Access to affordable healthcare remains a pressing issue worldwide. Essential medical tools, such as plasmid isolation kits, are vital for producing vaccines and treating various diseases. And especially in Türkiye, increasing medical service accessibility faced challenges as medical tools used for vaccine production are imported at a high price.

Driven by a desire to make healthcare more accessible and reduce costs, Asmin Rana Avşar and Alp Çakıroğlu, two students from Istanbul, joined Samsung Solve for Tomorrow in Türkiye. Since 2020, Samsung Solve for Tomorrow in Türkiye has been at the forefront of nurturing essential technological skills and inspired over 5,500 students to shape a more sustainable future. The two students embarked on an ambitious journey to create a groundbreaking healthcare solution.

Pioneering Domestic Solutions for Healthcare

Realizing the dependency on imported healthcare, Asmin and Alp as a team developed a local, cost-effective plasmid kits essential for diabetes treatment. This breakthrough not only reduces insulin production costs but also offers a scalable solution for various scientific researches and healthcare applications. Their project involved conducting thorough research and exploring various techniques to ensure sustainability.

By utilizing local resources, they were able to significantly lower the cost of insulin production costs and solve the logistical complexities associated with importing essential kits. Asmin said, “The dreams I nurtured for a long time were made possible through Samsung Solve for Tomorrow that provided invaluable support and guidance.”

A Step Toward Global Health Equity

Asmin and Alp’s project aims to reduce dependence on expensive imports in the medical sector and aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG3)-to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. “Above all, the price of life should not be the price of medicine,” the team mentioned.

The students’ innovative approach to vaccine production and disease prevention showcases how solutions for local community challenges can have global implications. Through Samsung Solve for Tomorrow, young minds are empowered with the tools and support they need to address global challenges and shape a more sustainable, equitable future through technology.