A group of researchers from the Organic Nanomaterials Laboratory at NANOTEC won the recent “Rocket Pitch” category at the annual NSTDA Idea To Product (I2P) 2012 Competition. The NANOTEC team headed by Dr. Udom Asawapirom pitched the idea of “Smart Glass” technology to groups of independent judges from academic and private sector.
Smart Glass technology refers to electrically switchable glass which changes light transmission properties when voltage is applied. The Smart Glass technology which the NANOTEC team pitched involved the use of polymer film as sensing components. “The main benefit of Smart Glass technology is to responds to environmental temperatures, making it a promising material for energy efficient windows” said Dr. Udom. “For example, on cold days the window would prevent heat from escaping the room and on hot days, it would reflect infrared radiation, keeping the inside of the room cool. Hence there is minimal use of electricity for heaters and air conditioning system”. The researchers hope the business pitch will create interest from public and private sector groups.
Dr. Udom and his team also joined force with students from International MBA Program at Thammasat University to present a Smart Glass business plan to selected judging panels.
In addition to Smart Glass technology, NANOTEC by Dr. Lapporn Vayachuta (also from Organic Nanomaterials Lab) presented Pesticides Indicator technology for food safety. The technology also received much interest from the judges.
The Annual NSTDA Idea to Product (I2P) Competition organized by Technology Management Center (TMC) is early-stage technology commercialization plan competitions that aim for unique product ideas with clear market demand that use innovative technologies. The goal is education and developing the next generation of technology entrepreneurs. The program is particularly interested in matching technologies resulting from fundamental research projects with potential markets. The team members must consist of researchers and university student (Business Management). The judges come from both the private and public sector. In total, 13 teams and 20 judges participated in the 2012 competition.
For additional information on NSTDA Idea to Product (I2P) Competition 2012, please contact Khun Thininut Srichan at thininut@tmc.nstda.or.th
