Associate Professor Dr. Somkiat Chaipiboon, Dean of the Faculty of Information and Communication at Maejo University, signed a collaboration agreement to develop innovators and entrepreneurs within the Maejo Agricultural and Food Innovation District. The partnership included Maejo University, the Chiang Mai Chamber of Commerce, and the Chiang Mai Federation of Industries. The signing ceremony, presided over by Associate Professor Dr. Weerapon Thongma, President of Maejo University, took place on October 1, 2024, at the Yi Peng Room, 2nd Floor, Melia Hotel, Chiang Mai. Additional signatories included Associate Professor Dr. Chaiyos Samritsakun, Vice President of Maejo University, and Dr. Kal Kalyanamitr, Director of the Maejo Agricultural and Food Technology Science Park.
Representing the Chiang Mai Chamber of Commerce were Mr. Julnit Wangwiwat, Chairman; Dr. Kobkit Isarachiwawat, Vice Chairman; and Mr. Ratchakorn Piyasajbhoon, Vice Chairman. The Federation of Industries was represented by Mr. Chakarin Wangwiwat, Chairman, along with Mr. Samit Tawilertnithi, Vice Chairman; Mr. Sarawut Sinsamno, Vice Chairman; and Mr. Pranom Chenbamrung, Advisor.
Also in attendance were Associate Professor Penrat Hongwitayakorn, Deputy Secretary-General of the Council of University Presidents of Thailand, and Mr. Manaspong Mangkrai from the National Innovation Agency (Public Organization), alongside university administrators, faculty, and researchers from Maejo University.
The purpose of this collaboration is to foster innovation and entrepreneurship within the Maejo Agricultural and Food Innovation District, with a focus on personnel development through knowledge exchange and shared academic resources. This initiative aims to drive research, innovation, entrepreneurship, and startups in agriculture, food, and health throughout the supply chain. The partnership promotes joint research to further knowledge and innovation, supporting the extension of research and academic services for economic, social, and commercial benefits. Additionally, it enhances innovation communication and technology transfer in agriculture, food, and health to develop expertise in science, technology, and innovation across multiple dimensions.
Maejo University has received ongoing support from the National Innovation Agency (NIA) to develop the Maejo Agricultural and Food Innovation District as an agricultural and food innovation ecosystem hub. This initiative focuses on nurturing entrepreneurs, startups, and community enterprises through foundational project utilization and fostering collaboration with private sector partners.