7.4.5 Assistance to low-carbon innovation
Metric: Energy and the community
Provide assistance for start-ups that foster and support a low-carbon economy or technology.
Prince of Songkla University (PSU), through the Intellectual Property Center and Southern Thailand Science Park, supports innovation-driven enterprises under the Open Innovation Programme. In fiscal year 2025, the programme provided financial support to innovation projects that included technologies contributing to more efficient energy use, carbon management, resource efficiency and circular-economy practices.
Supporting Energy-Efficient Transport Innovation
One of the supported projects was Kitt Connect, developed by Kijprasanpattana (2013) Co., Ltd. The project received THB 1,041,650 in funding under the Open Innovation Programme.
Kitt Connect is an AI-based maritime transport management platform designed to improve the efficiency of marine transportation. The system analyses factors such as cargo weight, vehicle type, vessel capacity, wind speed, wind direction and wave conditions to optimise vessel operation and recommend appropriate travel speeds. It also helps reduce empty return trips through improved matching and transport planning.
The project is expected to:
reduce energy-use costs in marine transport by more than 20%;
reduce losses from empty trips by around 30%; and
improve overall transport-management efficiency by up to 65%.
These outcomes demonstrate how PSU-supported innovation can contribute to more energy-efficient transport and lower-carbon logistics.
Supporting Carbon-Footprint and Sustainability Management Technology
PSU also supported VServesafe, developed by VServesafe Co., Ltd., with THB 915,000 in funding. VServesafe is a digital platform designed to support sustainability monitoring and management across business operations and supply chains. The system can record and report information related to:
sustainable sourcing;
environmentally friendly packaging;
waste and food-waste management;
carbon-footprint analysis in procurement and supplier systems; and
ESG-based supplier assessment.
The platform also supports businesses preparing for sustainability-related standards and reporting frameworks, including GSTC, ISO 14001 and SDG reporting.
By supporting technologies that help businesses monitor carbon-related information and environmental performance, PSU contributes to strengthening the infrastructure needed for a lower-carbon economy.
Supporting Circular-Economy Technology for Industry
Another supported innovation was the Orgaelectra-P System, developed by Hat Yai Environmental Management Co., Ltd. The project received THB 1,061,500 in support for the development of an innovative wastewater-treatment system for the palm-oil industry.
The system combines protein-based precipitation with electrocoagulation technology to improve wastewater treatment. Treated water can be reused in the boiler process of palm-oil production, reducing waste and increasing resource efficiency.
The project explicitly supports Thailand’s BCG Model and Circular Economy by promoting the reuse of resources and reducing industrial waste.
Building an Innovation Ecosystem for a Low-Carbon Economy
Through the Open Innovation Programme, PSU provides financial and innovation support to enterprises developing technologies that improve energy efficiency, strengthen carbon-management capacity, reduce waste and promote resource reuse.
The supported projects demonstrate how university-based innovation support can help start-ups and innovation-driven enterprises develop practical technologies that contribute to a more sustainable and low-carbon economy.