| Startup Thailand | TH |
From Lab to Global Market :
The Transformative Power of Deep Tech
In his lecture on “DeepTech Experience: Pre-Seed to Exponential Exit” at SITE 2025, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wittaya Wannasuphoprasit, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at Chulalongkorn University, shared his invaluable journey in robotics and deep tech. He demonstrated that innovation is not merely a theoretical concept confined to the classroom but a powerful force capable of changing lives worldwide.
The Genesis of Change
Dr. Wittaya began by recounting the development of the “Cobot”, a collaborative robot designed to work safely alongside humans. This innovation revolutionized the manufacturing industry. His work started in the United States, in collaboration with General Motors and Ford, to develop robots that could assist humans in assembling car parts.
Despite earning international recognition, including the “Best Paper” award at the International Conference on Robotics and Automation, academic success did not guarantee business triumph. A harsh lesson came with the company’s initial sales of just two units, proving that even brilliant innovation fails without a deep understanding of the market.
From Labor Pain to Business Opportunity
The turning point for the cobot came from a profound understanding of the user’s real-world problems. Dr. Wittaya spent three months immersed in the production lines at General Motors, observing the behaviors and needs of the workers. He discovered that the true pain point was the physical strain and injuries caused by repetitive heavy lifting.
This insight led to the development of a robotic assistance device for free lifting, which significantly reduced the workers’ burden. These robots were successfully implemented in factories for companies like Coke and others globally. The technology was patented and designed with an aesthetic appeal that met customer needs. Ultimately, Cobotics, the company he co-founded, was acquired by Stanley Black & Decker, and its technology became an industry standard.
From Thai Research to the International Stage
Dr. Wittaya also highlighted several promising Thai deep tech startups from Chulalongkorn University:
- – Meticuly: This company develops patient-specific titanium bone implants using 3D printing technology. Innovation not only creates customized artificial bones but also produces surgical guides that reduce operation time and enhance treatment efficiency. This improves patients’ quality of life and access to medical care, with patents pending in multiple countries.
- – Mutha: This startup produces the “sPace” prosthetic foot made from carbon fiber, designed specifically for Thai users. It is engineered to perform well on a variety of surfaces and at different speeds—from rugged terrain to sloping and uneven surfaces—giving it significant market potential in Thailand and the ASEAN region.
- – EngineLife: This company uses protein from silkworm cocoons to precisely and sustainably control the release of medication, making it suitable for a wide range of medical applications.
- – CrystalLyte: This startup has developed an environmentally friendly innovation for industrial-scale production of carbon quantum dots (CQDs) from carbon waste. This technology addresses environmental issues and has applications in the cement and jewelry industries.
All these cases prove that profound research is not meant to be confined to the lab but can be leveraged to create tangible benefits in people’s lives.
The Heart of Deep Tech Development: Key Principles for Success
Dr. Wittaya concluded by outlining the core principles for developing deep tech that can successfully reach the market and create a real impact:
- – Start with Real, Sizable Demands (with value): Your technology, no matter how advanced, must solve a genuine problem for your target customers. Its value and potential must be quantifiable in terms of numbers and money.
- – Aim to Solve, Rather Than Reduce, Problems: Identify the root cause of a problem to develop a solution that is both effective and sustainable.
- – Deep Technology as a Core Platform: Create a fundamental technology that can be adapted for multiple uses across different systems or products, not just a one-off solution.
- – Start with the Simplest Solution to Solve Problems: Startups should begin by solving problems in the simplest and fastest way possible. This allows for rapid learning and improvement.
- – Evaluation in Real Industries: It is crucial to test your technology in a real-world environment, such as a factory or an operational setting, not just in a lab. This ensures its durability and practicality.
To Do Deep Tech, You Must Dare to Think Big
The stories of Dr. Wittaya and the Thai researchers who pushed their innovations onto the global stage confirm that deep tech is not a distant concept meant only for research labs. It is a powerful tool that can change mindsets, lives, and the world.
Being a deep tech entrepreneur requires courage to think differently, a deep understanding of market needs, and the determination to scale a small idea into a global impact.
