PSU presents Blue Ribbon Award 2026 to outstanding innovators
Prince of Songkla University, led by Asst. Prof. Dr. Niwat Keawpradup, President of the University, held the Blue Ribbon Award 2026 ceremony to honor outstanding innovators whose intellectual property has demonstrated exceptional potential for commercial application. The event reflects the University's commitment to encouraging researchers to develop high-quality innovations with strong commercial value while promoting intellectual property protection and technology transfer to the business and industrial sectors. The ceremony took place at the SKY BLUE AUDITORIUM, PSU Science Park, Hat Yai District, Songkhla Province, on June 25, 2026.
This year, the University's Intellectual Property Center recognized Associate Professor Dr. Worawit Vanichsuwann, a faculty member in the Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, and Director of the Medical Research and Innovation Institute, as the Outstanding Innovator of the Year. The event also showcased six distinguished innovations that have earned recognition and awards at both national and international levels.
The featured innovations included:
1.
Natural Rubber Colostomy Bags, an innovative ostomy care solution made from natural rubber, recognized with a Silver Medal and Special Prize at an international invention exhibition in Switzerland, a Gold Medal in the Czech Republic, Thailand's National Innovation Award from the National Innovation Agency (NIA), and an Outstanding Invention Award from the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT).
2.
Self-Disinfecting Rubber Gloves, featuring a nano-emulsion coating that continuously eliminates harmful microorganisms. The innovation received the prestigious NRCT Award in celebration of the Council's 65th anniversary, along with an NRCT Outstanding Invention Award.
3.
Emergency Wound Spray, a natural extract-based spray incorporating microencapsulation technology to help relieve pain and control bleeding. The innovation received the First Outstanding Award from the Royal Thai Army at the Thai Warrior Wisdom Day exhibition.
4.
A High-Purity Mitragynine Extraction Process from Kratom Leaves, developed for pharmaceutical applications using an acid-base extraction technique. The innovation received the PMUC COUNTRY 1st AWARD: Research Transforming Thailand.
5.
Ostomy Care Training Simulator, a realistic medical training model capable of simulating twelve different wound conditions and complications, designed to enhance medical and nursing education.
6.
Natural Woody and Floral Essential Oils, developed using a proprietary formulation that provides long-lasting fragrance retention and excellent heat resistance, offering a natural solution to support relaxation and improve sleep quality in tropical climates.
Through the Blue Ribbon Award 2026, Prince of Songkla University aims to inspire researchers and strengthen collaboration with industry partners and public agencies. The initiative also helps expand opportunities for commercializing research and intellectual property, while increasing public awareness of Thai innovations and supporting sustainable economic and social development.