ส.อ.ท. – มหิดล เปิดตัว SAI ปั้นต้นแบบเกษตรอุตสาหกรรม BCG นำร่อง “เห็ด” วัตถุดิบชีวภาพมูลค่าสูงของไทยFTI – Mahidol University Launches SAI, Pilot Model for BCG Agricultural Industry Focusing on High-Value Bio-raw Materials: “Mushrooms”

On Friday, March 20, 2026, Mr. Kriangkrai Theeranukul, Chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), together with Professor Dr. Piyamit Sirithra, President of Mahidol University, presided over the Ground Breaking ceremony for the Smart Agriculture Industry (SAI) project, which incorporates the BCG economic model to enhance the Thai agricultural sector, create added value, and drive the development of a bio-based industry, thereby improving the country's competitiveness.  The project aims to support research and knowledge transfer, the improvement of technology, the development of related curricula and activities, and provide facilitation to achieve the objectives set out in the agreement.

Moreover, Professor Dr. Yotchanan Wongsawat, a registered member of the Thai Raksa Chart Party and former Vice President for Research at Mahidol University, attended the project launch, which was also graced by executives from FTI, lecturers and researchers from Mahidol University, and representatives from relevant industries at the Sireerukachart Natural Science Park at Mahidol University Salaya.

Mr. Kriangkrai Theeranukul, Chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), stated that the Smart Agriculture Industry (SAI) project serves as a model for development under the BCG economic model in the form of open innovation aimed at increasing the value of agricultural products throughout the supply chain, focusing on biotechnology, which is one of the core policies of the FTI. It aims to leverage the country's biodiversity, considered a strength, as a foundation to drive industries while reducing dependence on imported raw materials in the cosmetics and dietary supplement industries.

The project has a concrete implementation goal over a period of 10 years and includes a testing area of 12 rai and 87 square wah at the Sireerukachart Natural Science Park at Mahidol University Salaya. This area will serve as both an Incubation Center and a Sandbox for testing innovations that integrate modern agricultural technology through the design of flexible Modularized Greenhouses which can be rapidly scaled up. All technologies are Made in Thailand, developed by Thais to genuinely uplift businesses.

SAI will pioneer the development of eight industrial clusters including Bioplastics, Biofuel, Biochemical, Bio-Pharma, Functional Food and Novel Foods, Biofabrics, Cosmetics, and Biofertilizer.

The project has chosen “mushrooms” as the pilot crop, as it is not only a food source but can also extend to pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and dietary supplements. Additionally, mushrooms possess high-value bioactive compounds. Artificial Intelligence (AI) will be utilized to develop crop models to control production environments in real time, in cooperation with industry groups and clusters to systematically link supply and demand and promote the development of Next-Gen Industries.

Furthermore, the project aligns with the promotion of Green Industry and Clean Technology through a circular economy process, such as reusing waste materials and capturing carbon dioxide for reuse, which are essential mechanisms to drive the Thai industrial sector toward achieving carbon neutrality and net-zero greenhouse gas emissions sustainably in the future.

 
        
“The project will cater to stakeholders in all aspects, aiming for farmers to produce high-standard raw materials, the industrial sector to have access to high-quality domestic raw materials, and consumers to receive safe and quality products,” Mr. Kriangkrai added.

Professor Dr. Piyamit Sirithra, President of Mahidol University, stated, “Mahidol University, as a leading educational and research institution in the country, is fully prepared to support the Smart Agriculture Industry (SAI) project by leveraging its strong research infrastructure and the university’s innovation ecosystem, particularly by developing the Sireerukachart Natural Science Park at Salaya Campus as both an innovation incubation center and a practical testing area. This can bridge knowledge from laboratories and advanced research to real-world applications in the industrial sector.
The university has integrated expertise in Life Sciences and essential ingredient extraction technology to establish standards for analyzing the bioactivity of medicinal mushrooms and high-value agricultural plants, as well as providing consulting in nutritional and health claims certification to elevate upstream raw materials to end products within the Next-Gen Industries effectively. The activation of these research infrastructures in the form of open innovation not only enhances competitiveness and reduces dependence on foreign raw material imports but also reflects the university's role as a center for testing and incubating innovations to support the development of the country's bioeconomy alongside the concrete goal of Net Zero.

During the event, Professor Dr. Yotchanan Wongsawat emphasized the necessity of "moving the country forward" with the goal of Wellness Economy and achieving Nutrition Security, which will form the foundation for future success. He stated that he has received a Blueprint from the Federation of Thai Industries and is ready to act as a hub to facilitate the unlocking of laws and regulations (Regulatory Sandbox), both through minor adjustments using digital technology and through drafting new laws concurrently, to create a flexible and timely innovation ecosystem that meets the needs of the private sector.

In addition, Professor Dr. Yotchanan underscored the importance of increasing productivity through Smart Agriculture and AI to meet the demands of farmers in an aging society, as well as advocating for budget allocations for research that extends throughout the system, from deep research at international standards (Nature Scale) to create added value and geographical indications (GI) that enable Thai herbs to have bargaining power on the global geopolitical stage, along with expanding collaboration with universities nationwide to ensure fairness and create clear career paths for Thai scientists as Product Owners ready to transform the country's biodiversity into innovations that can genuinely create economic value while being willing to coordinate with various agencies across both the administrative and legislative sectors to enhance human capital and national security in every dimension.

The Smart Agriculture Industry (SAI) project represents a significant step forward in the collaboration between the industrial sector and educational institutions to develop Thailand's agricultural innovations, aiming to create a system for producing high-value bio-raw materials that can compete internationally and drive the country's bioeconomy. This project is expected to serve as a model for developing high-value agricultural industries and extend toward creating a bio-industrial chain that enhances the Thai economy in the long term.

For further information
Industry Promotion and Support Department (IPS)
02 – 345 – 1164