Indorama Ventures and partners announce the winners of The Circular Innovation Challenge 2023

The Circular Innovation Challenge 2023 was a 5-week hackathon aimed at cultivating future thought leaders through circular innovation. The event featured intensive workshops and sessions designed to equip innovators with the skills needed to create solutions for society and the environment before competing in the final competition. This included the opening and panel discussion on "Securing our Future with Circular Economy and Achieving Circularity through Innovation," Sustainable Consumption and Production Sessions by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), a design thinking workshop by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), a Content Creation Workshop by TikTok, a How to Pitch Workshop and Alumni Session, and a Mentorship session.

The program was open to 16-30 young innovators from 11 Southeast Asian countries. The total number of team sign-ups was 830 with a total of 3,333 applicants, of which 10 teams were selected as finalists to compete in the final round. These teams were from Cambodia (1), Indonesia (3), Philippines (2), Thailand (3), and Vietnam (1). The 10 teams went through the final round of workshops to prepare for their ultimate pitch.

The winner of this year is SCPB from Thailand. Their innovation is called the Interlocking Semi-Calcite Passive Brick - a building material that combines structural strength with passive environmental control features, including humidity management and thermal regulation. The product offers unparalleled benefits to both builders and the environment by enhancing construction efficiency, reducing energy consumption through improved thermal insulation, and contributing to a healthier living environment. By adopting the circular concept, the source materials used to make the brick come from a loop system within the local context. This process begins with shells, plastics, and glass shards collected from various shores, riverbanks, or restaurants.

Mrs. Suchitra Lohia, Deputy Group CEO and Chairperson of Corporate Social Responsibility Committee at Indorama Ventures stated, “We are proud to be a part of this collaboration to support and nurture the potential of the new generation in addressing environmental challenges and fostering a sustainable world for their future. Heartfelt congratulations to the winners who have developed innovations capable of meeting the challenges of waste reduction and promoting a circular economy in a tangible manner. This aligns with Indorama Ventures’ commitment to explore solutions that promote sustainable application and development of PET products, and ideas that can foster positive social change."

Dr. Sirasa Kantaratanakul, the project manager of the Circular Innovation Challenge 2023 and a faculty member at the School of Global Studies stated, "The Circular Innovation Challenge 2023, now in its third year, is derived from the collaboration between the School of Global Studies and our esteemed partner organizations united in our pursuit of sustainable development goals. We are delighted to see a large number of young people who have a good awareness of environmental issues and have actively participated in the program from across the Southeast Asian region. Developing innovative skills and providing knowledge about the circular economy is a crucial mission of the School of Global Studies to produce innovative thinkers who are ready to create sustainable businesses and contribute to development in all aspects, including the economy, society, and environment.”

Ms. Chanida Klyphun, Head of Public Policy - Thailand, TikTok, expressed the opinion that "TikTok is dedicated to unlocking inclusive economic opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), creators, and communities across all regions to participate in the digital economy. Alongside inspiring actions towards a sustainable future for all, TikTok is delighted to play a role in the Circular Innovation Challenge program. Under this partnership, TikTok provided young people with digital knowledge and skills to create engaging content around the issues they care about. This effort aims to help young people and sustainable businesses connect with user communities on the TikTok platform. Ultimately, it will contribute to driving a green and inclusive digital economy and fostering the ongoing development of the country's economic foundation."

In addition, Ms. Young Ran Hur, Programme Management Officer of the Global Opportunities for Sustainable Development Goals (GO4SDGs) Initiative at the United Nations Environment Programme, a partner from an international organization, emphasized, “The year 2030 is just around the corner, and we need more actions on the ground to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by then. Circular Innovation Challenges not only inspire and nurture innovative ideas through capacity-building support and connecting like-minded young people, but they also promote turning these ideas into actions to make real changes in the world.

Brief Biographies of SCPB Members, the Winning Team of the Circular Innovation Challenge 2023

Mr. Kongphat Phaiboonnukulkij

With a background in BA Architecture from the University of Creative Arts, Kongphat is the Co-Founder and CTO at Phytavaren and the Inventor of the Semi Calcite Passive Brick. As an architect and engineer, he leads a team specializing in technical design research. Kongphat has prior experience in passive house design through collaboration with the Passive House Institute Partnership in Asia. He also has a background in Architectural Management gained at Lawray's Architects in the UK.

Mr. Kolatat Phaiboonnukulkij

With a background in BSc in Real Estate and an MSc in Urban Planning and Development from the University of Reading, Kolatat is the Co-Founder and CEO at Phytavaren Technology. As an entrepreneur specializing in SMEs and various startups, he focuses on innovation, business development, technology, and sustainable transitioning. Prior to his role at Phytavaren, he gained experience in asset management at The Crown Estate in the UK and energy management at Schneider Electric.

Ms. Wasita Bunnuan

With a background in LLB in Law and International Relations from Prince of Songkla University, Wasita serves as the Ambassador and Legal representative at Phytavaren Technology. She is an aspiring ambassador specializing in coordinating between business enterprises and NGOs to develop innovative and sustainable solutions. Wasita has experience working alongside the Thai Parliament and the United Nations.