On 18 March 2025, NXPO and the National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC) of the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) signed an academic cooperation agreement for the Thailand Nanotechnology Research and Development Roadmap 2026–2032. This initiative aims to drive the country’s science, research, and innovation (SRI) system and establish a nanotechnology network, focusing on four key areas: high-value medical and healthcare applications, green energy and climate change, sustainable agriculture and food, and nanosafety and nanoethics. The project seeks to translate research into real-world applications across sectors.
In his remarks, Prof. Dr. Sirirurg Songsivilai, Chairman of the National Commission on Science, Research, and Innovation Promotion, emphasized the critical role of nanotechnology over the past decades. He highlighted that this collaboration offers an opportunity to review and align Thailand’s nanotechnology R&D roadmap with the country’s current goals and the evolving SRI landscape, ensuring that scientific and technological advancements contribute to national development objectives.
“SRI has been recognized by the Thai government as a key driver of national development. The cabinet has approved a budget of over 160 billion THB for higher education, science, research, and innovation for FY 2026, including investments in frontier science. This roadmap will be instrumental in guiding Thailand toward an innovation-driven economy, marking a significant step in advancing research and innovation for economic growth,” said Professor Dr. Sirirurg.
Dr. Surachai Sathitkunarat, President of NXPO, outlined NXPO’s role in shaping Thailand’s higher education and science policies. He traced the development of the nanotechnology roadmap, highlighting its origins when NXPO was the National Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy Office (STI Office). Using tools such as foresight techniques, NXPO has helped define the direction of nanotechnology development. The three previous editions of the roadmap demonstrated nanotechnology’s high impact and practical applications. This new roadmap builds on past strategies and aligns with national policies, including the 14th National Economic and Social Development Plan (developed with the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council, or NESDC), the National Science, Research, and Innovation Plan (developed with the Thailand Science Research and Innovation, or TSRI), and the Higher Education Plan (developed with the Higher Education Commission). Additionally, the National Science, Research, and Innovation Promotion Fund will play a key role in supporting its implementation.
“NXPO serves two key roles: as a policy think tank for the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation (MHESI) and as the secretariat of the National Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation Policy Council (Policy Council). Nanotechnology is a topic that can be presented to the Policy Council and the government to support economic, social, and environmental development at the national level,” Dr. Surachai concluded.
Dr. Uracha Ruktanonchai, Executive Director of NANOTEC-NSTDA, noted that Thailand has developed three nanotechnology research and development roadmaps since 2010. The most recent edition, which concluded in 2021, was formulated by NXPO (formerly the STI Office) in collaboration with NANOTEC-NSTDA and its partners. To ensure Thailand’s nanotechnology R&D aligns with national policies, strategic plans, and industry needs, it is essential to review and refine its direction in response to evolving global and technological trends.
This initiative will develop the Thailand Nanotechnology Roadmap 2026–2032 to drive scientific research, development, and innovation. It also aims to establish a national nanotechnology research network, connecting research institutions, academia, industry, and government agencies to advance research and facilitate its real-world application across sectors.
“Nanotechnology is a key enabling technology for future manufacturing and holds significant market growth potential. The upcoming roadmap is expected to make a substantial contribution to various industries, particularly three key sectors: high-value medical and healthcare, green energy and climate change, and sustainable agriculture and food,” Dr. Uracha stated.
Following the signing ceremony, the first Working Group Meeting on the Thailand Nanotechnology Research and Development Roadmap (2026–2032) was held to initiate discussions and establish a working framework between the two organizations.
