GIT Unveils Research Award Winners at Bangkok Gems Fair

The Gemological Institute of Thailand, a state agency under the Commerce Ministry, held the GIT Outstanding Research & Innovations Award 2026 during the 74th Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair to promote Thailand's position as a global hub for gems and jewelry trade. Institute Director Sumet Prasongpongchai presented awards at a ceremony on September 9, 2026 at Sirikit National Convention Centre.

Grand Prize winner: SpeXtralysis, a web platform for spectroscopy data analysis in gemological research, by Tatchanara Sriponjuan.

First Runner-up: Orithai, a jewelry brand leveraging Thai soft power identity through creative economy concepts for global reach, by Pattranida Chaliawpanya.

Second Runner-up: Research on metal powder injection molding using water-soluble binders for mixture preparation, by Associate Professor Nattita Chawangeriklkul.

Three Honorable Mentions were awarded to research projects including CerGems, an eco-friendly gemstone substitute material innovation using rice husk ash for sustainable jewelry production by Associate Professor Dr. Siriwanna Chokkha; Akravila Sri Lanna, the PIMRAPHA brand by a team including Lapatsrada Supsaue and others; and the development of an automated gem polishing prototype system to enhance precision and efficiency by Sonpetch Panascharoen.

Institute Director Sumet Prasongpongchai explained that the award program aims to create space for researchers, academics, students, and entrepreneurs to present their work, exchange knowledge, and bridge ideas from academia to business and industry. Valuable research should not remain confined to documents or laboratories but should advance into product development, standard manufacturing processes, and new technologies that boost competitiveness for Thai businesses.

GIT also uses the platform to recognize outstanding researchers, publicize promising work widely, and support achievements at both national and international levels. Prasongpongchai noted that GIT is the only institute dedicated to gems and jewelry in Thailand, with a responsibility to support and promote research. The institute showcased innovations including the use of straw and rice husk ash to create gemstones, advanced graph-reading processes from sophisticated instruments, and automated gem-polishing machinery. The institute presented its research work at booth FE01-06 in Hall 5, featuring exhibitions on improving the physical properties of 9-karat gold.