NSTDA and Mahidol University entered into a Memorandum of Agreement to develop a master plan for the development of medical device industry in the Eastern Economic Corridor of Innovation (EECi). The MOU was officiated by Dr. Janekrishna Kanatharana, NSTDA Executive Vice President and Prof. Banchong Mahaisavariya, Acting President of Mahidol University.
EECi is designed by the Thai Government to be a new innovation zone properly equipped to generate an “innovation ecosystem”, supporting innovative research and development and involving the government, private-sector organizations, universities and local communities. Among s-curve industries becoming the focus of EECi are: Modern Agriculture and Biotechnology; Biofuel & Biochemicals; High Performance Battery and Modern Transports; Automation, Robotics, and Intelligent Electronics; Aviation and Space; and Medical Devices. The construction of EECi started in February 2019 and its first phase is expected to complete 2021.
The master for the development of medical device industry in EECi will cover a period of ten years, containing the roadmaps for developing technological capacity, infrastructure, human capital, value chain of medical device industry involving innovators and users, and mechanisms to entice technology utilization and commercialization.