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OsseoLabs: Opportunities for Thai Deep Tech on the Global Stage
In the world of technology startups, intellectual property (IP) is more than just a legal document; it’s a strategic asset. It creates competitive advantage, builds investor confidence, and opens doors to global markets. Therefore, understanding and effectively managing IP is at the core of a startup’s development, especially for Deep Tech companies that rely on complex research and years of accumulated knowledge.
At the “The IP Journey for Startups” session during SITE 2025, we had the honor of hearing from Asst. Prof. Dr. Pacharapish Prom-u-patham, CEO and co-founder of OsseoLabs, a Thai Deep Tech startup. OsseoLabs develops technology to solve medical problems using innovative AI and novel plastic materials to help with health recovery and rehabilitation, especially for patients with ankle problems or diabetes.
The Genesis of OsseoLabs
OsseoLabs was founded by a group of biomedical and materials engineering researchers who had previously collaborated on a research project at King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi. They asked a simple yet profound question: “Why is the treatment for damaged bones so complicated and time-consuming?” This question became the starting point for their journey and led to the founding of a startup dedicated to solving this problem.
OsseoLabs developed a new type of biomaterial technology, using AI and 3D printing techniques to analyze medical images and create bone structure models. They also invented OsseoMatrix, an innovation that designs porous structures similar to real bone. This technology aims to make bone regeneration safer, faster, and more accessible, helping patients return to their daily lives in the shortest possible time. It also reduces the workload for doctors and healthcare system costs while opening up opportunities to apply biomaterial knowledge to other research areas. These efforts are setting a new standard for orthopedic surgery worldwide.
Technology Alone Is Not Enough; Understanding IP Is Crucial
Asst. Prof. Dr. Pacharapish shared his own learning journey with IP. Despite holding a PhD in engineering, he initially had little understanding of IP. However, as he sought to bring his research to market, he quickly realized that IP was essential for protecting his innovations and ensuring that the technology he created was not used without proper credit or permission. For OsseoLabs, patenting became a critical tool, allowing the company to maintain ownership of its technology and build a solid foundation for market expansion and global competition.
Collaboration and IP Management
In addition to developing its own technology, OsseoLabs places great importance on collaborating with research institutions. Managing IP is a key part of this process, ensuring that research efforts are not wasted and can effectively be leveraged to create value for society. Another crucial aspect is understanding how IP allows OsseoLabs to control the technology and innovations it develops, whether they are products or services, and to protect them from unauthorized use or imitation.
Deep Tech: Using IP as a Shield and a Passport
OsseoLabs doesn’t just develop advanced technology; it has a robust IP strategy. The company has filed patents both domestically and internationally in key countries, including the United States, Europe, and Singapore. This reduces the risk of imitation and provides a clear path for global market expansion, particularly in the medical device market, which is valued at over $30 million.
OsseoLabs has filed patents for the internal structure design of its devices, the data analysis system from its sensors, and its unique production process for personalized devices. This creates a significant business advantage, prevents copying, and confidently paves the way for international market expansion. It also provides confidence to investors who seek to invest in Deep Tech companies with strong IP protection.
Furthermore, OsseoLabs is integrating its AI system with telemedicine services, allowing patients to be monitored by doctors from the comfort of their homes. This demonstrates how a company can extend its IP into high-value services that can compete on a global scale.
The Journey of Trial and Product Refinement
Creating a great product requires a process of trial and development to truly meet market needs. The same holds true for the technology developed by OsseoLabs, which has undergone rigorous testing and refinement to produce high-quality, user-centric products. This process is essential for achieving a true Product-Market Fit.
IP Is a Critical Tool for Competition
OsseoLabs’ journey in IP development and market expansion clearly shows that intellectual property is what allows a startup to create a competitive advantage in the global market. It protects innovations, facilitates market expansion, and strengthens collaborations with research institutions.
For startups that have not prioritized IP or are just starting out, it’s essential to begin by understanding how to build and protect IP. This is crucial for developing technology, creating products that meet market demands, and seamlessly expanding into the global market.
