Technology is changing how we learn, work, and live. Artificial intelligence (AI), the Metaverse, and online education are creating new chances to make our lives better. However, these changes need leaders who understand both the technology and how it affects people. Dr. Ishha Farha Quraishy is one of these leaders, guiding us into this new digital world. “My journey into the realms of AI, the Metaverse, and innovation has been fueled by a lifelong passion for technology and its transformative potential,” Dr. Quraishy says, showing her deep drive to use technology for good.

Dr. Ishha Farha Quraishy, a Social Technorpreneur in the AI space, has spent her career finding ways to use technology to help people. Her extensive work in AI, Spatial AI, and EdTech reflects a deep, enduring commitment to applying scientific innovation for societal betterment. Since she was young, she has been excited about technology. Now, she is a leader who is creative, strong, and determined to ensure everyone can use and learn from technology. This story will look at what inspired her, the new things she is creating, and how she wants to make technology useful for every community. Dr. Quraishy’s dream of a fair and advanced future with technology is what pushes her forward.

Early Journey and Spark for Innovation

From a young age, Dr. Quraishy was fascinated by technology. She was amazed by how machines could become tools to improve lives. This natural interest led her to explore computers and digital systems. She realized that technology could improve education and everyday life. This passion for knowledge acquisition led her to seek opportunities within some of the world’s leading technology firms.

Early in her career, Dr. Quraishy gained invaluable experience at industry giants such as VMware, HP, Dell, Wipro technologies (EMC2), and Finesse. “These experiences provided me with a robust foundation in data center and infrastructure projects, and later, cloud technology,” she explains.

A big change in her career happened when she worked at GEMS Education. There, she contributed to the development of an innovative EdTech platform. Dr. Quraishy saw firsthand how computers could change education, making learning more interesting, personal, and open to everyone.

“Witnessing firsthand how technology could enhance educational experiences and make learning more accessible ignited my passion for AI and its applications in education,” Dr. Quraishy says.

This moment made her decide to use technology to help everyone learn, no matter where they came from. In these early work years, Dr. Quraishy’s big idea started to form: to combine her tech skills with a real desire to help people.

Spatial AI: Merging the Physical with the Virtual

Dr. Quraishy is deeply involved in the Spatial AI Innovation Strategy. Spatial AI synergistically combines spatial computing with sophisticated artificial intelligence, transforming static environments into interactive and intelligent spaces.

She believes Spatial AI “represents a significant leap forward in technology. It integrates AI into our physical and virtual environments, creating immersive and interactive experiences that were previously unimaginable.” This new technology can turn normal places into smart spaces that understand and react to what we need.

Dr. Quraishy is leading the way in exploring Spatial AI. She highlights the exciting possibilities Spatial AI unlocks: “Spatial AI will revolutionize how we interact with technology by creating highly personalized and immersive environments…Intelligent Virtual Assistants…Realistic Simulations…Interconnected Virtual Worlds.”

She also talks about how it can help society, especially in “Education and Training…Healthcare…Social Interaction…Economic Opportunities,” but also warns about “Ethical Considerations” like keeping data private and fair access for everyone. Dr. Quraishy thinks that by carefully adding AI to our spaces, we can make life better and more personal for everyone.

Innovative R&D and Groundbreaking Projects in AI

Dr. Quraishy views research in AI as where creativity meets rigorous precision. She states her approach to R&D is “driven by a vision of merging technology with human ingenuity to create a more inclusive, innovative, and sustainable world.” 

One of her most compelling and illustrative projects involves an advanced AI application that captures and interprets brain waves using a highly specialized device to “predict a child’s next move, which is particularly beneficial for children of determination.”

In another notably ambitious project, Dr. Quraishy is spearheading the development of a cutting-edge healthcare application that leverages advanced retina scans and sophisticated facial recognition technologies. This could “make healthcare more accessible and accurate, offering timely and personalized medical insights.” She is also working on a Super AI Assistant that speaks many languages and can understand sign language.

This assistant can “convert sign language and respond back in sign language using sensors and action capture. This platform is designed to support humanity in its best form, especially for people of determination, ensuring they have the tools they need to communicate and interact effectively. I would give complete credit to the brains of my Innovation Head Ali Hajji.”

Startup Mission and Commitment to EdTech

Dr. Quraishy’s passion for Ed-Tech and digital education accessibility is a driving force. “My passion for Ed-Tech strategies and digital education accessibility has been a driving force throughout my career. It all began during my time at GEMS Education, where I worked at the corporate head office in the Tech division. We were focused on launching Learn OS, an initiative aimed at revolutionizing the educational experience,” she explains.

Her startup is firmly grounded in the core belief that technology should function primarily as a potent force for societal good, actively driving positive social change and fostering comprehensive inclusion across diverse communities.

Dr. Quraishy expresses her core beliefs about accessible education: “One of my core beliefs is that making education accessible, affordable, and available to every single child on the planet cannot be achieved through traditional brick-and-mortar schools alone. Technology is the only way to bridge this gap…Our children are more tech-savvy than ever, and it’s crucial that our educational methods evolve to meet their needs.”

Her company is working on key ideas like:

• Personalized Learning Path
• Skill-Based Training and Logical Thinking
• Psychometric Analysis and AI Integration
• Digital Literacy and Inclusion.

As a Social Entrepreneur and Tech Expert, Dr. Quraishy combines her tech skills and her dream to make education fair and available to all, aiming to “create a future where technology enhances lives and promotes inclusivity and sustainability.”

Overcoming Challenges as a Woman in Tech

“As a woman pioneer in AI, my career journey has been marked by both challenges and triumphs,” Dr. Quraishy acknowledges.

Addressing the gender disparity, she notes, “The tech industry currently has only about 26.7% of women in tech-related jobs, which is a stark contrast to the 70% of students in schools and universities who are girls. This disparity highlights the need for greater empowerment and representation of women in technology.”

Early on, she missed having women mentors in her field. “One of the significant challenges I faced was the lack of female role models and mentors in the tech industry. This often made it difficult to navigate my career path and find guidance,” she admits.

To overcome these challenges, Dr. Quraishy “sought out supportive networks and communities where I could connect with other women in tech. These connections provided invaluable support, advice, and inspiration.”

She also underscores the importance of early leadership education: “I believe that leadership education should start at home, with our parents playing a crucial role. Mothers, in particular, can shape their daughters’ aspirations and confidence by encouraging them to dream big and pursue interests in STEM fields.”

Furthermore, Dr. Quraishy emphasizes the unique strengths women bring to tech: “Women bring unique perspectives and strengths to the table, such as empathy, collaboration, and creativity. Leveraging these strengths has been key to driving innovation and making a positive impact in my work.” Her experiences have taught her to be resilient and to work with others, becoming an example for women in tech everywhere.

Celebrating Achievements: Awards, Recognitions, and TEDx Insights

Dr. Quraishy’s wide-ranging contributions to technology, business, and society have earned her significant global recognition and numerous prestigious awards.

• Tech and Business Acclaim:

• Featured by Forbes, New York, as “Crowned Technopreneur – Where Tech Brilliance Meets Beauty Grace.”

• Served as a Global Ambassador for Microsoft’s Hevolus Innovation, driving Metaverse innovation.

• Serial TEDx speaker, representing multiple international forums, sharing her vision on the transformative power of AI, innovation, and the future of technology, emphasizing how “these advancements can create a more inclusive, innovative, and sustainable world.”In one impactful TEDx talk for youth, she brought an AI-powered humanoid robot on stage, illustrating AI’s evolution as “a child growing with his power and maturity,” and highlighting both its potential and ethical considerations, stressing the “importance of guiding its development responsibly.”

• Her TEDx talks advocate for “integrating digital literacy into educational curricula and professional development programs” and emphasize “ethical considerations of AI and technology,” particularly “data privacy, security, and digital equity,” to ensure AI’s “positive impact on society.”

• Accolades in Technology and Innovation:
  • Doctorate Degrees
  • Her Excellency from the United Nations Diplomatic Mission (2022)
  • Youngest Crowned Techno Genius (2024)
  • International Genius Icon (2023)

• Social and Philanthropic Recognition:

• Mrs. Universe 2019 Solidarity title: First candidate from the Middle East to participate, marking a historic milestone.
• Preparing to represent the UAE at Ms. UAE United Nations this year.
• Named among the Top 50 women in the UAE (2022).
• Recognized as A Woman Icon Making Waves in the Arab World (2023).
• Honored at She Awards Global (2023) and Global Women Icon (2020).
• Volunteers for the Ministry of Community Development UAE.
• Certified by the National Commission for Women Rights and the National Commission for Human Rights in India.
• Serves on advisory panels for global forums like World Leaders Forum Dubai and World Women’s Health Forum.
• Global Ambassador for H.O.P.E AFRICA (Health Opportunity People Education), in collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation, promoting African countries and driving “Financial Inclusion and Digital Literacy to support Vulnerable Segments,” aligning with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals of 2030.

• Artistic and Creative Pursuits:

• Accomplished artist, actress, professional Indian classical dancer, and inspirational speaker.
• Collaborates with Bollywood and various TV channels.
• Currently involved in a Bollywood movie in post-production.
• Regional movies screened at International Film Festivals.

As Dr. Quraishy herself affirms, “Technology is my DNA,” and she has purposefully chosen to build a path in “Technology and Innovation, making an impact and purpose to the world through my individual capacity.”

Balancing Life: Work, Creativity, and Future Aspirations

Even with her busy career, Dr. Quraishy knows it is important to have balance in life.  “Balancing my various roles and responsibilities requires effective time management…Having a strong support system is invaluable…Engaging in hobbies is another essential aspect of my life,” she says. Dr. Quraishy enjoys hobbies like “dancing, singing, painting, and acting,” which come from her family’s background in the arts.

Currently working on a Bollywood movie and with films shown at International Film Festivals, she is also writing her life story. Looking ahead, Dr. Quraishy is excited about “quantum computing” and “humanoid robots,” and launching her “patented technology.” She plans to create an “innovation lab dedicated to promoting next-generation education,” working with partners and thinking about a future in “politics and…parliamentary career.”

Dr. Quraishy concludes, “My future goals revolve around pushing the boundaries of technology, fostering collaboration, and making a meaningful impact through innovation. I am excited about the possibilities that lie ahead and look forward to contributing to a more inclusive, innovative, and sustainable world.”

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