KHON KAEN – A team of students from Khon Kaen University’s Faculty of Business Administration and Accountancy was officially congratulated by the university president on 10 March 2026 after achieving a Top-Five position in a national innovation competition.

The student team, named “Dad, I want to be Miss Grand,” was led by Dr. Apirachai Wongsriworapol, Director of the Khon Kaen University Science Park, to meet with the university’s president, Associate Professor Dr. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul. The students received a bouquet of flowers and words of encouragement in recognition of their achievement.

The team secured a Top-Five national award in the 13th “Research to Market” competition (R2M#13). The R2M programme encourages university students to develop commercially viable business models and innovations based on existing research.

The students’ successful business plan was based on a research project on Kosakonia radicincitans biofertilizer, developed by Assistant Professor Dr. Suwanna Niamsanit of the Faculty of Science.

Also present to congratulate the team were Dr. Wittika Thangchan, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at the Faculty of Business Administration and Accountancy, and staff from the KKU Science Park.

President Charnchai praised the students for their success, highlighting their ability to translate academic research into a practical business model.

The university noted that this achievement reflects the role of the KKU Science Park in nurturing student entrepreneurs and driving the commercialization of research. This effort aims to add economic value and contribute to the country’s innovation-driven economy.