Home
Chulabhorn Royal Academy Launches “CRA THINK SHARE 2026” to Cultivate Youth Innovators and Drive Thailand Toward a High-Income Country Through Health Science and Technology
BANGKOK (May 29, 2026) – Chulabhorn Royal Academy (CRA) is moving forward with building a sustainable innovation ecosystem by hosting the national-level innovation forum and competition, “CRA THINK SHARE: INNOVATIONS & INVENTIONS FORUM 2026.” Under the theme “Igniting Innovators’ Minds: From Ideas to Sustainable Innovations,” the event features an innovation and invention contest for high school students alongside an exhibition of CRA’s award-winning innovations at the Auditorium, Princess Srisavangavadhana College of Medicine Building, Chulabhorn Royal Academy.
This landmark event marks a major integration between CRA and four of Thailand’s leading research and innovation agencies: the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), the National Innovation Agency (Public Organization) or NIA, and the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa). Together, they have opened a space of learning and inspiration in science, technology, and innovation for networks of high school students and the new generation nationwide. This year, the innovation contest shattered records with 1,166 entries submitted from across the country.
The opening ceremony was honored by Professor Dr. Yodchanan Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), who presided over the event and delivered a keynote address on "Laying the Foundation for a High-Income Country Through Science and Technology."
He was welcomed by Professor Emeritus Rajata Ratjatanavin, M.D. Acting Deputy Secretary-General of Chulabhorn Royal Academy, alongside executive committees and representatives from partner organizations.
Professor Dr. Yodchanan Wongsawat emphasized: "Science, technology, and innovation are no longer confined to research laboratories. Instead, they serve as the primary engines driving Thailand's economy toward becoming a stable, high-income nation. Creating a platform for the younger generation to showcase their potential today is a vital starting point in nurturing 'new-gen innovators' who will become the backbone of our country’s high-value economy in the future."
Professor Emeritus Rajata Ratjatanavin, M.D. revealed that Chulabhorn Royal Academy is firmly committed to developing into an international institution for advanced research and academics. By integrating technological knowledge to achieve excellence in health research and innovation, CRA continues to fulfill the royal vision of providing medical opportunities and enhancing a sustainable quality of life for all Thais. "Our ultimate goal is to integrate multidisciplinary research groups and build collaborative networks to deliver research and innovations that improve the quality of life, reduce healthcare disparities, proactively prevent diseases for an aging society, and establish a solid foundation for the self-reliance of the Thai public health system," Rajata M.D. added.
Key Highlights of “CRA THINK SHARE 2026”
1. National Youth Innovation Contest & Exhibition
The high school innovation competition generated unprecedented enthusiasm this year, drawing a record-breaking 1,166 submissions from all over Thailand. The final 18 teams presented their projects to a panel of national experts to compete for prestigious trophies, medals, and scholarships.Additionally, the event showcased an exhibition of outstanding research and innovations from Chulabhorn Royal Academy that have previously won top awards on international stages, including:
- KidneyX: A high-performance Artificial Intelligence (AI) system designed to detect kidney stones on KUB radiographs, developed by the Princess Srisavangavadhana Faculty of Medicine.
- Kinec: An innovative bilateral movement rehabilitation system for bedridden patients, developed by the Faculty of Health Science Technology.
- Domesticus: Nano-cosmeceuticals derived from Thai cricket extracts, developed by the Chulabhorn Royal Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Facility.
- CRA Ambulance Boat: A prototype emergency medical boat tailored for remote area patient transport, equipped with an integrated Telemedicine system, developed by the Princess Agrarajakumari Faculty of Nursing.
2. Skill-Enhancing Talk Sessions & Workshops
The forum provided an experiential learning space led by renowned Thai researchers and innovation experts from CRA and its four partner agencies. Key tech-focused sessions included:
- "AICEDA: Shaping the Dream of Thai Medical AI on the Global Innovation Stage" – A deep dive into AI applications in digital healthcare by Dr. Tossaporn Fuangrod, Assistant Dean for Information Administration and Digital Technology, Princess Srisavangavadhana Faculty of Medicine, CRA.
- "Pitching Idea 101: Brillant Ideas that Win Research Grants! (Teenagers Can Do It)" – Techniques for impactful project pitching by Professor Dr. Sanong Ekgasit from Chulalongkorn University, an expert from the NRCT.
- "Unlocking Creativity to Create World-Changing Innovation" – Presented by Dr. Patalita Chatwaritphong from the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA).
- Workshop "We are Innovator" – An interactive session to ignite young innovators using the STEAM4INNOVATOR process, led by Ms. Patamawadee Puapromยอด from the National Innovation Agency (NIA), focusing on innovative thinking and turning ideas into real-world projects.
- "AI & Me: The Creative Duo in the Digital Era" – Presented by Mr. Oobnithi Noppha from the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa).
The success of this forum reflects a tangible milestone on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of Chulabhorn Royal Academy. It underscores CRA's position as a leading organization in applying science and technology to upgrade citizens' quality of life. This aligns with the royal vision of Professor Dr. Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn Krom Phra Srisavangavadhana, the Royal Founder of Chulabhorn Royal Academy, while serving as a crucial milestone in inspiring and grooming Thai youth to become the vital driving force for the country's sustainable development. For more details, please visit the Chulabhorn Royal Academy official website at: https://www.cra.ac.th
