Inspiring Students to Use Technology as a Force For Good

Memorial University of Newfoundland Wins 2021 Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Project Accelerator

A team of students from Memorial University of Newfoundland have been crowned the winners of the 2021 Samsung Solve For Tomorrow Project Accelerator Best Project Award, a unique competition that encourages innovative thinking, creative problem-solving and teamwork by encouraging students to resolve the social issues affecting their community through innovative applications of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

The Enactus team from Memorial University created HeartStarter – a project that aims to help provide services and information to the province of Newfoundland and Labrador surrounding Heart Health. HeartStarter is a three-pillared project, consisting of drone-powered AED delivery for patients experiencing cardiac arrest, the establishment of a publicly accessible AED registry that would be connected with the 911 provincial system, allowing operators to direct callers to the closest AED in case of emergency, and the promotion of a healthier lifestyle through heart health education sessions.

The project team conducted education sessions with over 1000 students in 41 classrooms across four provinces. Over the course of the year, the team has made significant progress; over 3650 people have now downloaded the PulsePoint AED app. They launched their pilot in the town of Holyrood where 2500 residents have been benefited from HeartStarter and are currently in talks to launch in Torbay and Corner Brook, two of the largest communities in the province.

“Being recognized by a prestigious organization such as Samsung reinforces our commitment to HeartStarter, and it helps us prove the need and importance of our project. We aim to use Samsung’s guidance and prize money to further expand our project by focusing on the development of a financial plan to ensure its sustainability and expansion,” said Diego Hernandez, President, Enactus Memorial University.

Samsung provided $45,000 in cash and technology funding to Enactus teams that were selected to participate in the year-long competition. Memorial University, who beat out six other projects in this year-long competition, was awarded the ‘Best Project’ award at the 2021 Enactus Canada National Exposition.

“At Samsung, we believe in empowering future generations to achieve their full potential, enabling them to pioneer positive social change and build a better world. We are inspired by what the Memorial University students have accomplished and how they have embraced technology as a force for good,” said Jennifer Groh, Senior Director, Corporate Marketing and Citizenship, Samsung Canada.

About Solve For Tomorrow

Launched in 2010, Solve for Tomorrow was designed to increase interest and proficiency in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education, and to encourage young people to apply STEM in finding creative solutions to solve challenges and address risks faced in their local communities to build a better tomorrow.