KMUTNB is dedicated to fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and the commercialization of research to strengthen Thailand’s knowledge-based economy. The university recognizes that transforming research outputs into market-ready technologies and start-up enterprises is vital for promoting sustainable development, job creation, and technological competitiveness. Therefore, KMUTNB, through its Startup and Innovation Office (https://www.facebook.com/startup.kmutnb/?locale=th_TH) and Technopart, KMUTNB (https://technopark.kmutnb.ac.th/), establishes policies and initiatives to support commercialization, spin-offs, and start-up ventures emerging from university research and innovation.
The university’s policy emphasizes the encouragement of innovation and technology transfer by providing systematic support for researchers, faculty members, and students to transform their research into commercial products, services, and intellectual property. KMUTNB promotes equal access to all its programs, ensuring inclusivity and non-discrimination regardless of gender, nationality, or employment type. Women researchers and international staff are encouraged and supported to participate actively in innovation and entrepreneurial activities.
To strengthen the innovation ecosystem, KMUTNB fosters close collaboration between academia, industry, investors, and government agencies. The university supports the establishment of spin-off companies derived from university research and facilitates start-up creation through mentorship, funding, legal advice, and access to business networks. It also ensures transparent intellectual property (IP) management and fair benefit-sharing mechanisms between inventors, departments, and the university.
Key activities under this policy include organizing workshops and training programs on entrepreneurship, business planning, IP management, and investment strategies for researchers and students. Incubation and acceleration programs are provided to guide early-stage entrepreneurs from idea development to market entry, offering co-working spaces, laboratories, and expert mentorship. Business matching events and networking sessions are held to connect university innovators with industrial partners, venture capitalists, and government funding agencies.
KMUTNB also establishes an internal Innovation Seed Fund to support prototype development and proof-of-concept research via Science and Technology Research Institute (STRI) that can lead to commercial ventures. A database of industrial and investor partners is maintained to facilitate collaboration and investment opportunities. The university regularly monitors and evaluates the outcomes of its commercialization and start-up support programs, including the number of companies established, patents licensed, and the social and economic impact generated. KMUTNB is committed to inclusivity and diversity in entrepreneurship. Special initiatives and mentorship programs are provided for women entrepreneurs and international staff to enhance their participation and success in innovation-driven ventures. The university’s Startup and Innovation Office will continue to promote an entrepreneurial culture that empowers all members of the KMUTNB community to transform ideas into impactful enterprises that benefit society and the economy.
Published on February 7, 2024
