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NPUST Triumphs with 2 Gold and 2 Silver Medals at 2025 Taiwan Innotech Expo

National Pingtung University of Science and Technology (NPUST) showcased its formidable research and innovation capabilities at the “2025 Taiwan Innotech Expo,” an event that attracted over 50,000 visitors and was co-hosted by eleven government agencies. Competing in the Invention Competition Area, NPUST submitted six faculty-developed patented works across high-impact fields like green manufacturing, smart animal husbandry, and biomedical testing. From nearly a thousand entries, NPUST distinguished itself by winning 2 Gold Medals and 2 Silver Medals.

NPUST’s two Gold Medals highlight its excellence in advanced technology and personalized healthcare. One gold went to Professor Wei-Tai Huang of Mechanical Engineering for his “Oscillating Mechanism for Grinding Machines”. This invention significantly improves the efficiency of grinding difficult materials while reducing energy use and carbon emissions, directly supporting green manufacturing goals. The second gold was awarded to Researcher Cai-Qiao Wang for the “Exercise Training Detection System with Psychological Stress Assessment”. This smart system integrates physiological sensors and image analysis to dynamically adjust workout rhythms based on real-time stress levels, offering a personalized solution with high potential for managing stress and anxiety.

The university also earned two Silver Medals for crucial advancements in biotechnology and agriculture. Professor Hsiang-Yu Wang and Researcher Yu-Ching Tseng collaborated on the “Antioxidant Culture Method”, which enhances the stability and productivity of cell cultures and has been successfully validated in Bovine Ephemeral Fever Virus (BEFV) vaccine production. Meanwhile, Professor Chung-Liang Chang of Biomechatronics Engineering developed an “Animal Management System” for poultry. This AIoT-integrated system automates weight measurement and detects health issues through behavior, sound, and waste analysis with 90% accuracy. It is a highly efficient solution that cuts labor costs by 60%, realizing smart and safe animal farming.

Beyond the competition, NPUST exhibited technologies focused on sustainability. Associate Professor Chia-Jung Tsai presented “Alkali-Activated Slag Concrete,” which uses industrial waste like blast furnace slag to replace traditional cement, reducing both carbon emissions and energy consumption for low-carbon building materials. Furthermore, Professor Chih-Chien Chen introduced a rapid “Nucleic Acid Detection System” that performs pre-treatment, amplification, and display in just 30 minutes, crucial for fast diagnostics. NPUST’s exhibits drew international attention, including a visit from faculty and students of Montfort College in Thailand, who were keen on fostering global cooperation in cultivating biotechnology talent.