Benjamin Lalani, a 2023 graduate of Johns Hopkins University, has been named a 2025 Samvid Scholar, making history as the university’s first-ever recipient of this prestigious honor.
Lalani’s groundbreaking work in global health, medical technology, and diabetes care, along with his academic excellence, earned him a spot among just 20 scholars selected from over 1,000 applicants this year.
What is the Samvid Scholars Program?
Founded in 2021 by Samvid Ventures, the Samvid Scholars program empowers exceptional, mission-driven students pursuing graduate degrees in high-impact fields.
These include medicine (MD), business (MBA), law (JD), public policy (MPP/MPA), public health (MPH), and advanced degrees in STEM or social sciences.
Each recipient is awarded $100,000 in funding, along with access to leadership development, a vibrant peer community, and ongoing support to foster societal change.
Benjamin Lalani’s Academic and Professional Journey
Lalani earned his bachelor’s degree in molecular and cellular biology from Johns Hopkins University. Currently, he is pursuing his MD at Harvard Medical School, where his interests span medicine, technology, and global health.
But his journey as a changemaker began even before college.
Founder of Pump Avenue Foundation: Tackling Global Diabetes Inequity
At just 17, Lalani founded the Pump Avenue Foundation, a nonprofit that redistributes insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) to underinsured patients in need of life-saving diabetes care.
What started in Scottsdale, Arizona, has grown into a global 501(c)(3) organization, now supporting over 130 patients in:
- 7 U.S. states
- Tanzania
- Somalia
- India
Pump Avenue has played a direct role in launching insulin pump programs in four hospitals worldwide, where Lalani personally led staff training, patient onboarding, and equipment delivery.
Pioneering Research in AI, Digital Health, and Clinical Innovation
Lalani’s research has focused on:
- Artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare
- Digital health solutions
- Clinical decision support tools
He has co-authored over 20 peer-reviewed publications and abstracts, and has presented at major national conferences, including:
- American Diabetes Association
- Diabetes Technology Society
- American Association of Clinical Endocrinology
- Endocrine Society
Notably, his recent work includes:
- Evaluating a dynamic insulin dosing calculator for hospitalized patients
- Leading a phase 3 clinical trial comparing AI-based coaching vs. human coaching for diabetes prevention
Consulting Experience and Vision for the Futur
In addition to academic research, Lalani has worked in strategy consulting with ClearView Healthcare Partners, advising Fortune 500 and early-stage life sciences companies on:
- Product development
- Pricing
- Launch strategies
Looking ahead, he aspires to become a physician–innovator focused on academic–industry collaborations.
His goal is to lead the development, evaluation, and global delivery of advanced medical technologies that bridge care gaps worldwide.
A Historic Milestone for Johns Hopkins and Beyond
With this award, Benjamin Lalani not only joins an elite group of changemakers but also sets a precedent for future Johns Hopkins graduates.
His multifaceted efforts in medical technology, health equity, and research innovation make him a standout leader poised to make a lasting global impact.
The Samvid Scholars Program, funded by Samvid Ventures, continues to back exceptional leaders like Lalani who are committed to improving lives through education, innovation, and purpose-driven leadership.
