From Lab to Market: MFU Research Secures Two National Titles at the 7 Innovation Awards

Mae Fah Luang University (MFU) has reaffirmed its strength in producing research and innovations with tangible commercial potential. Two MFU research-based innovations, which were successfully transferred to the industry sector and further developed into commercial business, won two national awards at the 7 Innovation Awards 2026. The award ceremony was held during the “Thailand Synergy for Thai SMEs to IDEs” event on 24 July 2026 at Panyapiwat Institute of Management (PIM). 

The first accolade was the Inventor Award in the Economic category for VIV SKIN, a turmeric-based cosmetic innovation developed by M.Y.R. Cosmetics Solution Co., Ltd., a licensee of MFU’s intellectual property. The product was developed from research conducted by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nisakorn Saewan, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mayuree Kanlayavattanakul, and their team at the School of Cosmetic Science. They successfully formulated turmeric and sea holly extracts into an innovative cosmetic product with strong efficacy, high market potential, and added value for Thailand’s biological resources.

The second award was the Creator Award in the Technology category for KLORA, an innovative effervescent tablet designed to extend the lifespan of cut flowers. The product was developed by KYN Partners & Co., Ltd., a startup that further transformed an MFU innovation into a commercial business. Based on research by Asst. Prof. Dr.Wirongrong Tongdeesoontorn from the School of Agro-Industry, the product helps extend the shelf life of cut flowers, improves product quality, reduces post-harvest losses, and creates business opportunities for Thailand’s floriculture industry.

Mae Fah Luang University extends its warmest congratulations to M.Y.R. Cosmetics Solution Co., Ltd. and KYN Partners & Co., Ltd. on receiving these prestigious awards. Their success reflects the power of collaboration among researchers, universities, and the private sector in transforming research outcomes into nationally competitive products, creating value for entrepreneurs, and strengthening the country’s economy. 

These achievements demonstrate that MFU research can successfully move beyond the laboratory to meet real market demand. MFU’s Intellectual Property and Innovation Management Division (MFii) plays a key role in this process by protecting intellectual property, facilitating technology transfer, supporting licensing, nurturing startups, and connecting researchers with industry partners. This mechanism directly aligns with the University’s vision of “striving for well-being and a sustainable future” through science, research, and innovation. 

The “Thailand Synergy for Thai SMEs to IDEs” event was organised through a collaboration between CP ALL Public Company Limited and 10 key national partners, including the Office of the National Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Policy Council (NXPO); the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA); the National Innovation Agency (Public Organisation); the Office of the Permanent Secretary of MHESI; the Federation of Thai Industries; the Thai Chamber of Commerce and Board of Trade of Thailand; the Stock Exchange of Thailand; the Thai Bankers’ Association; the Thai Business Incubators and Science Parks Association; and the Office of Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion (OSMEP). The initiative aimed to propel the practical use of research, technology, and innovation to elevate Thai enterprises into Innovation-Driven Enterprises (IDEs).

The event was presided over by Prof. Dr. Yodchanan Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), who also delivered a keynote address on “Thailand Innovation Synergy: Integrating Research, Technology, and Innovation to Drive Thai SMEs toward IDEs.” He was joined by Professor Dr. Supachai Pathumnakul, Permanent Secretary of MHESI, Mr. Korsak Chairasmisak, Chairman of the Executive Committee of CP ALL Public Company Limited, alongside executives from MHESI, public and private sector representatives, and academic institutions nationwide.

Moving forward, MFU remains committed to developing a robust innovation ecosystem that supports knowledge creation, intellectual property protection, technology transfer, and the incubation of innovation-driven entrepreneurs. This ongoing effort is designed to connect research outputs with the production and service sectors, generate socioeconomic impacts, and contribute to improved quality of life and sustainable national development.