29 May 2026, Chulabhorn Royal Academy (CRA) continues to advance its innovation ecosystem for sustainability through the organization of “CRA THINK SHARE: INNOVATIONS & INVENTIONS FORUM 2026”, held under the theme “Inspiring Young Innovators: From Ideas to Sustainable Innovation.” The event featured a national innovation and invention competition for upper secondary school students, alongside an exhibition showcasing the Academy’s outstanding research and innovation achievements. The forum took place at the Auditorium of the Princess Srisavangavadhana Faculty of Medicine, Chulabhorn Royal Academy.
This year’s event marked a significant collaboration between the Chulabhorn Royal Academy and four leading national research and innovation agencies: the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), the National Innovation Agency (NIA), and the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa). Together, the partners created a platform for learning and inspiration in science, technology, and innovation for upper secondary school students and young people nationwide. This year, the competition attracted a record-breaking 1,166 innovation and invention submissions from across Thailand.
The opening ceremony was presided over by Professor Dr. Yodchanan Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, who delivered a keynote address entitled “Building the Foundations of a High-Income Nation Through Science and Technology.” He was welcomed by Professor Emeritus Rajata Rajatanavin, M.D. , Acting Deputy Secretary-General of Chulabhorn Royal Academy, together with CRA executives and representatives from partner organizations.
In his keynote address, Professor Dr. Yoschanan emphasized that:
“Science, technology, and innovation are no longer confined to research laboratories. They have become key drivers of Thailand’s economic transformation toward a sustainable high-income economy. Providing opportunities for young people to showcase their potential serves as an important starting point for nurturing the next generation of innovators, who will become a vital force in driving the country’s future high-value economy.”
Professor Emeritus Rajata Rajatanavin highlighted the Academy’s commitment to becoming a globally recognized institution of advanced education, research, and academic excellence. Through the integration of knowledge and technology, the Academy seeks to strengthen research and health innovation capabilities. He noted that innovation extends beyond the creation of new knowledge; it must also generate practical solutions that improve quality of life and contribute to sustainable development for all Thai people, in accordance with the founding vision of the Academy.
He further emphasized that Chulabhorn Royal Academy’s ultimate goal is to promote interdisciplinary research collaboration and strengthen strategic partnerships to produce impactful research and innovations that enhance the sustainable well-being of Thai citizens, reduce inequalities in access to healthcare, advance preventive healthcare for an aging society, and build a resilient and self-reliant national healthcare system for the future.
A major highlight of CRA THINK SHARE 2026 was the National Upper Secondary School Innovation Competition, which received an unprecedented level of participation. More than 1,166 student projects were submitted from across the country, with 18 finalist teams selected to present their innovations before a panel of distinguished judges and compete for honorary trophies, medals, and scholarships.
In addition to the competition, the event featured an exhibition of award-winning research and innovations developed by the Chulabhorn Royal Academy, including:
- KidneyX – A high-performance artificial intelligence (AI) system for detecting kidney stones on KUB radiographic images, developed by the Princess Srisavangavadhana Faculty of Medicine, Chulabhorn Royal Academy.
- Kinec – A bilateral movement rehabilitation innovation designed for bedridden patients, developed by the Faculty of Health Science Technology, Chulabhorn Royal Academy.
- Domesticus – A nanocosmeceutical product derived from Thai cricket extracts, developed by the Royal Initiative Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Plant, Chulabhorn Royal Academy.
- CRA Ambulance Boat – A prototype emergency medical boat equipped with telemedicine capabilities for patient transportation in remote areas, developed by the Princess Agrarajakumari Faculty of Nursing, Chulabhorn Royal Academy.
The forum also featured a series of Talk Sessions and Workshops designed to strengthen innovation skills and provide participants with insights from leading researchers and experts from CRA and its partner organizations. Key sessions included:
- “AICEDA: Advancing Thai Medical AI to the Global Innovation Stage” by Dr. Todsaporn Fuangrod, Assistant Dean for Information Management and Digital Technology, the Princess Srisavangavadhana Faculty of Medicine, Chulabhorn Royal Academy.
- “Pitching Idea 101: Turning Great Ideas into Research Funding Opportunities” by Professor Dr. Sanong Ekasit, Chulalongkorn University and Expert Advisor to the National Research Council of Thailand.
- “Unlocking Creativity: Shaping Innovations That Change the World” by Dr. Patchralita Chatwalitpong of the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA).
- “We Are Innovator” Workshop, led by Ms. Pattamawadee Puapromyod of the National Innovation Agency (NIA), introducing participants to the STEAM4INNOVATOR framework for innovation thinking and practical idea development.
- “AI & Me: A Creative Partner for the Digital Age” by Mr. Obnithi Noppha of the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa).
The event represents a tangible milestone in celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Chulabhorn Royal Academy, reaffirming its role as a leading institution in applying science and technology to improve the quality of life of the Thai people. Guided by the vision of Professor Dr. Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn Krom Phra Srisavangavadhana, Chulabhorn Royal Academy remains committed to inspiring and nurturing future generations of Thai innovators who will play a pivotal role in advancing the nation’s sustainable development.
