In 2024, Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna supported a total of 42 university spin-off projects. These projects were distributed across various university’s strategic groups as follows:

• 12 projects of Innovation and Technology Assistance Program (ITAP) with a budget of 5,483,694 baht,
• 2 projects of Talent Mobility Program with a budget of 381,200 baht,
• 13 projects of University Business Incubator (UBI) Program with a budget of 1,965,000 baht,
• 11 projects of Micropreneur Entrepreneurship Development Program (GSB Micropreneur Academy) with a budget of 220,000 baht, and
• 4 projects of Medical Materials and Biomedical Electronics Research with a budget of 3,876,600 baht

The total budget received for these 42 University Spin-Off Projects was 11,926,494 baht, with allocation details for each university’s strategic group presented in the following figure and table.

Project Budgets from Government and Industry for 2024

Project Budgets from Government and Industry for 2024

Example of Highly Successful University Spin-Offs in 2024

1. Remarkably successful projects

• Enhancing Efficiency in Ceramic Firing Processes through the Use of Heat Exchangers to Reduce LPG Fuel Consumption

This project is designed to enhance the efficiency of ceramic production processes through the integration of heat exchanger technology, with an additional objective of promoting environmental sustainability within industrial operations. The implementation of the developed system results in the successful installation of a heat exchanger in the ceramic firing process, which significantly reduced LPG fuel consumption, improved production efficiency, lowered energy costs and increased firing capacity, while simultaneously reducing environmental impacts. This innovative heat exchanger is developed, installed and successfully operated at Earth and Fire Ceramics Production Industry, located in Koh Kha District, Lampang Province, Thailand.

• Pop Studio: A Creative Sculpture Project Inspired by Muay Thai Art

The Pop Studio project represents a creative sculptural endeavor rooted in the aesthetics of Muay Thai art. This work has emerged from the Art & Tech Venture program, which fosters collaboration between business incubation initiatives and intellectual property (IP) management efforts. The creator, Mr. Panupong Kumfun, a bachelor’s degree alumnus in the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts and Architecture from Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna, continues to pursue sustainable business development. He received consultation on intellectual property registration at the Creative Innovation and Technology Management Institute (CiNT) from Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna. The consultation was provided by Ms. Areewan Arunsit, an Intellectual Property and Technology Management Executive, who offered guidance on protecting creative rights and selecting appropriate registration pathways for the business.

• The Art, Craft, and Culture Business Challenge Program

The program is designed to provide comprehensive guidance in product development, marketing strategy formulation and business plan adaptation, with the aim of aligning entrepreneurial initiatives with the demands of real target markets. This program is implemented under the University Business Incubator Program of Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna (RMUTL), in cooperation with the Business Plan Competition Evaluation Committee. Moreover, the program functions as an experiential learning environment through which RMUTL students and alumni can critically reassess their creative concepts, refine strategic approaches and enhance their readiness to become a new generation of entrepreneurs. These entrepreneurs are envisioned to integrate art, craftsmanship and cultural identity into the sustainable creation of business value.

• The Medical Materials and Biomedical Electronics Research Projects

Projects focus on developing innovative and sustainable technologies for medical applications. The research includes four major projects.

4.1 Nano-Particle Bone Cement for Medical Surgery

This project aims to develop nano-sized bone cement for orthopedic surgery applications, such as hip and knee replacements. Current bone cement technologies, mainly based on calcium phosphate compounds like hydroxyapatite (HA), are entirely imported and expensive. Despite their excellent bone compatibility, long-term use may cause biological side effects. To address this, researchers propose synthesizing bone cement and artificial bone using animal-derived materials such as bovine, porcine, and fish bones. These are processed through thermal and physical modifications to produce biocompatible and mechanically strong materials suitable for bone repair and regeneration. The developed bio-cement can be injectable and self-setting, reducing recovery time and post-surgical complications. The project collaborates with Chiang Mai University’s Faculty of Medicine and industrial partners to produce prototypes, test biocompatibility in animal trials.

4.2 DentaCal: Injectable Calcium Hydroxide from Eggshells for Temporary Dental Filling
“DentaCal” introduces an eco-friendly, cost-effective dental innovation that transforms agricultural waste—eggshells—into calcium hydroxide for temporary dental fillings. The material helps control infection and stimulate tissue regeneration inside the tooth cavity. Using a custom-designed vibro-milling machine, calcium hydroxide particles are refined to the nanoscale, increasing surface area, antibacterial efficiency, and ease of injection. Its optimal viscosity, anti-bacterial activity, and non-irritant properties make DentaCal a promising material for temporary fillings and root canal treatments. This project demonstrates sustainable innovation integrating material science and dental technology to improve accessibility and reduce environmental impact.

4.3 Patient Lifting and Walking Assist Device

This project addresses the growing need for rehabilitation support among stroke and elderly patients who face limited mobility. Stroke is the world’s second leading cause of death, affecting over 80 million people globally. Physical therapy significantly improves recovery, but existing rehabilitation devices are costly, non-portable, or require multiple caregivers. In collaboration with Multi Engineering & Supply Co., Ltd., the research team designed an affordable lifting and walking assist device. It can lift patients from sitting or lying positions and support standing or walking exercises. The portable and low-cost design enhances safety, reduces caregiver workload, and improves rehabilitation efficiency for patients both in hospitals and at home.

4.4 Multifunctional Electric Bed

With over 6,000 bedridden patients in Chiang Mai and 1.3 million elderly citizens nationwide, the demand for affordable adjustable beds is rising. Imported electric medical beds are expensive (THB 40,000–60,000), difficult to transport, and require government certification. The research team developed a modular, foldable electric bed that is easy to assemble, lightweight (under 50 kg), and compact for private shipping. Future models plan to use longan-shell composite wood for sustainability. Additional services include delivery and assembly within 30 km at low cost, making the bed an affordable, user-friendly alternative to imported models.

2. Intellectual Property Achievements

In 2024, Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna recorded a total of 54 intellectual property rights successfully obtained, which derived from the university’s research outcomes and spin-off projects. The details are presented in the following table, categorized by faculty and type of intellectual property.

Number of Intellectual Property Achievements for 2024