Unlocking Brighter Futures around the Globe

In a world that suffers from endless issues including waste and pollution, hazards to health, and lack of accessibility, the next generation holds the key to tackling these problems head-on. Students around the world participating in Samsung Solve for Tomorrow activate their best and brightest minds to discover creative ideas that can change the world using STEM. The winning teams come from the US, Türkiye, and the UK – let’s take a look at what they achieved.

US: Bugs Can Save the Planet

Did you know that food waste is one of the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions in the US? It’s a relief that Ngan Le, Matthew Livingston, Daniela Gonzalez, and Mayda Jiguan from Princeton High School found the key to this problem – black soldier fly larvae. Not only can these larvae convert organic waste into high-quality feed for chickens and fish, but they can also produce byproducts that are safe for daily goods like cosmetics and soap. Way to kill two birds with one stone!

The students discovered that black soldier fly larvae can transform organic waste like meat, manure, and spoiled grains, into feed for livestock. With this, they developed their method to mitigate greenhouse gases from food waste and enhance access to nutritious animal feed at the same time. However, it was tough to control the odor produced by the larvae and maintain their productivity during winter. So, they took a comprehensive STEM approach to design bioreactors to balance inputs and outputs and focus on automating daily maintenance.

Overcoming challenge after challenge throughout their journey, the students succeeded in creating prototypes ensuring optimal conditions year-round, aiming for a user-friendly system for wider adoption. For these students, it was important to not only reduce what’s thrown away, but also protect our planet and preserve our natural resources. Their story inspires us to dream of a world where food waste can be turned into a treasure chest full of value and new possibilities.

Türkiye: Safety in a Magic Bin

Have you ever thought about where the needles go after you get a medical shot at the hospital? Sharp medical waste continues to pose risks of injury and infection to healthcare professionals and staff at garbage sorting facilities. Mustafa Akay and other students at Kozmos Software Anatolian High School teamed up to discover the key that unlocks an idea – a medical waste bin. Their innovation is designed to incinerate sharp medical waste at extremely high temperatures.

Determined to reduce potential injuries and the spread of infections such as HBV, HCV, and HIV through needles, the team developed a special kind of waste bin. Their prototype incorporates two copper electrodes on the lid of the bin that can generate heat up to 1,200 degrees Celsius, reducing the needles to ashes and ultimately eliminating risk to health. Their product is not only efficient, but also safe for medical staff to incinerate sharp waste.

Not only did these students save healthcare workers around the world from a dangerous threat they face every day, but the team also successfully identified a serious, urgent problem that can be solved safely and efficiently with technology. What seemed like a minor inconvenience turned out to be a grave burden on both healthcare workers and patients alike, as well as the healthcare system. Their dedication has brought us hope for protecting lives and promoting health from beyond hospitals to sports arenas, clinics, and other settings that need this technology.

UK: The Cane that Knows the Way

Imagine a world where the visually impaired can move freely even through unfamiliar paths. Ramneek Kaur Ahluwalia, a First Class Electrical and Electronic Engineering graduate, holds the key to this future. Based on her own experience as a visually impaired woman, she used STEM to make a huge upgrade to the traditional white cane. Presenting MyVision, the ultimate smart cane!

MyVision integrates AI, LiDAR, and GPS technology, empowering the visually impaired to navigate with independence and safety. Ramneek realized that the traditional white cane has its limitations and could be further improved. With her background in engineering and passion to change the lives of other visually impaired people, Ramneek came to take matters into her own hands to use STEM and the latest navigation technologies. MyVision is a product of Ramneek’s resilience and determination.

Beyond innovation, Ramneek also continues to advocate for those like herself, working with organizations to promote education and career development for the visually impaired community. Her impact is felt around the world as she looks ahead to bridge the gap between technology and accessibility to bring everyone equal opportunities for a better life.