Recently, Ubon Bio Ethanol Public Company Limited, or “UBE,” welcomed six faculty members and students from the Faculty of Agriculture and Technology, Rajamangala University of Technology Isan, Surin Campus, for a study visit under the Smart Bio-Innovator project. The visit took place at the Integrated Bioenergy Learning Center at UBE’s Ethanol Office in Ubon Ratchathani Province, providing an opportunity to learn about agricultural biotechnology in a real industrial setting.

The delegation received an overview of UBE’s business and toured the Integrated Bioenergy Learning Center, gaining insights into its agro-based bioindustry operations. Ms. Pranatda Khamphupong, Manager of Agricultural Innovation and Services, and Ms. Nanthiya Chumchuen, Innovation Research & Development Bio based Product Manager, shared their expertise on topics ranging from cassava feedstock management and biotechnology applications in ethanol and bio-based product manufacturing to production quality control and sustainable supply chain development.

The delegation also explored circular economy practices through waste management and the utilization of production by-products to add value to agricultural resources and minimize waste in line with the Zero Waste concept. These practices demonstrated how biotechnology supports efficient resource use and environmental stewardship in business operations.

The study visit bridged academic knowledge of agricultural biotechnology with practical industrial applications. It also provided opportunities for students to exchange perspectives and learn directly from experienced professionals, deepening their understanding of bio-innovation and the circular economy while preparing them to build on this knowledge in their future studies and careers.