Biochemical Engineering & Pilot Plant Research & Development Unit (BEC) 

Background

The Biochemical Engineering and Pilot Plant Research and Development Unit (BEC) was established in 1986 under cooperative program between the National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC) and King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT). The Unit serves as a center for research and development in biochemical engineering and pilot plant design, with a strong emphasis on applications suitable to local industrial needs. During the initial phase, BEC bec ame one of a number of independent satellite research units of BIOTEC. This allowed the research group to work independent of the bureaucratic system.

During Phase II, (1995-1999), BIOTEC bec ame an autonomous organization and a large number of their graduate scholarship researchers trained overseas returned to Thailand to work in collaboration with the satellite units. Also during this period, administration of the units was undertaken by university staff assigned by BIOTEC for this purpose. BEC's first 5-year plan was implemented during this phase emphasizing collaboration between researchers from both BIOTEC and KMUTT who worked together in the laboratory facilities at KMUTT. This concept of shared resources has proven to be a successful innovation for research programs in Thailand , producing a win-win for both parties.

The third phase (2000-2004) is currently being implemented. This followed the formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on 23 December 1999 , which has helped to better define the activities and clarify the expected support and roles of both partners. The second 5-year plan provides a framework for research, development and engineering that focuses on the activities of four major research groups; Algal Biotechnology, Sensor Technology, Microbial Bioprocess Development and Waste Utilization and Management.

Dr. Solot Suwanayuen has guided BEC as its Director since the establishment of the Unit in 1986.

Vision

To be a leading research, development and engineering center in biochemical engineering and pilot plant design in the region in order to develop relevant knowledge as well as technologies to serve the needs of society and the country.

Mission

• To carry out R, D&E to generate knowledge and provide products and processes according to industry needs.
• To strengthen and support the competitive position of small to medium enterprises (SMEs) through the application of BEC expertise, developed technologies and human resources.
• To establish and foster university-industry partnerships for mutual benefit.
• To promote / facilitate new entrepreneurs and business development.

R&D Cluster Management

In cooperation with Industrial Park Center (IPC), Pilot Plant Development and Training Institute (PDTI) and School of Bioresources and Technology (SBT) at KMUTT, BEC manages its research work through the specialized research group under the concept that the strength of any research development system needs two-way communication between demand pull (the technology needs from industry) and supply push (the innovation/ knowledge developed from research institute and academic side). The conventional management system usually found in the universities does not currently facilitate such linkages. One of the essential factors regarding the success of IPC depends on the strength and innovation of research and development (on-going research and maintaining the currently and relevance of R&D). The scope of BEC as a part of R&D Cluster covers research activities to produce high quality R&D, technical services, technology transfer and consultancy, in order to strengthen and support competitive position of SMEs through the application of BEC expertise, developed technologies and human resources.

Funding

BEC is operated by funds from various sources: KMUTT, BIOTEC, research grants, contract research, technical service including consultancy, training, pilot plant design, incubators hiring and analytical services. Total input during the 2000-2003 fiscal years was 236 million baht, from KMUTT (47%), BIOTEC (31%), and Others (22%). In the 2003 fiscal year, total input from KMUTT, BIOTEC, and others were approximately 25.0, 17.5, and 20.6 million baht, respectively. Approximately 17.6 million baht of the input matching fund from KMUTT was the capital expenditures of laboratory and pilot plant equipments such as ferment or system, rotary evaporator, protein analyzer, moisture analyzer etc. The input from BIOTEC included competitive research grants (approximately 6.6 million baht), operating expenditures, staff and human resources development expenditures. Of the total input from others funding sources, approximately 17.4 million baht (84%) was from the revenue of technical services.