The visit opened new opportunities for joint research projects, start-up collaborations, and student exchange in fields such as life sciences, food-tech, biotechnology, and sustainable agriculture.
Chitralada Technology Institute
At the Chitralada Technology Institute (CDTI), Prof. Stephen Schrettl and Dr. Lisa Göpfert were welcomed by President Prof. Khunying Sumonta Promboon, along with Vice Presidents Prof. Santanee Phasuk and Prof. Chaiwit Thanapaisal. Discussions with faculty leaders, including Prof. Surapan Tansriwong (Dean of the Faculty of Industrial Technology), Prof. Annop Tanlamai (Dean of the Faculty of Business Administration), Prof. Buarong Lewchalermwongse (Head of Research and International Relations), and Prof. Sakdipon Juasrikul (Faculty of Business Administration), focused on future collaborations, especially between start-ups from TUM and CDTI. Dr. Roman Werner, Managing Director of the TUM Venture Labs Food/Agro/Biotech, also joined the talks.
The delegation toured CDTI’s teaching laboratories in Bangkok, experiencing firsthand the institute’s dedication to educating the next generation and fostering an entrepreneurial spirit. In the Rayong Province, the group visited the School of Innovative Agriculture, guided by Prof. Busarakorn Mahayothee. The site promotes climate-sensitive farming practices and biodiversity, with test fields and forest areas showcasing crops from para rubber to mango and durian trees, as well as siam tulips, lotus plants, and stingless bees. It similarly aims to foster a culture of sustainable innovation within the agricultural sector.
Mahidol University – Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Faculty of Science and Space-F
At Mahidol University, the delegation visited the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, the Siriraj Institute of Clinical Research (SICRES), the Faculty of Science, and the food-tech incubator Space-F.
Prof. Pasit Pakawatpanurut (Deputy Dean for Research and Innovation) and Dr. Rapee Boonplueang (Deputy Dean for Corporate Communication and International Relations) welcomed the delegation and introduced ongoing research activities at the Faculty of Science. Discussions with Prof. Wisuwat Songnuan (Head of the Department of Plant Science) and Prof. Kanlaya Katewongsa (Department of Biochemistry) highlighted areas of mutual research interest.
During a visit to Space-F, the food-tech start-up incubator and accelerator at Mahidol University, Prof. Nuttawee Niamsiri presented the incubator’s programs supporting food-tech entrepreneurs of tomorrow. Prof. Schrettl and Dr. Göpfert met members of current teams and learned about their approaches to food innovation, followed by a tour of Space-F’s start-up facilities.
The delegation also gained valuable insights into clinical research at Siriraj Hospital and the Siriraj Institute of Clinical Research (SICRES). Presented by Prof. Thananya Boonyasirinant (Deputy Dean of Excellent Innovation and Corporate Values) and Vice Director of SICRES, Prof. Suvimol Niyomnaitham, the delegation were granted a glimpse into the excellent work Siriraj Hospital and SICRES do in basic and clinical research, where many links for future collaborations between TUM School of Life Sciences and the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital could already be identified.
National Innovation Agency - NIA
At the National Innovation Agency (NIA) headquarters in Bangkok, the delegation was welcomed by Executive Director Dr. Krithpaka Boonfueng and Deputy Executive Director for Innovation Systems Pariwat Wongsamran. Together with senior innovation managers, the discussion centered on connecting the TUM Venture Lab Food/Agro/Biotech with Thailand’s innovation ecosystem.
Both TUM and NIA emphasized the importance of combining innovative minds from Munich and Bangkok to work closely together to develop solutions to pressing global economic and societal challenges. Joint initiatives are already being pursued to realize the benefits of linking these two innovation ecosystems.
Kasetsart University – Faculty of Agriculture and Faculty of Agro-Industry
The TUM School of Life Sciences delegation also visited Kasetsart University, Thailand’s oldest agricultural university, where they met with the Faculty of Agriculture and the Faculty of Agro-Industry.
At the Faculty of Agriculture, Prof. Patchareeya Boonkorkaew (Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture) presented the faculty’s current research and teaching priorities. Joined by Prof. Dr. Saowanuch Tawornpruek (Deputy Dean of Research and International Affairs) and Prof. Dr. Surachet Aramrak (Deputy Dean of Academic Affairs), future collaborative initiatives and joint projects were discussed with Prof. Schrettl and Dr. Göpfert.
At the Faculty of Agro-Industry, Prof. Nuttakan Nitayapat (Associate Dean for International Affairs) and Prof. Busarin Chongcharoenyanon (Assistant Dean for Corporate Communications) provided the delegation with a guided tour of the research facilities. This further deepened the exchange on perspective collaborative projects and student exchange. The visit laid the groundwork for closer cooperation between two of the most esteemed agricultural universities in their respective countries.
Eastern Economic Corridor of Innovation - EECi
A visit to the Eastern Economic Corridor for Innovation (EECi) in Rayong Province provided the TUM School of Life Sciences delegation with the opportunity to firsthand see the newly built facilities for research in plant science and indoor farming, as well as the Smart Manufacturing Center.
The EECi builds a bridge between basic research and market-ready solutions for the global challenges of our time. Dr. Patachada Santawaja (Senior Business Development Officer) introduced the EECi campus and guided the delegation through its research and innovation hubs. Dr. Yeetoh Dabbhadatta, a researcher in the Innovative Herbal Plant Factory Research Team at the National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), showcased her work on bamboo and herbal plants such as ginger and turmeric. Discussions with TUM representatives explored opportunities for collaborative projects that bridge basic research with market-ready solutions to today’s global challenges.
