NEW BAMBOO ECO FIBRE PROJECT AWARDED 100,000 BAHT GRANT

In October last year applications were called for product projects developed within faculties at MSU to apply for one of seven one hundred thousand baht grants for commercial development.

One such successful product is a range of bamboo textile fabrics developed by a team from the new Faculty of Culture (previously the North Eastern Institute of Art and Culture).

Project team leader and physicist Assistant Professor Ms Sisika Wanchan and her team including Ms Charanya Chanlakon, Mrs Pradit THongbeau and Mrs Chusri Takiangrum have developed commercially viable bamboo fibre textile products. 

The team has been awarded one of the hundred thousand baht grants to market the Bamboo Fibre Health Care Fabric products with the assistance of the MSU Business Incubation Centre.

The bamboo eco-fibre has been passed by the Japanese Textile Inspection Association. Benefits of this fibre includes non-static charge properties, it absorbs infra red light which is released to stimulate circulation and metabolism, it contains micro gaps which keeps the wearer cool and comfortable in hot weather and also acts as an insulator in cold weather.

The bamboo fibre products are allergy free as the complete production process uses no pesticides or toxic chemicals. Products include blankets, pillows, shawls and textile by the metre.

MSU INDUSTRY COOPERATION CENTER FUNDS INNOVATIVE PROJECTS

On October 3 MSU Vice President for Planning and International Relations Associate Professor Dr. Nathanon Trachoo chaired a meeting of the board of the MSU University Industry Cooperation Center (MSUIC) to jointly consider funding project proposals submitted by various MSU faculties/departments. Twenty submissions were considered for the allocation of a total of seven hundred thousand baht in funding with one hundred thousand baht to be provided for each of seven selected projects.

The multi faceted MSU Industry Cooperation Center provides many kinds of assistance in the development of products and/or enterprises originating from MSU students, faculties or departments towards a final goal of establishing a successful business. Commonly referred to as the MSU business incubator, the MSUIC not only provides financial aid, it also provides information linking private enterprise, government departments and research facilities.

Many projects funded and developed with the assistance of the MSUIC are aimed towards community development through value adding to existing products, innovation of existing products and commercialisation of new products developed from existing community produced raw products.

Seven project proposals are to receive funding as a result of the board meeting. Some of the successful projects include the development of household textiles from bamboo, tooth floss from natural products, medicinal herbal compresses and herbal extract rice crop pest removal products.