Nick Walker, the winner of a 10-week course at Singularity University in Silicon Valley, California, hopes to use his winning concept to start a stem cell storage bank in collaboration with scientists who are developing a cure for HIV.
“Some of the most promising developments in HIV research are those using stem cells resistant to HIV,” Walker says. “My idea is to use available technology to set up a stem cell bank of HIV resistant cells where these cells are stored and dispensed as needed.”
Walker was one of 48 entrants in the SingularityU South Africa Global Impact Competition which sought to identify outstanding local entrepreneurs, and leaders in science, engineering and business with the most innovative ideas for positively impacting millions of lives, both locally and globally, through the use of technology.
“Singularity University challenged entrants in the competition to propose a concept which may have an impact on some of the world’s greatest challenges,” Walker says. “I hope to be able to leverage my exposure to Singularity University to find the necessary funding and to collaborate with experts in the field of HIV research.”
Walker will attend the 10-week course later this year after which he will be able to develop his concept with the help of Singularity University and its global network.
The SingularityU South Africa competition was held in partnership with Rand Merchant Bank.
