The Faculty of Education, Khon Kaen University, organized the “ED KKU Startup Teacher Innovator Hackathon 2025,” with Assoc. Prof. Issara Kanjak, Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Education, presiding over the opening ceremony. Dr. Phattaraporn Pondee, Assistant Dean for Student Development and Alumni Relations, delivered the opening report.

Held from 2–3 August 2025 at the Faculty of Education, the event served as a platform for students to unleash their creativity, develop educational innovations, and enhance 21st-century teaching competencies.

In her opening report, Dr. Phattaraporn explained that the activity was designed to align with national policies for developing a new generation of teachers and the university’s strategy to produce high-quality graduates with strong innovative thinking skills. The Hackathon challenged students to develop educational innovations in areas such as STEM, literacy promotion, child development, and special needs education. It also aimed to strengthen teamwork, networking, and the teaching spirit among the seven finalist teams.

In his remarks, Assoc. Prof. Issara emphasized that the Hackathon—now in its second year—is more than a competition. It is a vital space for students to evolve from being “teachers” to becoming “innovators” with a Startup Mindset. He stressed the importance of identifying major societal challenges and designing clear business models to transform innovations into sustainable ventures, paving the way for future EdTech entrepreneurs.

Over the two-day event, the atmosphere was charged with energy and creativity. Participants attended mentoring sessions with experts on various topics, including “Creating Digital Technology Innovations” by Asst. Prof. Samart Singma, Ph.D., from the Faculty of Education, KKU; “Developing Innovations for Commercialization” by Mr. Saiyan Piubang from Sakol Pittaya Limited Partnership; and “Designing Innovative Board Games and Multimedia” by Asst. Prof. Saksit Hasamin, Ph.D., from Khon Kaen University Demonstration School (Modindang), Secondary Division. The program concluded with pitching sessions before a panel of distinguished judges.

Competition Results

• First Prize (10,000 THB): Team Triam Harvard — Mr. Chaiyawat Jangchan, Mr. Thanathat Keskaew, and Mr. Thanetphon Sangkaped (1st-year Computer Education)

• First Runner-up (8,000 THB): Team Innobox — Ms. Thitaporn Somokham, Mr. Nantiphat Kudrangnok, and Ms. Phantira Pharuang (2nd-year Science Education)

• Second Runner-up (5,000 THB): Team Three Little Pigs — Mr. Thanik Ritngam, Mr. Kanathip Thongphuthon, and Ms. Nattsuda Kaown (3rd-year Mathematics Education)

• Consolation Prizes (2,000 THB each): Team Som Yud — Mr. Parinthorn Jeanphong, Ms. Chamchuri Pongsuwan, Ms. Rossukhon Paengwapi; and Team KIDS MARK — Ms. Niracha Nititham, Mr. Pakorn Anurak, Ms. Panyarat Apaiso

The “ED KKU HACKATHON 2025” was more than a stage for competition. It was a clear reflection of the faculty’s commitment to building an ecosystem that nurtures students into “educational innovators,” in line with its mission to produce graduates with future-ready skills. By creating solutions that address real educational challenges—from STEM education to special needs care—students contributed to making the faculty’s vision of “educational innovation for sustainable development” a tangible reality. Ultimately, the ideas and skills cultivated through this event will help elevate the quality of education in Thailand, promoting equity and expanding learning opportunities for all.