Wrapping Up Pitch for Impact 2025

The Pitch for Impact 2025 Final Pitch Day marked the culmination of a month-long series of workshops imbued with creativity, collaboration, and translational ambition within the Mahidol–Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU) and Faculty of Tropical Medicine (FTM) ecosystem.

Hosted at the VIE Hotel Bangkok, this year’s event brought together 14 innovative research teams not only from MORU and FTM, but also from the Chiang Rai Clinical Research Unit (CCRU), Shoklo Malaria Research Unit (SMRU), and the Chulabhorn Research Institute (CRI), presenting their ideas to bridge the gap between discovery and real-world health impact.

From digital health platforms to diagnostic innovations, each pitch reflected MOTIP’s core mission — accelerating tropical medicine research toward tangible benefits for patients, communities, and health systems across the region. The atmosphere was both reflective and electric: researchers shared not only their scientific insights but also their visions for how translational innovation can change lives.

A Panel of Visionary Judges

We were honoured to have a distinguished judging panel featuring:

• Dr. Wang Nguitragool – Associate Professor, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University

• Dave Gandy – Grants and Contracts Manager, Mahidol–Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU)

• Dr. Sacarin Bunbanjerdsuk – Chief Executive Officer, Genfosis Co., Ltd.

Dr. Wang and Dave have served as judges since the event’s inception, bringing deep insights into the technical feasibility and project management aspects of each proposal.

This year, we welcomed our first-ever judge from outside MORU and FTM: Dr. Sacarin, a former ENT clinician turned researcher who founded his precision medicine company Genfosis during the heyday of Genomics Thailand. We were elated when he accepted our invitation, as he was able to provide participants with first-hand experience and perspectives as an entrepreneur.

Their combined expertise and thoughtful feedback challenged teams to think beyond feasibility — to consider market fit, scalability, and the long-term sustainability of their solutions.

Our Winners

We are delighted to announce this year’s winners:

• Beatriz Aira Cuchapin Jacob, who is pioneering one of the first genotype-based G6PD detection kits for newborn screening.

• Thananya Jinato, who plans to further develop a tonsil organoid platform for high-throughput vaccine candidate screening.

• Witchayoot Huangsuranun, who has designed a magnet-based modular tube and plate system to enhance ease of use in laboratory workflows.

• Sattakarn Boonmarak, who seeks to tackle antimicrobial resistance (AMR) by developing a LAMP-based detection kit for carbapenem broad-spectrum antibiotic resistance.

An honorable mention goes to Jennifer Tindall, our current intern, for proposing a preliminary study on the use of medical drones to improve the transport of equipment, drugs, and samples between local primary care units and provincial hubs.

Beyond the Pitch

While the day celebrated competition, it also underscored a shared journey. Pitch for Impact continues to grow as a platform where young scientists, clinicians, and innovators learn to communicate their research in ways that inspire action and attract partners.

As we close this year’s program, MOTIP extends heartfelt congratulations to all participants for their dedication and creativity — and to our mentors, judges, and supporters for shaping a community where impact-driven science can thrive.

Stay tuned for highlights from the winning pitches and insights from this year’s cohort on the MOTIP website and LinkedIn page.