NXPO, in collaboration with the University Holding Company Directorship Certification Program (UHCDP), recently hosted UHC Learn & Share: The Stories of Success. Held on 22 January 2025, the event highlighted the achievements of University Holding Companies (UHCs) at King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (KMITL) and Chulalongkorn University as part of NXPO’s ongoing efforts to promote the UHC model within higher education institutions. The activity was led by Ms. Manunya Chunhavuthiyanon, Division Director of Innovation Ecosystem for Enhancing Capability of Enterprises at NXPO.
In her opening remarks, Ms. Manunya underscored the importance of the UHC Learn & Share initiative in fostering knowledge exchange among universities, faculty, and researchers. This initiative aims to equip institutions with the tools and insights needed to establish and manage UHCs effectively. She also highlighted NXPO’s role in developing supportive guidelines and regulations, as well as promoting investments in university spin-offs and startups. UHCs are seen as key mechanisms for driving the growth of innovation-driven enterprises (IDEs), which are vital for strengthening the economy and positioning Thailand as a high-income nation.
At KMITL, Assist. Prof. Dr. Rutchanee Gullayanono, Vice President for Research and Innovations welcomed participants and provided an overview of the operations of KMIT Ladkrabang Holding Company. Attendees were introduced to several spin-off companies: K-ONE Ladkrabang (organic fertilizer), K2 Graphene X (graphene oxide and graphene derivative materials), Electron Plus Innovation (semiconductor materials), K4 EVTOL Drone (vertical takeoff and landing UAV), and K5 STEMLAB (advanced educational tools).
At Chulalongkorn University, participants were welcomed by Mr. Supachai Chutikusol, Managing Director of CU Engineering Enterprise (CUEE), who shared insights into managing the university’s holding company. The session included a tour of spin-off companies, including CrystalLyte (graphene materials and products) and EngineLife (silk fibroin-based technologies).
Promoting UHCs remains a key priority for NXPO as part of its efforts to drive research commercialization. Currently, 11 universities in Thailand have established UHCs, overseeing more than 100 subsidiaries and combined investments exceeding 500 million THB.
