Welcome to the latest edition of the WTUN newsletter featuring a roundup of news, updates and events happening across the network.
Below you will read an interview with our BC Scholarship Prize recipient, a speaker announcement for our WTUC2025 sessions, and news from our members across the globe.
As always, if you would like to share news, updates, events or milestones via this newsletter, then please contact wtun@bradford.ac.uk.
Reflecting on WTUC 2025: Glocalization
Congress Special
From 20-22 October, the 10th World Technology Universities Network Congress (WTUC 2025) brought together global thought leaders, educators, and innovators from WTUN member universities. Hosted by Thaksin University in Songkhla, Thailand, under the theme “The Glocalization: Functional Role of Higher Education from Local to Global,” the Congress explored how technology universities can simultaneously serve local communities and contribute to global progress.
WTUC2025 began with a compelling address by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nathapong Chitniratna, President, Thaksin University, who emphasised the vital role of technology universities in driving social development. His speech highlighted the importance of community engagement, innovation and the responsibility of higher education institutions to serve as catalysts for both local transformation and global progress. This set the tone for a Congress focused on actionable collaboration and meaningful impact.
The central theme of WTUC 2025 was the concept of glocalization—the strategic balance between global engagement and local impact. Technology universities are increasingly expected to contribute to international research and innovation while remaining deeply connected to the needs of their local communities. This dual focus is shaping the future of higher education.
The Congress highlighted the power of social innovation in driving regional development. Through place-based approaches, technology universities are collaborating with industry and government to address local challenges. These partnerships are not only strengthening community ties but also ensuring that academic research leads to tangible, real-world solutions. Sustainability emerged as a critical priority, with sessions emphasising the importance of university-industry partnerships in advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals. From climate resilience to clean energy innovation, these collaborations are essential for creating a more sustainable future.
Another key focus was the ongoing digital transformation of education. Technology is making learning more inclusive and adaptable, with artificial intelligence and hybrid models leading the way. These tools are helping institutions personalise learning experiences and expand access to education, particularly for underserved populations. Artificial intelligence was also recognised as a catalyst for inclusive innovation. Its potential to personalise education and support learners from diverse backgrounds is reshaping how universities approach teaching and learning. AI is helping to bridge gaps and create more equitable access to knowledge.
Finally, WTUC 2025 reaffirmed the role of the World Technology Universities Network (WTUN) in fostering global collaboration. The Congress showcased how cross-border partnerships, knowledge exchange, and co-created solutions are vital to addressing shared challenges and driving progress across the higher education sector.
As we return to our institutions, the conversations and connections from WTUC 2025 will continue to inspire action. Whether through research collaborations, student exchanges, or community engagement, the WTUN community remains committed to advancing the dual mission of technology education, those of local relevance and global excellence.
On behalf of WTUN Chair Michael Affenzeller and the World Technology Universities Network community we extend our sincere and personal thanks for the exceptional organisation and overwhelming hospitality of WTUC 2025 host Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nathapong Chitniratna and all at Thaksin University.
View photo gallery- https://www.sikram.co/gallery/wetsu_WTUC%202025
Consent to share speaker slides has been requested. We will update the programme pages with a link to all slides in due course.
Watch this space! 3-5 November 2026,
WTUC 2026 hosted by University of Applied Sciences Upper-Austria.
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology
Following Imperial’s donation of its research lab facility — the single largest corporate gift to any post-secondary institution in Alberta — the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) and Imperial celebrated the official launch on September 4, 2025 of a new chapter in sustainable energy research and collaboration at the Imperial Energy Innovation Centre.
The monumental $37.5-million investment in applied energy research is a bold step toward shaping the future of innovation — creating a new ecosystem where industry professionals, leading researchers in petroleum engineering and students pursuing dynamic careers in energy can come together to create lasting impact.
This 44,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility will operate under SAIT’s Applied Research and Innovation Services (ARIS) Hub to support the next generation of thinkers and innovators, driving the future of sustainable energy. The Imperial Energy Innovation Centre will be a launchpad for applied energy research, student and industry collaboration and innovation in Canada’s energy sector.
During the event, Imperial announced an additional investment of $300,000 to drive student-led innovation through the newly established Imperial Innovative Student Project Fund. The new initiative will provide critical financial support for students ready to move an idea from theory into practice and discover new real-world solutions to major challenges across industries. An investment of this kind enables students to take innovative, classroom-based capstone projects to the next level and accelerate their hands-on learning experience.
https://www.sait.ca/news/media-releases/2025/09/imperial-energy-innovation-centre-opens
Suranaree University of Technology
Student Opportunity – Applications Open!
SUT Global Entrepreneurship Camp 2026 (GEC2026): ‘Sustainable and Resilient Communities: Innovating for a Healthier Planet and People’
January 30 to February 9, 2026, Bangkok & Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.
Application: Open until November 15 2025
Extended deadline: 30 November 2025
*Early Registration is recommended especially for participants who need a visa to enter Thailand.
The camp will bring together 90 students from partner universities worldwide to explore entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainability through workshops, site visits, cultural exchanges, and collaborative activities.
This year’s program includes a Bangkok Startup Ecosystem Tour, Eco & Community Tourism in Khao Yai, Lean Startup & Entrepreneurship Workshops, Business Idea Pitching, and Thai Cultural & City Exploration.
- Undergraduate or postgraduate students from WTUN member universities are eligible to apply. Please note, there is a maximum of 6 students per university.
- Program Fee*: USD 350 per person
- Application Deadline: November 15, 2025
- Application Form: https://forms.gle/H4fwpfJ5smeuUmWZ9
*The program fee includes accommodation, local transportation, meals during program days, workshops & excursions and airport pick-up/drop-off.
For more information about past camps and participant experiences, you may visit our official website: https://sites.google.com/view/sut-gec/home
If you require further information or assistance, please feel free to contact the team at: global.entrepreneurship.sut@gmail.com
Do you know someone in your university who would be interested in this newsletter? Forward the email to colleagues or share the link with your networks.
All members are invited to contribute to this newsletter through their Operational Board Member (found here). Please contact your Operational Board member with stories or events which will be of relevance to the shared vision and commitments of the WTUN and its members, inspiring opportunity for engagement on commonalities, sharing knowledge, or collaboration.
All calls for content can be shared with the WTUN Secretariat at wtun@bradford.ac.uk.
To discuss joining the World Technology Universities Network, please contact the WTUN Development Manager:
Denise Whitehead
Email: wtun@bradford.ac.uk