By AIT Public Affairs
17 July 2025 – The Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Das Nuntaburus 69 Co., Ltd. (DN69 Family), Thailand, to promote collaboration in education, research, entrepreneurship, and green innovation.
The agreement, particularly involving the AIT Entrepreneurship Center (AIT EC), enables cooperation for joint activities such as knowledge exchange, co-hosting seminars and webinars, and sharing expertise in areas like energy sustainability, material science and engineering, mechanical design, carbon capture, and sustainable living. Both sides will also support each other’s initiatives and explore resource-sharing opportunities.
The MoU was signed by AIT President Prof. Pai-Chi Li and, from DN69, Mr. Bhargab Mohan Das, Founder and Dr. Vasin Supprakorn, Co-Founder and Group Chairman.
Prof. Li commended Mr. Bhargab’s commitment to giving back to his alma mater, stating, “This new partnership strengthens our bond with DN69, and I am hopeful it will bring long-term value to both sides.”
Mr. Das shared his thoughts on the collaboration and stated, “Reconnecting with AIT is always special. With ITAP now part of this journey, it adds even more meaning to our collaboration.”
Dr. Nantiya Viriyabanthorn, Director of the Innovation Technology Assistance Program (ITAP), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), also attended the signing, assuring ITAP’s support towards these joint initiatives.
Under this collaboration, AIT EC will serve in an advisory role to Circular DN69, DN69 Family’s sustainable low-carbon real estate development initiative. AIT will share expertise in energy efficiency, sustainability, and design. Facilities like labs and event spaces will support joint activities. AIT EC will also aid in grant applications and resource mobilization to promote innovation, startups, and incubation. DN69 Family, through a separate agreement, will fund at least one joint project in areas such as energy sustainability or affordable housing, offer internships to AIT students, and support grant applications and startup initiatives involving AIT EC students, staff or members.
Additionally, a separate agreement between DN69 Family and AIT EC paves the way for collaborative efforts in research and development, skill-building, training, and consulting, bridging academic expertise with practical, real-world solutions.
Prof. Dieter Trau, Director of AIT EC, said, “This partnership takes our collaboration to the next level. We are excited to begin meaningful projects that will benefit both AIT and the DN69 Family.”
DN69 Family delegation included Mr. Nitikorn Khummasorn, Technology Consultant, ITAP Program (NSTDA), Mr. Sutee Nuntaburus, Co-Founder, Authorized Director, DN69; Miss Monsila Sriboonrod, Director, Group GM and Mr. Tungish Uprety, Honorary Volunteering Associate. From AIT Ms. Chalita Lertwinyu, Executive Director, Office of Thailand Affairs; Dr. Sumana Shrestha, Director, International Affairs, Office of International Public Affairs (OIPA); Mr. Sanjeet Amatya, Director, Public Affairs, OIPA; Dr. Chaitanya Krishna, Academic Program Chair of Structural Engineering, SET; Ms. Lucena Talaid, Senior Alumni Affairs Officer, Office of Advancement and Alumni Affairs (OAAA); Ms. Jennifer Finch, Manager, AITEC and Ms. Prajakta Mandelkar, Asst. Manager, AIT EC were present.
DN69 Family is based in Thailand and aims to promote sustainability in all possible facets via designated companies in the relevant sectors, DN69 Family has active participation in the industries related to: Low Carbon Real Estate Development, Renewable Energy Solutions’ Execution, Sustainable Agriculture, Carbon Capture, Energy Efficiency Certification, Permits and Licensing Support and Facility Operation & Maintenance Support.
