Biography of Umar Saif: Founder & CEO aiSight.ai & Khudi Ventures- Entrepreneur
Biography of Umar Saif:
Dr. Umar Saif is a distinguished Pakistani computer
scientist, educator, and entrepreneur, renowned for his transformative
contributions to Pakistan's digital landscape. Currently, he serves as the
Founder and CEO of aiSight.ai (formerly SurveyAuto Inc.), Chief Digital Officer
at the Jang Group, and Chief Investment Officer at Khudi Ventures, Pakistan's
largest venture studio.
Academic Foundations and Early Achievements
Born in 1979, Dr. Saif's academic journey commenced at
Aitchison College, Lahore, followed by a BSc (Hons) in Computer Science from
Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) in 1998. At just 22, he earned
a PhD in Computer Science from the University of Cambridge, subsequently
completing his postdoctoral research at the Massachusetts Institute of
Technology (MIT), where he contributed to the Cambridge-MIT Institute's
collaborative projects.
Biography of Umar Saif: Founder & CEO aiSight.ai & Khudi Ventures/computer scientist and academic/CDO of Jung Group/Serves fedral minister#age#net wo
Pioneering Digital Governance and Education
In 2005, Dr. Saif returned to Pakistan and joined LUMS as an
associate professor. His tenure at the Punjab Information Technology Board
(PITB) from 2011 to 2018 marked a significant era of digital transformation in
the province. He established Pakistan's first technology incubator, Plan9, and
initiated over 300 digital projects, including the digitization of land records
and the development of the E-Rozgaar program to empower freelancers.
In 2013, at the age of 34, Dr. Saif became the founding Vice
Chancellor of the Information Technology University (ITU), Pakistan's first
IT-focused university, which has since grown to offer 12 academic programs and
enroll over 1,000 students.
Ministerial Leadership and National Reforms
Dr. Saif's political engagement began in 2016 as an adviser
to the Punjab provincial cabinet. In August 2023, he was appointed as the
interim Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunications, as
well as Science and Technology. During his tenure until March 2024, he
spearheaded initiatives such as the National Space Policy, the establishment of
the Pakistan Startup Fund with an annual investment of Rs. 2 billion, and the
creation of the Pakistan Internet Exchange. Additionally, he announced plans to
establish 10,000 E-Working Centers nationwide to support freelancers.
International Recognition and Advisory Roles
Dr. Saif's innovative work has garnered global acclaim. He
was named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum in 2010 and
featured on MIT's TR35 list in 2011. He has received the Sitara-i-Imtiaz,
Pakistan's third-highest civilian award, and was appointed UNESCO Chair for ICT
for Development in 2018. In 2024, he was appointed to the International
Telecommunication Union's Digital Innovation Board.
Entrepreneurial Ventures and Technological Innovations
Beyond his governmental roles, Dr. Saif has been
instrumental in launching and leading several tech ventures. He founded
SurveyAuto Inc. in 2019, which later rebranded as aiSight.ai, focusing on
AI-driven solutions. As the Chief Digital Officer of the Jang Group, he has
been pivotal in the digital transformation of one of Pakistan's leading media
conglomerates. His venture capital firm, Khudi Ventures, aims to foster
innovation and entrepreneurship within Pakistan's tech ecosystem.
Public Perception and Controversies
While Dr. Saif's contributions to Pakistan's digital
landscape are widely acknowledged, his public statements have occasionally
sparked controversy. Notably, claims regarding the imminent launch of PayPal in
Pakistan and visits by Nokia's CEO for investment discussions were met with
skepticism and later contradicted by the companies involved. Additionally, some
of his remarks about freelancers have drawn criticism from the online
community.
Legacy and Ongoing Impact
Dr. Saif's multifaceted career continues to influence
Pakistan's technological and educational sectors. Through his leadership in
various initiatives and ventures, he remains a central figure in shaping the
future of Pakistan's digital economy. His commitment to innovation, education,
and governance underscores his enduring impact on the nation's development.
