Biography of Umar Saif: Series Entrepreneur, Computer Scientist, Professor and Angel Investor
Biography of Umar Saif:
Early Academic Pursuits and Return to Pakistan
Umar Saif, born in 1979, emerged as a pivotal figure in
Pakistan's technology sector. After completing his computer science studies at
Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), he attained his doctorate from
the University of Cambridge at an impressively young age of 22. Following this,
he pursued a postdoctoral fellowship at the prestigious Massachusetts Institute
of Technology (MIT). In 2005, driven by a desire to contribute to his homeland,
Saif returned to Pakistan.
Leading Technological Advancements
Upon returning, Umar Saif joined LUMS as an associate
professor of computer science from 2006 to 2013. His passion for technological
innovation led to his appointment as Chairman of the Punjab Information
Technology Board (PITB) in 2011. During his tenure spanning from 2011 to 2018,
Saif spearheaded groundbreaking initiatives, including the establishment of
Plan9, Pakistan's first technology incubator. This initiative catalyzed over
300 innovative projects aimed at transforming the technological landscape of
the country.
Founding the Information Technology University
Simultaneously, Saif took on the role of founding
Vice-Chancellor of the Information Technology University (ITU) from 2013 to
2018. Under his leadership, ITU emerged as a hub of academic excellence and
innovation, nurturing future generations of technologists and entrepreneurs in
Pakistan.
Umar Saif: From Pakistan to Global Tech Leadership
Early Years and Education in Pakistan
Umar Saif was born in Pakistan and received his early
education at Aitchison College. His passion for technology emerged early,
leading him to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science at
Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), which he completed in 1998.
Academic Achievements and Global Pursuits
Saif's academic journey continued with remarkable success.
At the age of 22, he achieved a significant milestone by obtaining a doctorate
in computer science from the University of Cambridge in 2001. His thirst for
knowledge and innovation took him to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology
(MIT), where he pursued postdoctoral research in computer science throughout
2002. During this time, he became a research scientist at the MIT Computer
Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL), contributing to
pioneering projects such as Project Oxygen.
Contributions at MIT and Beyond
Saif's tenure at MIT from 2001 to 2005 was marked by his
dual role as a teacher and researcher. His involvement in Project Oxygen
underscored his commitment to pushing the boundaries of computer science and
artificial intelligence. His contributions during this period laid a solid
foundation for his subsequent leadership in academia, entrepreneurship, and
public service in Pakistan.
Umar Saif: Architect of Pakistan's Digital Revolution
Early Teaching and Academic Recognition
Upon returning to Pakistan in 2005, Umar Saif began his tenure at Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) as an associate professor of computer sciences, where he quickly rose to become one of the youngest tenured professors by 2009. His dedication to teaching was matched by his prolific research output, laying the groundwork for his future contributions to Pakistan's technology landscape.
Pioneering Initiatives in Punjab
In 2011, Saif's achievements were internationally recognized
when he was named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum and
included in MIT's TR35 list for his innovative projects like BitMate and
SMSall. The same year, he received Google's Faculty Research Award, becoming
the first Pakistani to do so. Invited by Punjab's Chief Minister Shahbaz
Sharif, Saif assumed leadership of the Punjab Information Technology Board
(PITB) as Chairman, overseeing all public-sector IT projects and introducing
groundbreaking initiatives.
Transformative Impact at PITB and Beyond
Under Saif's stewardship, PITB launched Pakistan's first
technology incubator, Plan 9, fostering a vibrant startup culture in the
country. His leadership also led to initiatives like the E-Rozgaar program and
innovative solutions such as a smartphone-based dengue fever early warning
system, showcasing his commitment to leveraging technology for public health
and governance.
Founding Information Technology University (ITU)
In 2013, Saif established Pakistan's first IT university,
ITU, and served as its founding Vice Chancellor, setting a precedent for
academic excellence in IT education. His tenure was marked by significant
strides in digitalizing government records and improving administrative
efficiency across Punjab.
Entrepreneurship and Public Service
Beyond academia, Umar Saif ventured into entrepreneurship,
founding SCI and later establishing SurveyAuto and Khudi Ventures. His
strategic insights and entrepreneurial spirit continued to shape Pakistan's
tech industry. His stint as an adviser to the Chief Minister and co-host of
Idea Croron Ka showcased his versatility and commitment to fostering innovation
and entrepreneurship.
Biography of Umar Saif: Series Entrepreneur, Computer Scientist, Professor and Angel Investor/CEO of Survey Auto, Chief Digital Officer of Jung Group
Umar Saif: Pioneering Tech Innovation
Umar Saif's Journey Begins
Umar Saif, a distinguished serial entrepreneur and computer
scientist, embarked on his remarkable journey in academia and entrepreneurship
after completing his postdoctoral studies at the Massachusetts Institute of
Technology. Inspired by his experiences there, he returned to Pakistan and
joined Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) as a professor in
computer sciences, where he aimed to nurture the next generation of tech
innovators.
Revolutionizing Tech Incubation in Pakistan
Recognizing the need to foster innovation and
entrepreneurship in Pakistan, Umar Saif took on the role of Chairman at the
Punjab Information Technology Board. Under his leadership, he established
Plan9, the country's first-ever technology incubation center. At Plan9, Saif
provided invaluable mentorship and support to young entrepreneurs, overseeing
the successful execution of over 300 projects aimed at transforming Pakistan's
tech landscape.
A Visionary Leader and Educator
Saif's dedication to education and innovation earned him
numerous accolades, celebrating his selfless commitment to teaching and his
visionary leadership in technology. Beyond his roles in academia and at Plan9,
he ventured into founding a series of startups, each aimed at pushing the
boundaries of technological advancement in Pakistan and beyond.
Driving Innovation Across Industries
Umar Saif's entrepreneurial spirit led him to assume pivotal
roles in various organizations. He serves as the CEO of Survey Auto, leveraging
technology to streamline survey processes. Additionally, he holds the position
of Chief Digital Officer at the Jung Group, where he pioneers digital
transformation strategies. His influence extends to Chui Ventures, where he serves
as Chief Investment Officer, focusing on fostering innovative startups.
Global Impact and Advisory Roles
Recognized for his expertise, Umar Saif also serves as an
advisor to the UNDP (United Nations Development Program) in Pakistan, where he
advises on leveraging technology for sustainable development goals. His global
influence underscores his commitment to using technology as a force for
positive change, inspiring countless individuals to innovate and drive progress
in their communities.
Umar Saif continues to be a beacon of innovation and
leadership in the tech industry, leaving an indelible mark on Pakistan's
entrepreneurial landscape and beyond.
Entrepreneurship and Leadership Beyond Academia
Beyond academia and public service, Umar Saif ventured into
entrepreneurship, founding aiSight.ai (formerly SurveyAuto Inc.), a company
focused on leveraging artificial intelligence for survey automation. He also
assumed the role of Chief Digital Officer at the Jang Group and CEO of Khudi
Ventures, further solidifying his impact across various sectors of the economy.
Government Service and International Advisory Roles
Umar Saif's influence extended to the political arena, where
he served as the interim Federal Minister for Science and Technology and
Minister of IT from August 2023 to March 2024. His expertise also earned him a
pivotal advisory position at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in
Pakistan, where he advises on leveraging technology for sustainable development
goals.
Recognized Excellence in Research and Innovation
Umar Saif's contributions to research, entrepreneurship, and
digital governance have garnered him numerous prestigious awards and titles.
His groundbreaking work and leadership in the IT sector in Punjab earned him
accolades such as the Young Global Leader designation by the World Economic
Forum and Google's Faculty Research Award. These recognitions underscore his
significant impact on advancing technological innovation in Pakistan and
beyond.
Pioneering Digital Governance and IT Ecosystem
Saif's role as the driving force behind Punjab's digital
governance initiatives has been pivotal. His efforts in establishing and
leading initiatives like Plan9 and the Information Technology University have
transformed Pakistan's IT landscape, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.
His visionary leadership has not only facilitated technological advancements
but also inspired a new generation of tech-savvy professionals and
entrepreneurs.
International Recognition and Influence
Saif's influence extends globally, as evidenced by his
recognition as one of the top 35 young innovators in the world by the MIT
Technology Review (TR35). His commitment to using technology for social
development led to his appointment as a UNESCO Chair for utilizing ICT for
Development. Moreover, being consecutively named among The 500 Most Influential
Muslims from 2015 to 2023 highlights his significant contributions to the
Muslim community and beyond.
Continued Leadership and Impact
Saif's contributions expanded further as he assumed roles in
the federal cabinet and initiated landmark policies such as Pakistan's National
Space Policy and the establishment of the National Cyber Crime Investigation
Agency. His efforts were pivotal in boosting Pakistan's IT exports and
advancing digital infrastructure through initiatives like the Pakistan Internet
Exchange.
Legacy and Future Endeavors
Throughout his career, Umar Saif has been recognized as a
visionary leader driving Pakistan's digital transformation. His contributions
have earned him widespread acclaim and positioned him as a leading figure in
global tech innovation. As he continues to explore new frontiers in technology
and entrepreneurship, Saif's legacy remains a testament to the power of
innovation in shaping nations' futures.
A timeline summarizing Umar Saif's journey in Pakistani
technology:
1979: Umar Saif is born in Pakistan.
1998: Completes Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from
Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS).
2001: Obtains Doctorate in Computer Science from the
University of Cambridge at the age of 22.
2002: Conducts postdoctoral research at MIT's Computer
Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL).
2005: Returns to Pakistan to contribute to the homeland.
2006-2013: Serves as associate professor at LUMS.
2011: Appointed Chairman of Punjab Information Technology
Board (PITB), launches Plan9.
2013-2018: Establishes and leads Information Technology University
(ITU) as founding Vice Chancellor.
2011: Named Young Global Leader by World Economic Forum;
receives Google Faculty Research Award.
2013: Establishes aiSight.ai and serves as CEO; becomes
Chief Digital Officer at Jang Group.
August 2023 - March 2024: Serves as interim Federal Minister
for Science and Technology and Minister of IT.
Ongoing: Continues to advise UNDP on leveraging technology
for sustainable development goals and contributes to Pakistan's digital
transformation.
This timeline captures Umar Saif's academic achievements,
leadership roles, entrepreneurial ventures, and his ongoing impact on
technology and innovation in Pakistan.
