TISTR Winning Grand Prize and Gold Medals at JDIE 2026 in Japan

Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research (TISTR), through its Inno Flora Hub (Center of Excellence for Floriculture Innovation) under the R&D Groups for Bio-industries, presented research and innovation projects at the “2026 Japan Design, Idea and Invention Expo (JDIE 2026)”, held on 3–4 July 2026 in Osaka, Japan.

TISTR achieved remarkable success, receiving “5 Gold Medals”, “1 Silver Medal”, “NRCT Special Prize”, and the competition’s highest honor—the “JDIE Grand Prize”, as follows;

🏆 “Bloomblock: Next-generation orchid growing solution for growers and urban green living”

Bloomblock emerged as TISTR’s most outstanding innovation at JDIE 2026, earning the JDIE Grand Prize, the competition’s highest honor, in addition to a Gold Medal and the NRCT Special Prize.

Its innovative design combines cement, coconut coir, and biochar into a durable growing block that offers excellent structural stability and superior drainage. The highly porous structure allows excess water to drain quickly, minimizing moisture accumulation around the roots and significantly reducing the risk of root rot. The innovation provides a sustainable and practical solution for healthier orchid cultivation while supporting modern urban green living.

Lead Researcher: Asst. Prof. Dr. Nattapong Chanchula, Research Officer from Expert Centre of Innovative Agriculture (InnoAg) and research team

🥇 “Eyemerry: Innovative Concentrated Drink Formulated with Marigold Extract and Berry Blend for Eye Health Enhancement”

Award: Gold Medal

Lead Researcher: Dr. Waraporn Sorndech, Senior Research Officer from the Expert Centre of Innovative Health Food (InnoFood) and Asst. Prof. Dr. Nattapong Chanchula, Research Officer from Expert Centre of Innovative Agriculture (InnoAg)

🥈 “AMINOSA: Innovative Plant Immune Booster”

Award: Silver Medal

Lead Researcher: Asst. Prof. Dr. Nattapong Chanchula and Dr.Kanoknipa Sukaoun, Research Officer from Expert Centre of Innovative Agriculture (InnoAg)

🥇 “Marigold OralPatch™: A Waterless Toothpaste Film for Smart Gum Care”

Award: Gold Medal

Lead Researcher: Dr. Somkamol Intawong, Senior Researcher from R&D Group for Bio-industries, Asst. Prof. Dr. Nattapong Chanchula, Researcher from InnoAg and research team from Innovative Cosmeceutical Services Center (ICOS)

🥇 “Freshflo: High-performance Concentrated Flower Food for Maximizing Vase Life and Display Quality of Cut Flowers”

Award: Gold Medal

Lead Researcher: Asst. Prof. Dr. Nattapong Chanchula, Research Officer from Expert Centre of Innovative Agriculture (InnoAg) and research team

🥇 “Cold Plasma Innovation for Increasing the Bioactive Compounds in Jewel Orchids”

(A collaborative research project between TISTR and Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi)

Award: Gold Medal

This outstanding achievement highlights TISTR’s commitment to advancing research, technology, and innovation that create tangible economic, social, and environmental impacts. It also reflects the institute’s role in strengthening Thailand’s global competitiveness through scientific excellence and sustainable innovation.

Source of photos: National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT).

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