nano-spray innovation for the treatment of chronic wounds.

All winning and recognised teams will now advance to represent the RSP North at the national Research to Market (R2M 2026) competition. Hosted by the Regional Science Park Northeast 1 in Khon Kaen, the national stage will seek to identify the country's most promising research and innovation projects poised for nationwide commercialisation.

Beyond a simple pitching contest, the R2M programme serves as a vital catalyst for developing researchers and students into future tech entrepreneurs. It actively champions the transfer of deep-tech knowledge from the laboratory to the industrial sector, accelerating the creation of Innovation-Driven Enterprises (IDEs) capable of competing on both domestic and international fronts.

MFU's role as host reflects the university's continued support for the northern innovation ecosystem and its ongoing collaboration within the Northern Science Park Network to drive student research toward meaningful economic and social impact.