Emran Billah, the Co-Founder & Chief Technical Officer of Bluethumb Technologies, is not merely a professional but a visionary on a mission to revolutionize the realms of Engineering and IT. With a dual Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Electrical and Computer Engineering, Emran Billah journey has been a relentless pursuit of knowledge and innovation.
Driven by a deep-seated passion for addressing global challenges, Emran Billah has transcended conventional boundaries to seek solutions to issues like poverty, hunger, and corruption. Understanding that effecting substantial change requires more than just awareness, he has embraced entrepreneurship as a vehicle for driving impactful transformation. By prioritizing societal and communal well-being, Emran Billah has set himself apart, demonstrating the importance of proactive engagement and innovative thinking in shaping a better world.
Emran Billah journey serves as a testament to the power of combining technical expertise with a commitment to social responsibility, showcasing the potential for technology to drive meaningful change. Through Bluethumb Technologies, Emran Billah continues to embody his vision of excellence and innovation, propelling forward with a mission to create a brighter, more equitable future for all.
Below are highlights of the interview:
Can you share some pivotal moments or experiences from your career that have shaped your approach to business and entrepreneurship?
One significant milestone includes our collaboration with Dalhousie University through Bluethumb Technologies, where we were granted access to their private network for testing our software and hardware systems. This partnership provided a real-world environment for conducting tests, allowing us to validate our technology effectively.
Additionally, at Spiri Robotics, we are on the verge of our inaugural product launch, and I am honored to have played a leading role within the team throughout this journey. This upcoming launch marks a significant achievement for our company and underscores our commitment to delivering innovative solutions to the market.
Similarly, at Drinkable Water Solutions, we are eagerly approaching the launch of our first product, and I am privileged to be an integral part of the team during this pivotal phase. Our imminent product launch signifies the culmination of dedicated effort and innovation aimed at addressing critical challenges in providing access to clean drinking water.
What inspired you to establish this company? How does this initiative reflect your life purpose and vision for making a positive difference?
Bluethumb Technologies is dedicated to serving individuals facing financial hardship and mental health challenges, initially focusing on students across Canadian universities. Our vision extends to encompassing financial institutions nationwide. Coming from a background of poverty in Bangladesh, I have firsthand experience with the struggles of economic disadvantage, which has ignited my drive to support those in similar circumstances.
At Drinkable Water Solutions, our mission is to combat the global crisis of water pollution, which disproportionately affects regions like Bangladesh, where I have personally endured the consequences of waterborne diseases. This personal experience fuels our commitment to developing technologies that mitigate the suffering and fatalities caused by water pollution worldwide.
Spiri Robotics is at the forefront of innovation, developing drone technologies with multifaceted applications including remote surveillance, expanding internet connectivity to remote areas, and bolstering national defense capabilities. These autonomous, intelligent Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) offer a myriad of benefits, providing me with another avenue to contribute towards a better world.
Each of these endeavors represents a distinct avenue through which I channel my efforts to make a meaningful impact and improve the quality of life for individuals globally.
How do you measure the impact of your work, both personally and through your company, in supporting individuals to actualize their potential and become their best selves?
A pivotal metric I employ to gauge the impact of my work revolves around assessing its effect on the lives of individuals within my sphere of influence. This involves conducting periodic surveys among product users to evaluate various key factors, such as increases in fiscal earnings, reports of overall life satisfaction, and reductions in time required to accomplish relevant tasks, among others. Maintaining regular communication with users and soliciting feedback enables a comprehensive understanding of how their lives are positively influenced by the products I have developed or contributed to. Additionally, tracking the growth of product users over time serves as a crucial indicator of impact. A decline in user numbers, for instance, signals diminishing user satisfaction, while sustained or increasing user numbers indicate continued positive impact and satisfaction. This emphasis on user-centric metrics underscores my commitment to ensuring the continual improvement and efficacy of the products I create or collaborate on.
How do you integrate character development with the acquisition of soft and technical skills in your framework?
As an electrical engineer, I integrate character development with the acquisition of soft and technical skills by fostering a holistic approach to education and professional development. Communication skills are emphasized through presentations, technical writing assignments, and collaborative projects, encouraging engineers to articulate ideas effectively and work seamlessly within teams. Problem-solving is cultivated through hands-on projects and simulations, challenging engineers to think critically and creatively to overcome obstacles.
Additionally, ethical considerations are woven into coursework and discussions, prompting engineers to consider the societal impact of their work and make responsible decisions. Through mentorship, internships, and extracurricular activities, I provide opportunities for personal growth, nurturing qualities such as resilience, adaptability, and integrity, essential for success in both technical fields and broader society. By integrating character development with technical and soft skills acquisition, I aim to graduate well-rounded engineers equipped to tackle complex challenges with competence, empathy, and ethical awareness.
What are your long-term goals, and how do you envision its evolution in the coming years?
In the long term, my overarching goal is to contribute to the growth of employment opportunities in the country by establishing businesses and institutions that generate both technical and non-technical jobs. Presently, I am spearheading the development of a tech hub in Halifax, aimed at providing engineers throughout the province with invaluable real-world experience often absent in traditional university education. This innovative institution will serve as a dynamic platform for tech specialists to collaborate, share expertise, and mentor aspiring individuals seeking greater exposure to the tech industry.
Looking ahead, I envision expanding my ventures to create additional employment opportunities for professionals and internships for students. Ultimately, my vision encompasses establishing a robust institution capable of sponsoring and financing other ventures, empowering individuals to broaden their skill sets and contribute to the thriving landscape of innovation and employment growth.
Looking back on your career journey, what advice would you offer to aspiring entrepreneurs and leaders who are navigating their own paths?
In our contemporary era, it’s imperative to recognize and adapt to the dynamic shifts within the market landscape. This necessitates embracing modern practices and acquiring proficiency in cutting-edge technologies that are in high demand. I firmly advocate that there’s no tolerance for mediocrity in today’s world; individuals are either adept across various domains or risk being marginalized by societal standards. The prevailing global competition underscores the importance of positioning ourselves strategically to confront the multifaceted challenges of the modern age.
Additionally, maintaining close ties with our local communities is paramount. By being an active and integrated part of the community, we gain invaluable insights into the myriad of hardships and obstacles faced by the populace, enabling us to develop tailored solutions to address these challenges effectively. This interconnectedness fosters a symbiotic relationship wherein our endeavors align with the needs and aspirations of the broader society, ultimately contributing to collective progress and prosperity.
Website: bluethumbtechnologies.ca
