Author: Oluwatofunmi Adojutelegan – PROMPT! Cohort #1
In many parts of the world, a child’s survival depends not just on love or luck, but on access to technology. For millions of babies born in developing countries, common conditions like neonatal jaundice, pneumonia, or malnutrition can become life-threatening simply because the right tools for diagnosis or treatment aren’t there (Bhutani & Zipursky, 2017).
But thanks to biotechnology, that’s starting to change.
What is Biotechnology?
Biotechnology is technology that utilizes biological systems, living organisms, or parts of them to develop or create different products. It uses biology, engineering, and technology to solve human problems, especially in medicine and health. Biotech is reshaping the future of healthcare with life-saving drugs and diagnostic tools. When applied to pediatric care in low-income communities, it opens up new possibilities for early detection, accessible treatment, and long-term impact (Kliegman et al., 2020).
Biotech isn’t just something that happens in high-tech labs or clinical research centers. It’s something that can, and should, be adapted to fit real-world needs. When done right, biotechnology can be one of the most powerful tools for global health equity (WHO, 2019).
My Innovation
As a future biomedical engineer and pharmacist, I’m passionate about designing solutions that combine science and accessibility. That’s why I’m currently working on a biotech solution designed to screen for neonatal jaundice using mobile technology and light analysis.
Neonatal jaundice is a common condition, but in low-resource communities, it often goes undetected due to a lack of equipment or trained staff. My innovation helps bridge that gap by providing an affordable, digital screening option—empowering caregivers and frontline workers to take action early. It doesn’t rely on bulky machines or constant electricity. Instead, it focuses on simplicity, portability, and impact (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2020).
What makes it unique is that it’s inspired by both personal experience and research. I didn’t just want to invent something—I wanted to create a solution that could realistically be implemented in clinics, villages, and communities where traditional medical tools are hard to come by.
This project is teaching me that true innovation often comes from empathy. It’s not about creating the most complex machine; it’s about designing something that meets people where they are.
Biotechnology in Action: Global Pediatric Impact
Beyond jaundice, biotechnology is tackling many other pediatric health challenges. For example, biotech companies are developing needle-free vaccines that are easier to administer in rural areas. Some are also creating bioengineered nutritional supplements that help malnourished children recover faster and more sustainably.
In some parts of sub-Saharan Africa, mobile DNA testing kits help doctors quickly diagnose genetic diseases. In Asia, synthetic biology is used to produce affordable insulin for children with Type 1 diabetes. These are just a few ways biotechnology is rewriting the story of pediatric care around the world (UNICEF, 2021).
The Role of Biomedical Engineers and Pharmacists
This is where I see my future: standing at the intersection of engineering and medicine. Biomedical engineers design the tools and technologies that make biotech innovations possible, i.e, wearable health monitors, diagnostic devices, etc. Pharmacists ensure that medicines and therapies are accessible, safe, and effective, especially in areas where health education and trust are essential.
Together, these fields give me the opportunity to not only create solutions but also ensure they reach the people who need them most.
Why This Work Matters
My interest in both biomedical engineering and pharmacy is deeply rooted in my desire to create solutions that don’t just exist in textbooks, but work in the real world. In
countries like Nigeria, where I’ve spent most of my life, the difference between health and harm is often access.
Biotech gives us a chance to reimagine healthcare systems through design, data, and innovation that’s made with local realities in mind (WHO, 2019).
Toward a Healthier, More Equitable Future
Biotechnology isn’t just about big labs and billion-dollar budgets; it’s about designing with purpose, building with people in mind, and believing that innovation should serve everyone, not just the privileged few.
From new drug delivery systems, I believe the next generation of biomedical engineers and pharmacists can co-create a future where no child is left behind. My dream is to help build that future, not just through invention, but through service, advocacy, and impact.
Something I learned recently is that “Innovation starts with vision, but it grows through collaboration”. I’m really excited to keep learning, building, and connecting with others who believe in the power of biotech, not just to heal or create fancy products but to transform lives.
As I continue to grow academically and professionally, I hope to explore ways to scale innovation through international partnerships, funding, and mentorship. My goal is not just to create isolated inventions, but to contribute to a larger ecosystem of biotech accessibility.
I believe that through cross-disciplinary collaboration between engineers, pharmacists, public health workers, and policymakers, we can unlock a future where biotechnology works for everyone, especially the most vulnerable. That’s the world I want to help build. Thank you.
References
American Academy of Pediatrics. “Management of Hyperbilirubinemia in the Newborn Infant 35 or More Weeks of Gestation.” Pediatrics, vol. 144, no. 4, 2020, https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2019-3591.
Bhutani, Vinod K., and Arnold Zipursky. “Global Perspectives on Neonatal Jaundice: Understanding the Burden and Care Challenges.” Journal of Perinatology, vol. 37, no. 12, 2017, pp. 1299–1304, https://doi.org/10.1038/jp.2017.150.
Kliegman, Robert M., et al. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed., Elsevier, 2020.
Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). “What Is Biotechnology?” NTNU, https://www.ntnu.edu/ibt/about-us/what-is-biotechnology. Accessed 30 June 2025.
UNICEF. State of the World’s Children 2021: On My Mind — Promoting, Protecting and Caring for Children’s Mental Health. 2021, https://www.unicef.org/reports/state-of-worlds-children-2021.
World Health Organization. Every Newborn: Progress, Priorities, and Potential beyond Survival. 2019, https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/272539.
