The Faculty of Agro-Industry, Chiang Mai University, proudly congratulates Ms. Natnicha Somjit and Ms. Nattida Mano on winning the "First Runner-Up (Gold Medal)" in the I – New Gen Award 2026. Along with the prestigious trophy, the team received a cash prize of 60,000 Baht for their groundbreaking project: "PlantiQ-Chick: Plant-based Tender Chicken Breast in Khao-Soi Cream Sauce." This achievement was developed under the expert supervision of Asst. Prof. Dr. Suphat Phongthai and Dr. Pipat Tangjaidee. The award was presented at "Thailand Inventors’ Day 2026," organized by the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, held from January 5–9, 2026, at BITEC Bangna, Bangkok. This event serves as a strategic platform connecting knowledge and innovation to drive the nation toward stability, prosperity, and sustainability in line with the 20-year National Strategy.

Innovation Highlights:
In an era where the food industry is shifting toward sustainability, finding the perfect balance between "Cutting-edge Innovation" and "Cultural Roots" is a profound challenge. The Faculty of Agro-Industry, Chiang Mai University, has successfully bridged this gap with "PlantiQ-Chick." More than just a meat alternative, this innovation represents a revolution in plant-based fibrous structures. By utilizing advanced enzymatic technology and sophisticated processing techniques, the team has achieved a realistic meat-like texture that is rich in nutritional value.

The most distinctive feature is the seamless integration of "Khao-Soi Sauce," the precious cultural identity of Lanna, with the "Food of the Future." This synergy adds significant value to local ingredients and elevates Thai flavors to a global stage. With a tangible business model, competitive production costs, and high economic returns, this project exemplifies "Academic Excellence that is Edible" (Practical Innovation) and marks a vital step in driving Thailand toward becoming a sustainable global leader in food security.