Students from the Rubber and Polymer Technology program, Faculty of Engineering and Agro-Industry, Maejo University, won 2 gold medals at the Thailand New Gen Inventors Award 2024 (I-New Gen Award 2024), organized by the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, in February 2024. The event showcased inventions and innovations from new-generation inventors in three levels: high school, vocational, and higher education. This year, over 1,000 works from 330 institutions nationwide were selected, and Maejo University managed to win 2 gold medals at the higher education level.

The first gold medal in the agriculture category was awarded for the innovation 'Poras Mal (Smart Rubber Ground Cover)' by Miss Ratchnee Jiraphanit and Miss Sasineepa Boonma, first-year students. 'Poras Mal' is a smart rubber ground cover that enhances air and water permeability, reduces disease occurrence, promotes plant growth, saves energy in processing, reduces the production of environmentally harmful microplastics, and utilizes IoT technology to control soil temperature and moisture. It is suitable for organic farming.

The second gold medal in the energy, materials, and biobased chemistry category was awarded for the innovation 'Green Grow (Eco-Friendly Rubber Seedling Bag)' by Mr. Worapong Chujai, a first-year student. 'Green Grow' is a biodegradable seedling bag that naturally decomposes, promotes plant growth without environmental harm, and is made by mixing natural rubber with starch to coat craft paper bags made from agricultural waste materials. It helps reduce burning, PM 2.5 emissions, and plastic waste.