By AIT Entrepreneurship Center
30 August 2024: The AIT Entrepreneurship Center hosted the AIT SDG Summer School on 29-30 August, marking the third edition of the SDG Open Hackathon, a partnership between AIT and the University of Geneva that began in 2022. The event brought together aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators focused on tackling global challenges in health and wellness.
Thirteen exceptional teams were chosen out of over 20 applicants to present their innovative solutions during the pitch competition on August 30. These finalists participated in a series of intensive workshops, which covered developing business canvas models, creating Minimal Viable Products (MVPs), and finalizing pitch decks. Mentors guiding the teams included Prof. Dieter Trau, Director of AIT EC; Dr. Lakeesha Ransom, Director of Enterprise Engagement at AIT EC; Dr. Gopi Krishna, Affiliated Faculty at the School of Management; and Dr. Paul Eaimkhong, Innovation Manager at the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA).
The distinguished panel of judges included Prof. Andrei Szuder, Senior AIT Fellow, Office of the President; Dr. Kritsadarat Wattanasuwan, Associate Professor at Thammasat Business School; Dr. Kamonkanok Kiatisakchai, Associate Dean at the School of Management; Mr. Raymond Chee, Founder of AI Brain Lab; Dr. Tanujjal Bora, Associate Professor of Nanotechnology; Dr. Chaitanya Krishna, Assistant Professor at the School of Engineering and Technology; Mr. Charles Tuchinda, Chairman of the Board at Netka System; and Mr. Bhargab Mohan Das, Founder of DN69. Their combined expertise ensured a thorough evaluation process, highlighting the most promising innovations. The competition was intense, with each team striving to present a solution that could have a real impact.
First Place: Mindful Milk
Mindful Milk, secured the top prize with its innovative plant-based probiotic milk, designed to support both gut and mental health. The team members, Mr. Ranjit Singh (Doctoral student) and Mr. Johnmel JM Valerozo (Master Student), from the Department of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources at the School of Environment, Resources and Development, developed this pioneering product to fill a significant market gap by offering a sustainable, mental health-focused food option. This addresses the growing consumer demand for health-conscious and environmentally friendly solutions. As the first-place winner, Mindful Milk will represent AIT at the upcoming SDG Olympiad in Paris, showcasing their innovation on a global stage.
Second Place: Virtual Puen
Virtual Puen, a team formed by students Thanathorn Supachotianant and Pimnara Gabrielle Wong from Chulalongkorn University, and Phanapon Maneechot and Atiwat Thanapatsiri from Thammasat University, developed an interactive digital companion designed to enhance mental wellness through personalized, empathetic interactions, and won second place. This innovative solution redefines the role of digital technology in mental health care, offering users tailored support to improve their overall well-being.
Third Place: Pro Fine
Pro Fine, a team from AIT consisting of Kwankaew Chavengvorakul (Doctoral Student) and Vashirawit Akkharasaksiri (Masters Student) from the School of Management, took third place with its visionary centralized patient data system, aimed at addressing the fragmentation of patient data across multiple healthcare providers. By integrating and improving access to vital health information, Pro Fine enhances patient care and aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 3, “Good Health and Well-being.”
“The AIT SDG Summer School has once again demonstrated the power of innovation in addressing global challenges,” said Prof. Dieter Trau. “We are immensely proud of all the participants who presented their solutions with such passion and dedication. Their work exemplifies the creativity and commitment needed to drive sustainable development.”
The success of this event was made possible by the invaluable contributions of our mentors, judges, and team members, whose expertise and support have been instrumental in guiding the next generation of innovators.
“As we look forward to Mindful Milk’s participation in the SDG Olympiad in Paris to represent Thailand and AIT. We wish team Mindful Milk an exciting learning experience and good luck! AIT remains committed to fostering innovation and supporting projects that contribute to a more sustainable and equitable world” Prof. Trau further stated.
