Reporters:
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chatree Homkhiew
Assist. Prof. Dr. Thanwit Naemsai
Assist. Prof. Dr. Thanakorn Damsud
Assist. Prof. Dr. Kosin Teeparuksapun
Evidence Date: during November-December 2024
Related SDGs:
Related Indicators: 9.4.1
Details:
Deep South STEAM4INNOVATOR Contest 2024
Organized by the Office of Innovation, Management, and Technology Transfer (IMTT)
About the Competition
The Deep South STEAM4INNOVATOR Contest 2024 represents a pioneering initiative designed to cultivate innovation, creativity, and problem-solving capabilities among students and emerging entrepreneurs across Thailand’s southern provinces. This competition integrates STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) disciplines to develop practical solutions addressing contemporary challenges while advancing sustainable regional development.
Competition Objectives
The contest seeks to encourage STEAM-based innovation by inspiring participants to employ interdisciplinary methodologies in creating impactful solutions. It aims to identify and support local talent from Thailand’s Deep South region while promoting sustainable development through alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in education, industry, and community resilience. Furthermore, the competition serves as a bridge between academia and industry by facilitating connections with mentors, investors, and industry professionals to transform innovative concepts into marketable solutions.
Competition Themes
Participants are invited to submit projects aligned with key development themes: Smart Agriculture and Food Innovation (supporting SDGs 2 and 9), Renewable Energy and Green Technology (addressing SDGs 7 and 13), Digital Transformation and AI Solutions (contributing to SDG 9), Community Development and Social Innovation (supporting SDG 11), and Health Tech and Biotechnology (advancing SDG 3).
Eligibility and Participation
The competition welcomes students, researchers, and startup teams from universities and vocational colleges throughout Southern Thailand. Participating teams should comprise 2-5 members, with all submissions required to demonstrate innovation, practical feasibility, and measurable social impact.
Competition Phases
The contest will progress through three key phases: The Submission and Screening phase (June-July 2024) where teams present initial proposals for evaluation; the Pitching and Mentorship phase (August 2024) where shortlisted teams refine their concepts with expert guidance; and the Final Demo Day (September 2024) featuring live presentations before a distinguished panel of judges representing academia, government, and industry sectors.
Prizes and Opportunities
Winning teams will receive cash awards of up to 50,000 THB, along with comprehensive incubation support from IMTT for prototype development. Participants will gain valuable networking opportunities with investors and industry leaders, in addition to receiving media exposure to showcase their innovations on national platforms.
Why Participate?
This competition offers participants unparalleled hands-on experience in innovation and entrepreneurship, providing access to expert feedback to enhance project development. By participating, individuals contribute meaningfully to sustainable development initiatives in Southern Thailand while gaining practical skills and professional connections that can propel their future careers.
This competition represents a unique opportunity for aspiring innovators to transform their ideas into tangible solutions while contributing to the advancement of Thailand’s southern region through STEAM-driven innovation and sustainable development.
On November 2, 2024, the National Innovation Agency (NIA) in collaboration with the Office of Innovation Management and Technology Transfer at Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya and its partner universities organized the “Deep South STEAM4INNOVATOR Contest 2024” Pitching Competition. The event aimed to select 8 outstanding teams from 32 finalists to receive one-on-one business coaching, preparing them to advance their concepts into startup initiatives with external funding opportunities.
The competition followed an intensive selection process:
1. Initial Screening: 46 applicant teams were narrowed down to 32 through a competitive evaluation.
2. Rigorous Training: The 32 shortlisted teams completed 40+ hours of intensive training through the
4-Week Coaching Program, equipping them with essential skills for the business concept competition.
3. Winning Teams
The 8 selected teams advancing to the next stage are:
• Upro Team (Yala Rajabhat University)
• Nano-Jection Team (Yala Rajabhat University)
• Miracle Sauce Team (Princess of Naradhiwas University)
• Science&Food Team (Princess of Naradhiwas University)
• MED B Team (Princess of Naradhiwas University)
• PIKUL Team (Fatoni University)
• It Block It Jai Team (Princess of Naradhiwas University)
• Innovation for IM Team (Prince of Songkla University, Pattani Campus)
4. Next Steps
The winning teams will receive personalized one-on-one coaching to refine their business models and prepare for external funding programs, including:
• TED Fund
• Sibb Business Brotherhood
• Government Savings Bank (GSB)
This initiative underscores the commitment to fostering innovation-driven entrepreneurship in Thailand’s Deep South, supporting young innovators in transforming ideas into sustainable businesses.
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