January 27, 2009
Agency targets 50 firms
Published: 27/01/2009 at 12:00 AM
Newspaper section: Business
The National Innovation Agency (NIA) expects 50 private companies to apply for funding support from the agency this year, said NIA director Supachai Lorlowhakarn. The state agency was set up to help turn new Thai technology into products by providing financial aid to firms looking to employ innovations in their businesses.
Dr Supachai said this year the agency will focus on green technology, with main targets in bio-business, eco-industry, design and solutions.
The NIA will also move forward this year in encouraging local business operators to rely on Thai, rather than foreign, innovations and technology.
''We want to ensure that there is no cost to companies in trialling Thai innovations, which should prevent investors sourcing technology from overseas,'' said Dr Supachai.
''Thais often believe in western ideas while overlooking themselves. This is one major problem that discourages our talented scientists. We need to change attitudes.''
To achieve its target of 50 applicants, NIA has initiated an innovation ambassador programme, in which 100 academics have been appointed to network between Thai scientists and investors.
He said the investment of 50 million baht in the programme would be justified by the resulting commercial applications. ''This move will help bolster the Thai economy. With our investment of 50 million, we expect to see a 15-fold return to the Thai economy of 750 million baht.
''This is coupled with a 400-million-baht investment from the private sector when the scientists and businessmen find their matches,'' Dr Supachai said.
One ambassador, Wichien Yongmanitchai, professor of microbiology at Kasetsart University, praised the scheme's conversion of scientists into middlemen as their connections can help match researchers with investors.
''As middlemen, and as researchers who own patents on technologies, we get licensing and loyalties. The investors get cheaper local technology. The Thai economy is boosted. It's a win-win situation,'' he said.
Dr Wichien is in charge of a clinical trial that has linked him with three companies researching markets for DHA, or docosahexaenoic acid. This is mainly found in saltwater fish and is important both in the development of children's brains and in reducing cholesterol.
''The product has much potential. The US now has a monopoly on DHA supply. They make Thai importers sign a clause preventing them from producing it. The research will provide local markets with a product that is half the price,'' he said.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/business/economics/10505/agency-targets-50-firms
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