Dr. Asel Sartbaeva (EnsiliTech)
Overview
Dr. Asel Sartbaeva is a prominent chemist and academic, known for her groundbreaking work in developing technologies to stabilize vaccines at room temperature, potentially revolutionizing global vaccine distribution. As a co-founder and CEO of EnsiliTech, she has spearheaded innovations in vaccine technology, particularly through the process of 'ensilication', which uses silica to create stable environments for biological materials. Her work is highly acclaimed and she has received numerous awards for her contributions to science and technology, including the 2021 Woman of the Year award at the FDM Everywoman in Technology Awards.
Recent Developments
In recent years, Dr. Asel Sartbaeva has made significant strides in her mission to transform global healthcare accessibility through her lead role at EnsiliTech.
- August 2025: EnsiliTech raised £4.5M in a seed funding round led by Eos Advisory, with backing from various investors, to advance the commercialization of its vaccine stabilization technology. This funding aims to expand the company's infrastructure and push forward its integration into pharmaceutical manufacturing workflows. Source 1
- July 2025: Dr. Sartbaeva was named 'Founder of the Year' at The Sparkies Awards for her leadership in tech innovation, highlighting her work in ensuring equitable access to life-saving medicines, particularly in low-resource settings. Source 2
- March 2024: EnsiliTech was awarded a £1.7 million contract to develop a thermally stable mRNA vaccine platform, a project positioned to prepare for future pandemics by delivering vaccines more efficiently without cold storage. Source 3
- 2023-2024: The company also secured a pre-seed investment of £1.2 million to further the development of their silica-based vaccine stabilization technology. This investment was vital in scaling EnsiliTech's operations and enhancing its R&D capabilities. Source 4
Personal Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Asel Sartbaeva |
| Born | June 1981, Kyrgyzstan |
| Nationality | Kyrgyz/British |
| Occupation | Chemist, CEO of EnsiliTech |
| Known For | Vaccine stabilization technology |
| Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed |
| Education | PhD in Mineral Physics, Cambridge |
| Languages | English, Russian, Kyrgyz |
Early Life and Education
Born in June 1981 in Kyrgyzstan during its time as part of the Soviet Union, Dr. Asel Sartbaeva's fascination with science was nurtured despite cultural resistance. She initially pursued an education in Natural Sciences at Kyrgyz-Russian Slavic University, excelling in competitive academic environments. Her academic prowess earned her a scholarship to the University of Cambridge, where she completed her MPhil and PhD in Mineral Physics by 2004, becoming the first Central Asian woman to achieve this feat at Cambridge. Her academic foundation in crystallography and mineral physics would later inform her groundbreaking research in vaccine stabilization.
Career and Notable Achievements
Dr. Sartbaeva's career has been defined by her innovative approach to solving complex problems in chemistry and materials science. After her PhD, she worked at Arizona State University before transitioning back to the UK.
- Between 2007-2012, she held a prestigious Glasstone Fellowship at Oxford University.
- In 2010, awarded a Royal Society University Research Fellowship which funded her early exploration into silica-based vaccine stabilization.
- Awards & Honors:
- 2017 IChemE Biotechnology Award
- 2019 Hanson Medal
- 2020 RSC Emerging Technologies Competition winner
- 2021 FDM Everywoman in Technology ‘Woman of the Year’
Current Work and Impact
Currently, Dr. Sartbaeva serves as the CEO of EnsiliTech, focusing on the scalability and commercial application of 'ensilication' to improve global vaccine distribution. Her work at EnsiliTech has gained international attention for its potential to transform how vaccines are stored and transported, reducing reliance on refrigeration and ensuring better accessibility, especially in low-resource settings.
Conclusion
Through her visionary work and leadership, Dr. Asel Sartbaeva has significantly contributed to the field of chemistry and public health. Her accomplishments enhance scientific understanding and offer practical solutions to global challenges in vaccine distribution. As EnsiliTech continues to expand its influence, her impact in the realm of global health is set to grow, potentially saving millions of lives worldwide.