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‘RainTree VOCs Purifier’: Innovative Air-purifier from Rain Tree Pods Wins Top Prize at UBI – Alpha Business Contest 2026

12 March 2026
Corporate Communication and Alumni Relations Center (CCARC)
On March 7, 2026, at the UBI – Alpha Business Contest 2026, Team MaiMeeTang, comprising of students from the Builds CMU program, was named the winner of the Green & Climate Change Solutions category for their project, ‘RainTree VOCs Purifier’. The innovation utilizes Rain Tree pods, which is an agricultural waste material that can help eliminate odors and airborne toxins, particularly in livestock farms, highlighting the potential of innovation-driven businesses to address environmental and sustainability challenges. The competition was held during One Stop Open House 2026 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre.
RainTree VOCs Purifier is an air purification solution that uses biomaterials derived from Rain Tree pods to produce air-purifying sprays and pellets capable of absorbing volatile organic compounds (VOCs), air pollutants known to cause adverse health effects. The innovation employs Pulsed Electric Field technology in combination with bio-fermentation to extract saponin concentrate from Rain Tree pods without the use of chemicals. This natural surfactant can directly capture ammonia and VOCs. In spray form, it can eliminate 81.52% of ammonia and 80.03% of BTEX compounds, while the pellet format achieves even higher efficiency – up to 100% removal of ammonia and 95% of BTEX. Designed primarily for use in livestock farms, the innovation significantly improves air quality and reduces the hazard index by 95.02% (from 36,387.83 to 1,812.92 units), helping to create a safer environment for both animals and workers.
Designed to be safe and easy to use, the RainTree VOCs Purifier can immediately reduce odors and VOCs when applied. The formula is 100% natural and safe for both humans and animals, leaving no chemical residue while adding value to agricultural waste. Beyond its eco-friendly design, the innovation also contributes to the bioeconomy by transforming waste into a high-value environmental solution.
The team consists of Ms. Banthita Sangkit and Mr. Noraphat Kaewmoonsa, students from Matthayom 5/14 of the SMTE Program at Wattanothaipayap School, and Mr. Boriwoot Jiramongkhonrat from the Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University. They were supervised by Dr. Rateeya Saikeaw, an expert in environmental science and chemistry from Builds CMU, and Ms. Bussara Paramee, a teacher from Wattanothaipayap School. Their guidance played a crucial role in the project’s development, enabling it to emerge as an innovation with strong potential on the national stage.
The success of RainTree VOCs Purifier reflects Chiang Mai University’s commitment to promoting the commercialization of research and innovation, while nurturing capable young entrepreneurs capable of applying science and technology to address environmental challenges in the agricultural sector and advance green innovation, generating sustainable value for the economy, society, and the environment.

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