Just like in dating, not every first meeting ends in a match - but sometimes, sparks fly. That is the spirit behind CSII INNODATING, a unique event from the Chulalongkorn School of Integrated Innovation (CSII) that combines INNOvation with blind DATing. Instead of searching for romance, participants come looking for collaborators, mentors, or investors who can help turn their IDEAs into something the world truly needs.

On 15 August 2025, CSII Digital Auditorium became the stage for this startup matchmaking experiment. Researchers, entrepreneurs, students, and venture capitalists gathered for an afternoon of lightning pitches, lively discussions, and unexpected connections. Like any good first date, some conversations ended politely, while others had all the chemistry of “love at first sight.”

Why “Innodating”?

According to a Forbes article, only about 5% of patents ever make it to market. The rest gather dust - filed defensively to block competitors, churned out in bulk to satisfy KPI targets, or based on ideas that never quite find product–market fit. Even promising patents often fall into the dreaded “valley of death,” running out of funding and momentum long before becoming real products. Without strong industry ties and well-resourced technology transfer offices to carry them across that gap, most patents remain little more than paper, never living up to their commercial potential.

Chulalongkorn University is no exception. As one of Thailand’s most prestigious universities, it produces a vast amount of intellectual property and research output every year. Yet much of this work risks ending up underutilized - a lost opportunity not only for the university but for society at large.

When valuable ideas stay trapped in academic journals or in dormant patents, we miss the chance to turn them into products, services, and solutions that could improve lives.

This is where CSII Launchpad, the Innovation and Commercialization arm of CSII, steps in. With Innodating, the goal is to bridge the gap between lab and market by pairing those with bold IDEAs (researchers, technologists, innovators) with those who can help say “I DO” (entrepreneurs, investors, industry experts).

Importantly, IDOs also include CSII’s own students, whose BAScii curriculum requires them to develop startup ideas and business models. Their presence brings fresh perspectives and entrepreneurial energy to the table, while also giving them firsthand experience in engaging with cutting-edge research.

How It Worked

The day began with a networking lunch - a warm-up “pre-date” that helped participants relax before the fast-paced pitch sessions began. Each IDEA presented their research in concise, engaging talks, while potential IDOs asked sharp questions and offered business-oriented feedback.

Just like a dating app this startup 'matchmaking' brings together people who might never have crossed paths otherwise, Innodating created collisions between disciplines: chemists talking with marketers, engineers brainstorming with designers, and students challenging seasoned experts with fresh perspectives.

The event concluded in a more relaxed setting over dinner, where first impressions could deepen into real conversations - the equivalent of asking, “So… should we see each other again?”

Meet the IDEAs

The lineup of eight presenters reflected the breadth and depth of Chulalongkorn’s innovation ecosystem:

• Dr. Varol Intasanta, Lecturer, Department of Chemistry, Chulalongkorn University, presented Nano-enabled Green Chemistry for Agrowaste Upcycling towards Sustainability.
• Tanapong Ouppatampanon, PhD Candidate, Department of Environmental and Sustainable Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, spoke on AI Control for Anaerobic Process.
• Fanatchanon Maneechot, Graduate Student, Center of Excellence in Bioresources to Advanced Materials (B2A-CE), The Petroleum and Petrochemical College, Chulalongkorn University, presented Conductive Biodegradable Plastic for Eco-Friendly Electronics Packaging.
• Pongsit Polsomboon, PhD, Researcher, Department of Water Resources Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, shared insights on Flood Forecasting for the Greater Chao Phraya River Basin using Rainfall-Runoff-Inundation Model.
• Tawiwat Kunthong, B2A-CE, The Petroleum and Petrochemical College, Chulalongkorn University, presented Next-Gen Bioplastics: From Laboratory Breakthroughs to Market-Ready Sustainability.
• Watunyu Thanongsak, PhD Student, The Petroleum and Petrochemical College, Chulalongkorn University, discussed Shape Memory Materials for Resorbable Vascular Stents.
• Asst. Prof. Dr. Piyanart Ekworapoj, Assistant Professor and Consultant (Operative Dentistry), Department of General Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Srinakharinwirot University, presented Smart Material in Dental Restorative Materials.
• Rachata Suksereekul, 3rd year student, Chulalongkorn School of Integrated Innovation (CSII), showcased Unreal Engine for Rapid Interactive Experience Development.

Together, their presentations underscored the richness of innovation at Chulalongkorn - from advanced materials and sustainable chemistry to AI, bioplastics, medical devices, and interactive digital experiences.

Sparks, Matches, and “I DOs”

As with any dating event, not every encounter resulted in a match - but that’s part of the process. Some projects found immediate interest from mentors and investors, while others planted the seeds for future collaboration. A few conversations had all the signs of “love at first pitch.”

More Than a One-Time Date

With its second successful edition, Innodating is proving to be more than just an experimental concept of startup matchmaking. It’s part of CSII’s long-term vision to become a hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and commercialization in Thailand and beyond. By helping researchers and entrepreneurs find their perfect match, CSII Launchpad ensures that fewer ideas are left behind in the valley of death - and more make it into the real world where they can create impact.

In a landscape where most patents remain untapped potential, initiatives like Innodating show what’s possible when bright ideas meet the right partners. They are a reminder that research alone is not enough; it is collaboration, translation, and execution that ultimately bring innovation to life.

Because sometimes, all an idea needs is the right partner to say:
💡 “I DO.”

📸 More photos from the event can be found on CSII Facebook: Innodating #2