Chemistry, biology, and statistics undergraduates from Khon Kaen University transform indigenous “Isan Almonds” into a sustainable plant-based beverage and develop conversational AI for maternal health.
The Faculty of Science at Khon Kaen University (KKU) congratulates its scholars from the Development and Promotion of Science and Technology Talents Project (DPST), who achieved national recognition by securing two major awards in research and entrepreneurial innovation at the DPST Conference on Science and Technology 2026 (DPSTCon 2026). Held from 2 to 5 June 2026 at the Faculty of Science, Naresuan University, and the Topland Hotel in Phitsanulok Province, the conference was organised under theme: “Science Driving Business Towards Research and Innovation Concepts for Entrepreneurs”.
Associate Professor Pimwadee Pornpongrungrueng, Ph.D., Associate Dean for Academic Affairs of the Faculty of Science at KKU, attended the opening ceremony, served on the adjudication panel, and led a delegation of ten undergraduate DPST scholars to present their work and participate in the conference. Several members of the delegation went on to claim top honours across the competitive categories.
In the research category, Ms. Phannaramon Ratchakhom, a student from the Department of Statistics, won the prestigious Best Poster Presentation Award. Her winning research, titled “A conversational AI platform for educating and supporting behavioral change in pregnant women diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus,” was developed under the expert guidance of her project advisor, Associate Professor Thanapong Intharah, Ph.D. The innovative platform leverages artificial intelligence to facilitate lifestyle modifications and clinical education for expectant mothers managing gestational diabetes.
Demonstrating exceptional commercial acumen, a multidisciplinary team of KKU science students also claimed the First Prize in the Local Ingredient-Based Beverage Innovation Competition. The winning team comprised Ms. Siraprapa Pimdee from the Department of Biochemistry; Ms. Phimlapat Thongsri, Ms. Punyisa Chomphuphruek, and Ms. Ariya Somsenoh from the Department of Chemistry; alongside Mr. Intarit Jareet and Mr. Rawiphol Phaengrit from the Department of Biology. Together, they developed an innovative wellness beverage brand named “Bakkrabok” (ISAN SUPERFOOD MILK).
The key ingredient of the beverage, Irvingia malayana—locally known as “Krabok” or “Bak Krabok”—is a medium-to-large tree found abundantly in deciduous dipterocarp and dry evergreen forests. Once roasted, the seeds offer a rich, sweet, and crunchy profile highly reminiscent of peanuts or almonds, earning them the nickname the “Isan Almond” or “Thai Almond”. Traditionally used in local medicine to nourish tendons, joints, and kidneys, the seeds must be thoroughly roasted before consumption to eliminate natural compounds that cause dizziness when raw.
The inspiration for the project came from an environmental observation within local communities, where large quantities of ripe Krabok fruit fall to the ground and go to waste during harvest season. Recognising the untapped potential of this nutritious indigenous resource, the student researchers sought to add economic value to local flora while reducing agricultural waste. They developed a healthy alternative milk product that is entirely plant-based, dairy-free, and cholesterol-free.
To cater for diverse consumer preferences, the team created three commercial flavours:
- Original Flavor: A smooth, balanced profile that highlights the naturally rich and nutty characteristics of the Isan Almond.
- Green Tea Flavor: A harmonious fusion blending the creamy texture of Krabok seeds with the refreshing, aromatic notes of green tea.
- Honey Flavor: A delicately sweetened variation enriched with the smooth aroma of natural honey.
By revitalising an overlooked wild fruit, the project does more than offer health-conscious consumers a nutritious, plant-based beverage alternative. It establishes a viable commercial blueprint that could generate sustainable income streams and drive the grassroots creative economy for rural communities in the future.
Participation in the conference gave the DPST scholars an opportunity to exchange knowledge, develop professional research presentation skills, and build collaborative academic networks with peers from institutions nationwide. This experience supports Khon Kaen University’s ongoing mission to nurture scientists and innovators who will contribute to Thailand’s scientific and economic development.
