CEM recognizes Fall 2024 recipients of the Srinivasan Family Awards for Projects in Emerging Markets

Lydia Adobea Dampare Addo, a second-year MBA student will spearhead a Maternal Health Pitch Competition to support African entrepreneurs in healthcare innovation. Lydia's competition will engage students and alumni from Ashesi University in Ghana and other African universities to develop creative solutions for maternal and infant health challenges. The competition will include a call for applications, mentorship for participants, and a pitch event where finalists will present to industry experts. By driving innovation in maternal health, Lydia aims to support Africa's health sector and strengthen Ashesi's capacity for future contests. Her project will contribute to a larger goal of fostering health-focused business ventures that address Africa's healthcare challenges.

Fahdi Alew, a third-year biology student with a passion for global health equity, will investigate the compounded impact of comorbidities on Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) in Kenya. Collaborating with the African Centre for Community Investment in Health (ACCIH), and Chemolingot Hospital, his project will examine how HIV, tuberculosis, and malnutrition intersect with VL to exacerbate health challenges. Fahdi will conduct a retrospective review of patient records, gather insights from healthcare professionals, and analyze social and economic data on affected communities. His goal is to support Kenya's efforts to eliminate VL by 2030 while addressing health disparities in underserved populations. Motivated by personal ties to Kenya, Fahdi seeks to contribute to local healthcare strategies and improve treatment pathways for marginalized communities​ in the country.

Oluwadamilola Oyedotun, a second-year master's student in Biotechnology, will be organizing and hosting a conference for biomedical research in Nigeria to improve collaboration, infrastructure, and capacity within the research ecosystem. By providing a platform for dialogue between academia, government, and industry stakeholders, she hopes to establish pathways for Nigerian researchers to pursue impactful studies that address pressing local health issues while overcoming barriers to cross-sector collaboration. The conference will include workshops, panel discussions, and a poster session for early-career researchers. Oluwadamilola aims to unite 200-300 stakeholders from academia, industry, and government to establish research roadmaps for future initiatives, identify infrastructure needs to strengthen health research in Nigeria, and foster new partnerships. Through this initiative, she seeks to empower researchers and create lasting pathways for health innovation in the country.

Carolina Pacheco-Balcazar, a fourth-year student double majoring in Economics and Political Science, will be spearheading a rural solar electrification project in Oaxaca, Mexico, in collaboration with IluMexico. Her project will develop market research for solar adoption in underserved areas with low electrification rates and launch three pilot solar systems in targeted communities. By leveraging mobile money platforms for pay-as-you-go models, the project aims to make off-grid solar energy affordable and accessible. Carolina will conduct surveys, establish public-private partnerships, and develop a financing model to ensure long-term sustainability. This initiative seeks to bridge the urban-rural energy divide, promote digital financial inclusion, and support sustainable development in Oaxaca, all while aligning with Carolina's passion for climate solutions and social impact​.

Marjan Monfarednasab (MBA 25'), Gaurav Heroor (Supply Chain Management 25'), and Gyo Nakatani (Entrepreneurship 25'), the team behind the startup LeafGuardian, will be introducing an AI-powered bedside device to prevent pressure injuries in Indian healthcare. This initiative targets long-term care patients at risk of ulcers from prolonged immobility. Using thermal imaging and vision cameras, LeafGuardian will detect early signs of pressure injuries, enabling preventive intervention. The project will pilot devices in Indian hospitals, train healthcare staff, and refine AI algorithms using locally collected data. By addressing a critical healthcare gap, the team aims to improve patient care, reduce costs, and build partnerships with Indian healthcare providers. LeafGuardian hopes to raise care standards, streamline workflows, and establish a strong market presence in India​.