Alumnus innovator builds AI venture

Young entrepreneur Abdulwahab Sahyoun – a recent master’s graduate from Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) – is sharing his story in hopes to inspire other tech innovators to follow their ambitions in launching their own startup.Sahyoun launched his startup SnowHeap LLC, a pioneering data analytics and AI company that leverages advanced technologies to develop innovative solutions for businesses, while studying his master’s in machine learning at MBZUAI.

“In my work, I would like to be known for creating innovative solutions that make a positive impact on people’s lives,” Sahyoun says. “I want to be a thought leader in the industry and inspire the next generation of innovators to pursue their passions and make a difference in the world.

“I came to MBZUAI with a desire to explore the possibilities of AI, and its potential impact on the world. I knew I wanted to go down the path of innovation and entrepreneurship, and MBZUAI has provided me with the tools and knowledge to make my dreams a reality. I have always been drawn to the fast-paced and innovative nature of startups and knew I wanted to start my own company someday.”

The largest national event celebrating innovation and talents across the country with government and private sector entities, UAE Innovates, ends today. Held in February each year, the 2023 edition has witnessed hundreds of events and activities during this month.

UAE Innovates 2023 has been a catalyst for the nation’s endeavours in supporting innovation and sustainability, in-line with the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in declaring 2023 the ‘Year of Sustainability’. Young innovators like Sahyoun are doing their part.   

Delivering accessible AI solutions

Born in Canada with roots in Lebanon, Sahyoun is a machine learning engineer who excels at bridging the gap between diverse ideas, teams, and industries. With more than five years of hands-on experience in the field of AI and an impressive academic background in engineering, statistics, and machine learning, Sahyoun is driven by a passion for solving complex business problems using innovative technologies. He is a dynamic and forward-thinking leader who constantly seeks out new challenges and approaches problems with a can-do attitude. With a deep commitment to excellence and a relentless pursuit of cutting-edge solutions, Sahyoun inspires others to embrace change and explore the limitless possibilities of AI.

“I am incredibly passionate about the UAE’s thriving startup ecosystem and the endless opportunities it provides for innovative and forward-thinking companies like SnowHeap,” he said. “Our startup came about from a desire to create AI-powered products developed in-house and offered as services for individuals and businesses. We saw a gap in the market for a consultancy that not only provides strategic tech consulting but also develops its AI-powered products. We are proud to be the first of our kind in the region.

“Our initial 12-month plan is to continue to expand our client base and provide exceptional service to our existing clients. We are also focusing on developing and launching our in-house AI-powered products that will revolutionize the industry. In five years, we aim to become a leading player in the global AI market and expand our services to more countries,” Sahyoun continued.

“At SnowHeap, we bring together more than a decade of expertise in the field of AI and data analytics. Our team includes an ex-EY consultant with a wealth of experience in the AI field, whose insights and strategies have been invaluable in driving the success of our young and dynamic company. Despite being only one and a half years old, we have quickly established ourselves as a leading player in the region, thanks to our innovative solutions, exceptional service, and commitment to excellence. With a deep understanding of the latest technologies and a passion for driving growth and transformation, we are poised to take on any challenge and help our clients stay ahead of the curve.”

SnowHeap provides a wide range of services, including data visualization dashboards, system scaling, AI-powered analytics, trend analysis, website, and mobile app development, branding and UI/UX, platform design and development, strategic tech consulting, and metaverse transition services.

Prior to starting SnowHeap LLC, Sahyoun had several years of industry experience and worked for various startups including AEBISS, Maalexi, CoinLabs, Forge Solutions, and more.

Sahyoun’s transformational UAE journey

After completing his undergraduate studies in the UAE, Sahyoun ventured into the video game industry and launched his first business CG-Interactive. Subsequently, he was appointed as the Head of Digitization at Fronds Investment, where he gained extensive experience and knowledge of the digital landscape.

“During my time at Fronds Investment, I was captivated by the potential of artificial intelligence and its transformative impact on a variety of industries,” he explains. “To further my understanding of this evolving field, I pursued a master’s degree at MBZUAI, which enabled me to acquire valuable skills and insights that would fuel my entrepreneurial ambitions. It was during this period that I founded SnowHeap LLC.”

Speaking about his “incredible” two years at MBZUAI, Sahyoun said the research program “enhanced his self-reliance” but also made him think of new ways to innovate. “MBZUAI has prepared me for this innovative entrepreneur journey in numerous ways,” he said. “The hands-on learning experience and exposure to industry experts have been invaluable in shaping my business acumen and leadership skills. Additionally, the network and resources provided by MBZUAI have been instrumental in the development and growth of SnowHeap LLC.”

Generative AI leading the way

“As we enter the next decade, I strongly believe that artificial intelligence will play a crucial role in transforming various industries, particularly healthcare, education, and sustainability,” Sahyoun says. “AI, as we see it today, has opened up countless opportunities for those who adopt it as a tool that empowers them to become leaders and innovators.

“As the world becomes increasingly digital and interconnected, AI offers the potential for groundbreaking insights, discoveries, and advances that were once unimaginable. With generative AI leading the way, we are witnessing an era of human-AI collaboration that has the power to augment and amplify human intelligence, taking us to new heights of innovation and creativity.

“At SnowHeap LLC, we leverage cutting-edge technologies to provide practical and easy-to-use solutions that enable our clients to stay ahead of the curve. I am thrilled to be part of this transformational journey and excited to see how AI can make a positive impact on the world. As the saying goes, disrupt, or be disrupted.”

UAE Innovates 2023 has witnessed hundreds of in-person and virtual events, including competitions, presentations, and innovation hackathons across various regions within the UAE. MBZUAI is an ongoing supporter of the UAE Hackathon – the largest competitive event for innovation in the country – with past and current students competing.  Since its inception in 2015, UAE Innovates has become an annual flagship event in the UAE that supports the government’s vision to enrich the culture of innovation and to reinforce UAE’s position as a global centre for innovation to benefit the future of humanity.