Connecting Thailand with Global Research

Some of the technologies shaping the next decade will emerge where different disciplines meet.

Semiconductors power modern electronics.

Artificial intelligence makes systems more intelligent.

Biosensors connect electronics with information from the human body, agriculture and the environment.

On 22 May 2025, MAHANAKORN and Imperial College London officially launched the Semiconductor AI & BioSensor Electronics Research Lab — SABER Lab in the United Kingdom, creating a joint platform for advanced research and researcher development.

The collaboration combines Imperial’s expertise in integrated circuit design and biomedical electronics with MAHANAKORN’s capabilities in electronics design, engineering education and technical training.

Semiconductor, AI and Biosensors in One Research Platform

SABER Lab is designed around technologies that increasingly overlap.

Its research covers areas including:

The goal is not only to conduct research, but to develop technologies that can move toward real applications.

That includes biosensor systems for healthcare, electronic technologies for agriculture and new semiconductor systems capable of supporting increasingly intelligent devices.

For engineering students, it is a clear example of why future technologies cannot always be separated into individual disciplines.

A single system may require knowledge of circuits, AI, sensors, software and data working together.

Research Across Bangkok and London

SABER Lab operates through research and training facilities at both Imperial College London and MAHANAKORN in Thailand.

Imperial’s research activity focuses particularly on integrated circuit design using advanced CMOS technologies, while MAHANAKORN contributes electronics design and PCB training capabilities through its facilities in Thailand.

This creates a research connection that extends beyond a single laboratory.

Students and researchers can become part of a wider academic environment connecting Thailand with researchers, facilities and expertise in the United Kingdom.

Industry partners are also expected to contribute to the research ecosystem through placements and collaboration, helping connect academic research with skills required in the semiconductor industry.

Developing the Next Generation of Researchers

One of the most significant parts of the initiative is researcher development.

Thailand’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation is supporting five PhD scholarships per year for five years for Thai researchers to study within Imperial’s Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering through the SABER Lab initiative.

Research areas include integrated circuit design, AI architectures, biosensing and biomedical engineering.

For students beginning their engineering education today, that shows where a technical foundation can eventually lead.

An undergraduate interest in electronics, computing or AI can grow into postgraduate research, international collaboration and the development of technologies with applications far beyond the university laboratory.

From Research to Real-World Impact

SABER Lab also has a longer-term ambition to connect research with entrepreneurship and industry.

Its research strategy includes translating new technologies into practical applications and supporting the development of startups and spin-outs, particularly around healthcare, agriculture, semiconductor design and intelligent electronic systems.

That connection matters.

Research creates knowledge.

Engineering turns that knowledge into technology.

And entrepreneurship can help move that technology into the world.

For students, SABER Lab represents what can happen when those stages become part of the same ecosystem.

Where Could You Take It Next?

Students interested in semiconductors, electronics, AI and advanced research can begin building relevant foundations through:

Communication & Electronics Engineering
Build knowledge in electronics, circuits, communication systems and technologies that form the foundation of semiconductor and advanced electronic systems.

Explore Communication & Electronics Engineering →

Computer & AI Engineering
Develop foundations in computing, artificial intelligence and data for intelligent systems increasingly connected with advanced hardware and embedded technology.

Explore Computer & AI Engineering →

Master of Electrical & Electronics Engineering
Advance your knowledge in electrical and electronic engineering while preparing for deeper technical and research-focused work.

Explore Master of Electrical & Electronics Engineering →

Postgraduate Research
Explore opportunities to continue from engineering education into advanced research and international academic collaboration.

Explore Postgraduate Research →

The technologies of the future will not be built by one discipline or one country alone. SABER Lab is designed around what becomes possible when both connect.