Bupe Chikumnbi

Class of 2026-2027

University of Zambia
Human Biology

Capstone Project Abstract

Airway Innovations is an early-stage medical device company developing simple, durable technologies for high-stakes airway and resuscitation care. Its first commercial product, the AERIS Airway, launched in 2026 and was recognized among the top five new medical devices by the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists. Building on this momentum, the company is developing Aerstat, a handheld, CO₂-powered device designed to rapidly pressurize standard IV pressure bags during life-threatening hemorrhage and other medical emergencies. Aerstat requires no electricity, batteries, maintenance, or calibration and is designed for rapid, one-handed operation, making it particularly promising for emergency, prehospital, humanitarian, and low-resource healthcare environments.

This capstone project will investigate whether a defensible pathway exists for deploying Aerstat in low- and middle-income countries and other low-resource settings. Through direct engagement with healthcare providers, humanitarian organizations, procurement leaders, funders, ministries of health, and other stakeholders, the project will evaluate genuine demand, identify viable procurement and funding channels, and determine the requirements for successful adoption. The project will ultimately deliver an evidence-based recommendation and actionable market-entry roadmap to guide Airway Innovations in determining whether, where, and how Aerstat can expand into low-resource healthcare markets.

Why did you choose ESTEEM?

As a science diplomat, I have had the opportunity to work across Europe and Africa within international organizations, multilateral institutions, and global science-policy initiatives. Those experiences exposed me to some of the most important questions shaping our future: How do scientific discoveries become innovations? How do emerging technologies influence society? And how do we ensure that progress remains centered on humanity?

ESTEEM's interdisciplinary approach, combined with the University of Notre Dame's commitment to leadership and service, made it the ideal environment for me. I wanted a stronger foundation in innovation and entrepreneurship, not only to pursue my own ideas, but also to better understand the technologies that will shape the future and help ensure they remain guided by human values.

What do you hope to do after ESTEEM?

The path after ESTEEM remains intentionally open. However, I find myself increasingly drawn toward research, medical innovation, and a deeper understanding of the brain and human health through continued study beyond my master's degree.

At the same time, I hope to continue contributing to science diplomacy and global leadership. Whether through research, innovation, policy, or international collaboration, the goal remains the same: to help build a future in which science and technology are used to expand human potential and improve lives.

What do you like to do in your free time?

In my free time, you'll usually find me painting or drawing, writing poetry, cooking, traveling, hiking, learning a new language (currently German), or wandering through a museum. I also write about celebrity and popular culture on my Substack. I'm endlessly curious and usually have several creative projects going at the same time.