From 27 to 28 June 2026, the Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies, Khon Kaen University (KKU), launched the “Unlocking Sustainovation from GI Pineapple Extracts” project under the ISKKU x HEX Agri-Innovation Challenge 2026. Asst. Prof. Suntaree Buchitchon, Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies, presided over the opening ceremony, held on 27 June at the 2nd Floor Auditorium of the KKU Science Park. The competition gives undergraduate students a platform to transform raw geographical indication (GI) pineapple extracts into innovative commercial products and viable industrial business models. Before the core activities, Assoc. Prof. Wanlapa Wongsilatharn, Ph.D., Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies, briefed the participants on the competition pathway, evaluation criteria, and core problem statements to ensure thorough preparation.
The first day featured academic and industry insights from specialists in the field. Participants attended a keynote lecture titled “Enhancing the Value of Thai GI Products for Global Market Competition,” delivered by Lecturer Chawaphot Suppasan from the Faculty of Management Science, Ubon Ratchathani University, also an investor and food and beverage entrepreneur. This session offered frameworks for product development, branding, and market competitiveness. The programme also included an online lecture via Zoom on “Innovative Extracts from Sri Chiang Mai GI Pineapples (Nong Khai) for Functional Food and Cosmetic Ingredients,” presented by Asst. Prof. Mallika Jantarangsee, Ph.D., a researcher and lecturer in the Applied Science programme at the Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies, KKU. This lecture detailed the functional capabilities of localised pineapple extracts for the health and beauty sectors. Students also visited the KKU Agricultural and Food Pilot Plant, guided by Ms. Waraporn Pewpanngam, Deputy Director of the Centre for Enterprise Promotion and Sustainable Society, who demonstrated semi-industrial food manufacturing processes and the application of science and technology in product scale-up. Dr. Chaiwat Ngasan, a specialist from Mitr Phol Sugar and Cane Research and Development Co., Ltd., then led a session titled “From Research to Market: Approaches to Value Creation from Research,” at the MPIR-KK Mitr Phol Innovation & Research Centre located on the 9th floor of the Khon Kaen Innovation Centre.
On 28 June 2026, the training relocated to Room W402 on the 4th floor of the Integrated Learning and Foundational Skills Development Building at Khon Kaen University, focusing on international communication, storytelling, and pitch preparation. Dr. Angsuon Na Nongkhai, a lecturer in the Liberal Arts and Education programme at the Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies, KKU, conducted a workshop titled “English for Hackathon: Preparing for the Global Stage” to build the professional English skills needed for high-impact presentations and Q&A panels. Mr. Supakorn Sirisuntoorn, Managing Director of Proper-T Partners Co., Ltd., led a masterclass on “Storytelling for Pitching: Turning Data into Memorable Narratives,” sharing professional techniques to simplify complex product value propositions for targeted audiences. Lecturer Phakraphong Phraikhamnam and Lecturer Thanyasiri Thongkampan, from the Khon Kaen University Demonstration School, Nong Khai Campus, delivered the final training module, “Storytelling through Video: Creating a Powerful 4-Minute Narrative,” equipping students with skills in script structure and concise video production.
After the initial product concept submissions and video pitches, eight teams will be selected to advance to the “HEX Online Session” from 4 to 5 July 2026, which offers specialised mentorship in product refinement and international business structures. The final selection tier will culminate in the Final Pitching Round from 25 to 26 July 2026 at the Innovation Park Meeting Room, Integrated Learning and Laboratory Building 2, Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies, Nong Khai Campus, where teams will pitch directly to industry experts and venture networks.
The challenge offers participants a total prize and scholarship pool valued at over 60,000 baht, alongside entry into the International Upskill Programme and potential future collaboration with HEX, an innovation and experiential learning organisation based in Australia. By focusing on future skills across startups, technology, career readiness, and impactful leadership, this initiative operates as a multi-disciplinary platform. It converts local resources and university research into sustainable commercial products capable of competing in international markets.
