I work in the technology space where I design, develop and deploy user-centered intelligent systems to impact people. I have been working to advocate for a greater focus on innovation and technology in Somalia and Somaliland.

I have founded several non-profit organizations that focus on supporting techies and start-ups in Somalia and Somaliland. I have also previously participated and run start-up accelerator, incubation programmes, and coding camps for start-ups in Somalia and Somaliland last few years.

I'm currently a research scientist and manager with the Inclusive Financial Services Research Group at IBM Research -- you can find a summary of my activities at the lab here. Prior to IBM Research, I has worked at Microsoft Research, Carnegie Mellon University and Fuji-Xerox Palo Alto Labs. I also co-founded Innovate Ventures and Worldwide Somali Students and Professional.

I obtained my PhD in computer science from University College London, and was advised by Prof. Ann Blandford and Dr. Anastasios Tombros. I have published more than 35 papers and patents. I have been fortunate to be recognized as a TED Fellow and Next Einstein Forum Fellow. I have also been named one of the World’s Top Young Innovators under 35 and received the TR35 awarded by MIT’s Technology Review. My work has been featured in Forbes, Wired, Technology Review, Quartz, BBC Radio, CNN and Fast Company among others.