EGAT, NIA join forces in R&D projects on innovative energy

BANGKOK, May 16 (TNA) - The state-run Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) and the National Innovation Agency (NIA), a public organization, have joined forces in launching research and development (R&D) projects on innovative inventions to be commercially used for the purposes of renewable and new energy sources. EGAT Deputy Governor for Renewable and New Energy Saharath Boonpotipukdee and NIA Executive Deputy Director for Innovation System Krithpaka Boonfueng signed an agreement on the cooperation in Bangkok on May 15. Dr. Krithpaka then told journalists that the EGAT-NIA cooperation covers jointly organizing of technical conferences, exhibitions and other activities, namely hackathons and competitions of energy business startups, aimed to also exchange knowledge and experiences between participating teams. Besides, the EGAT-NIA cooperation covers screening and evaluating by NIA the potential of energy research projects on open innovations seeking for a financial sponsor. Meanwhile, EGAT and NIA will jointly organize the Startup Thailand 2018 event, the largest of its kind in Asia, under the theme of "Innovative Power Solutions for Thailand Community and Energy Sector", at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok from May 19 to 20, during which a hackathon will also be held for five EGAT awards, including Firm Renewable Energy, Energy Storage, Energy Vehicle, Smart City-Smart Grid and Bio Economy, with honorable-mention and winning teams to be rewarded with cash prizes of 20,000-100,000 baht. Interested teams are welcome to access to the [hackathon.wi.th/startupthailand] or [www.nia.or.th] websites for more detailed information and online applications until May 17. (TNA)