Tech Planter Thailand 2025 is happening tomorrow!
Guided by its mission of “Advancing Science and Technology for Global Happiness,” Leave a Nest Singapore, alongside the broader global Leave a Nest Group, is actively cultivating a future where science and technology catalyze impactful change. By fostering ecosystems that are issue focused and passion driven, the organization remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting Thailand's vibrant and rapidly evolving deep tech landscape through initiatives such as TECH PLANTER.
Operating across six Southeast Asian countries, the TECH PLANTER platform serves as a springboard for researchers and startups developing deep tech innovations. It connects them with the wider Leave a Nest ecosystem spanning Thailand, Singapore, Japan, the Philippines, Malaysia, and beyond. Participants benefit from comprehensive support, including prototyping resources, intellectual property strategy, and access to potential investment and collaboration opportunities.
Leave a Nest Singapore will host the TECH PLANTER Demo Day 2025 in Thailand, continuing its mission to empower deep tech innovators and research teams by providing a platform to showcase their breakthroughs and accelerate their journey toward commercialization and impact.
For 2025, nine (9) Finalists from across Thailand, working in diverse deep tech fields, will pitch their innovations head to head for a chance to represent Thailand at the TECH PLANTER Asia Final 2025, to be held in August in Cyberjaya, Malaysia. Finalists will also compete for various prizes, including both monetary awards and non-monetary support from the Program Partners.
Finalists for TECH PLANTER in Thailand 2025
- InnoPhytoTech: Revolutionary enzyme technology to convert fruit sugar into prebiotics.
- DiaHerbs: Science-backed Thai herbal instant drink for blood sugar control.
- Nanozeree: Enhancing targeted probiotic and prebiotic deliveries through nano encapsulation.
- Scentory: Smart aroma release technology transforms every meal into unforgettable sensory journey.
- VCAT: Upcycling solar waste into valuable nano-silica and customized catalysts for sustainable industry.
- Re-Bonding:SalvaStory: Bio-coating solution for paper preservation.
- GreenGen: Decentralised system that converts food waste into biogas, bio-nutrients.
- RIFFAI: Next-generation Earth observation through AI and hyperspectral satellite imaging.
- Enable Earth: Valorizing agricultural wastes using AI logistics and industrial continuous pyrolysis.
Lightning Talk Teams for TECH PLANTER in Thailand 2025
- Algae Deep Tech: Micro-algae system for air purification and oxygenation.
- AI WoundAssessment:AI-assisted wound assessment, Addressing the challenge of inconsistent wound assessment and delayed healing monitoring.
- Chalupas and Company: Developing high-quality textile alternatives by upcycling agricultural waste using our proprietary enzymatic treatment.
- Floatmeal: Microbiome mediated effecient Wolffia protein production technology.
- Inspection Technology: InSpectra: AI-powered Structural Damage Inspection to automate and accelerate structural inspection with greater accuracy.
- Mush Composites:Mycelium materials for sustainable build materials for interior design.
Partners
With this occasion, Leave a Nest Singapore would like to thank all the partners for creating this project with us.
Judges.
Dr. Kihoko Tokue, Managing Director, Leave a Nest Singapore Pte. Ltd.
Raised across five countries, she earned a Ph.D. in ecology and joined Leave a Nest in 2011. After launching the International Development Division, she led global expansion efforts, establishing Leave a Nest Malaysia in 2013 and becoming its Managing Director. She joined the ASEAN Young Leaders Summit in 2015 and became Managing Director of Leave a Nest Singapore in 2016. In 2019, she signed an MoU with Enterprise Singapore to support startups. She leads the TECH PLANTER program in Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand, and actively fosters international collaboration through bilingual communication, holding a Grade A in the UN English Proficiency Test.
Dr. Dieter Trau, Founding Director , AIT Entrepreneurship Center, Asian Institute of Technology
Prof Trau holds an engineering degree (Dipl. Ing. FH) from the Aachen University of Applied Science, 1994 in Chemical and Bioengineering and a PhD from the Hong Kong University of Science & Technology (HKUST) 2001 in Chemistry. From 1994 to 1998 he worked as a Research Engineer at the Institute of Bio- and Chemical Sensors in Müenster, Germany. At that time he also started his entrepreneurial activities with the foundation of the biotechnology companies Xantec (1995), 8sens biognostic (2000) in Germany, AYOXXA Pte Ltd (2010), Tip Biosystems Pte Ltd (2014) and E3A Healthcare Pte Ltd (2019) in Singapore. He became a cofounder of AVECRIS Pte Ltd in Singapore in 2018. He was a Research Fellow, Assistant Lecturer/Assistant Professor at HKUST from 2001 to 2004. In 2004 he joined the Division of Bioengineering and the Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering at the National University of Singapore (NUS) as an Assistant Professor. He was promoted to Associate Professor with tenure in 2013. In July 2019 he was hired as the Dean of Engineering by the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) as a full Professor and also took over the role of the Founding Director of the new AIT Entrepreneurship Center. In June 2023 he completed his 4 year tenure as Dean and continues as a full Professor at the Department of Industrial Systems Engineering (ISE) teaching medical engineering and bio-nanotechnology.
Dr. Santhaya Kittikowit, Head, Chulalongkorn University Business Incubator, Chulalongkorn University
Dr. Santhaya Kittikowit is a recognized lecturer in the Department of Commerce, Chulalongkorn Business School, where she also serves as an Associate Dean at the College of Public Health Sciences. She's highly regarded for her expertise in innovation, international business management, and entrepreneurship development.
Notably, she is deeply passionate about driving the development of university spinoffs and shaping related policies. She played a crucial role in advocating for and establishing frameworks to facilitate the commercialization of university research through spinoff companies. Her work significantly contributed to creating a supportive environment for these ventures.
Currently, Dr. Santhaya also heads CUBI (Chulalongkorn University Business Incubator), playing a pivotal role in nurturing and supporting startups within the university's vibrant innovation ecosystem.
Mr. Varis Charoenvaravoot, Partner, ExpresSo NB
Varis is a Partner at ExpresSo NB – the Corporate Venture Capital arm of PTT. He manages portfolios and leads direct investments in the new energy, sustainability, and decarbonization sectors. Prior to this, Varis spearheaded numerous initiatives at PTT, including the development of the New Energy business master plan that resulted in the formation of several new subsidiaries, as well as the PTT Smart Energy platform that utilizes AI/ML for optimal energy management solutions. Varis holds a Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering from Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology and an MBA from London Business School.
Mr. Daiki Kumamoto, Executive Director, UntroD Asia Capital Pte. Ltd.
Daiki joined UntroD Capital Japan, which manages Real Tech Fund, in 2019 as the first new graduate hire and served as a Growth Manager, mainly investing into deep-tech startups in Southeast Asia. He invests in startups that bring solutions to care / welfare, serving as a director of aba; developing sensors for excretion detectors for elderly care. For investments in Southeast Asia, he is in charge of NDR Medical, Austrianova, Karana, ceEntek and many more. He was appointed as Executive Director of UntroD Capital Asia in 2023.
Before joining the company, he was the president of the AIESEC, the largest NPO in Japan that commits in supporting young entrepreneurs globally.
Graduated from Keio SFC University with a bachelor in management.
Mr. Charawut Ruangthon, Assistant Manager for Global Service, Fuji Electric Co., Ltd.
Charawut Ruangthong has extensive experience in engineering and management. He worked as an Instrument Engineer at TTCL Public Co., Ltd. (2009–2018), then served as General Manager at GoodDay Engineering (2019–2024), and currently holds the position of Assistant Manager for Global Service at Fuji Electric Manufacturing (Thailand) since April 2025. He values innovation, efficiency, customer-centricity, and sustainability. He is particularly interested in expert planning, execution, and ensuring customer satisfaction in his projects.
Ms. Shiori Yamashita, Manager, Japan Tobacco Inc.
Shiori Yamashita is a manager of D-LAB, the innovation hub of Japan Tobacco Inc. She is dedicated to finding partners who align with JT’s purpose: “Fulfil Moments, Enrich Life.”
Since 2024, she has been co-leading the incubation programme “D-0.” with Leave a Nest, focusing on ventures in Southeast Asia that shape future actions, values and lives.
Mr. Koushi Hasegawa, Deputy General Manager, Health Science Business Division, Kirin Holdings Co., Ltd.
Licensed pharmacist with experience in pharmaceutical sales, marketing, and product lifecycle management in the renal field at Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd.After being seconded to Kirin Holdings Co., Ltd., engaged in new business development for patients with chronic kidney disease.
Currently leads innovation in the health science domain.
Mr. Akihiro ISUMI, Senior Technology Strategist, Soken Chemical & Engineering Co., Ltd.
Soken Group is a research-driven polymer manufacturer, specializing in a wide range of technologies from plant design to polymer development, including adhesives, particulates, coatings, and biomass materials. They actively seek collaboration opportunities such as technical partnerships and investments to leverage their diverse manufacturing technologies.
Mr. Akihiro ISUMI, a Senior Technology Strategist, has extensive experience in material development for regenerative medicine within the pharmaceutical industry. He primarily focuses on biotechnology, medical, and materials development. Additionally, drawing from his experience as the General Manager directing international business at a medical device venture, he explores startups with scalable business models.
Mr. Norio Asahara, Regional R&D Director, Ezaki Glico Co. Ltd.
Glico manufactures not only confectionery and ice cream, but also a wide range of food categories such as beverages, dairy products, processed foods and baby milk powder. Mr. ASAHARA is the director of research and development in Glico Asia Pacific. He is looking for new research partners as well as technical support, investment and opportunities for various collaborations such as buying of new ingredients. He is responsible for new business in Asia Pacific.
Timetable of event
| 12:00 – 13:00 | Registration |
| 13:00 – 13:30 | Opening Ceremony |
| 13:30 – 14:20 | Presentation Round 1 – Bio Wellness |
| 14:20 – 14:30 | Break |
| 14:30 – 15:20 | Presentation Round 2 – Chemistry Impact |
| 15:20 – 15:30 | Break |
| 15:30 – 16:20 | Presentation Round 3 – Green Shift |
| 16:20 – 17:30 | Judging/Partner Presentations/Lightning Talks/Poster Presentations |
| 17:30 – 18:00 | Awards Ceremony |