Fayaz is a digital technology transformation and innovation professional with over 20 years of industry experience.
Fayaz is the founder of “Spiralation”, the 1st technology accelerator in Sri Lanka in 2010. He conceptualized and execute the initiative to promote innovative tech start-up’s in partnership with 20+ entities including Boston University, IIT, CIMA, PMI, Intel, Microsoft, Oracle, Standard Charted Bank and others. Successfully graduated over 70 startups since 2010 cresting over 500+ new jobs in digital services, digital marketing, entertainment, logistics, digital health and medical, digital financial services, online platforms, hospitality, RFID, electronics, next gen kiosks, digital education, tourism, etc. The efforts involved finding affordable alternatives and entirely new technology-based business models and creating a platform to brining C-Level top executives and listed company boards members of to engage with startup.
Fayaz is the former Programme Head of The Information and Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka where for almost 10 years he provided leadership in implementing The ICT Capacity Building Program (ICBP) funded by the World Bank towards ICT industry development. His roles involved affordable access to internet and computers for businesses and schools. Performing technical and functional evaluations and feasibility of systems for procurement, project and vendor management. Advising government and IT-BPO companies on strategy, technology, procurement, revenue optimization, digital marketing and branding opportunities.
Fayaz has provided services to UN agencies, European Commission, Sri Lankan Government entities and Universities. These range from consultancies in developing digital technology strategies for digital skills development, digital technology entrepreneurship development, analytics of social and digital marketing opportunities, etc.
Fayaz is the co-author of the National ICT Capacity Strategy (NICS) which later became government policy for IT & KPO development in Sri Lanka included in “MahindaChinthanaya” 1 & 2. He was instrumental in strategizing, facilitating and consensus building to unite a fragmented ICT industry which lead to the formation of The Sri Lanka Association Of Software and Services Companies Association (SLASSCOM). He drafted bilateral trade in IT/ITES services under CEPA with India and Pakistan. Creator and facilitator of The Technology Entrepreneurship course for Open University Of Sri Lanka. Judge of KotiyakVatinaAdahasak, the 1st startup reality TV show in Sri Lanka. Moderator, panelist 2016 & judge of the slingshot challenge 2017 at DisruptAsia 1st startup Conference & Expo. Juror 2013-14, congress judge 2015-16 and moderator 2017 & 2018 of eSwabhimani National Best Quality Content Awards in Sri Lanka Judge 2014-15 and keynote speaker 2013 at MIT GSL. Curator of Computer Society Of Sri Lanka CIO Forum. Moderator of the National Broadband Forum 2017 & 2018. A judge at Microsoft Imagine Cup (Sri Lanka) and National Best Quality Software Awards (NBQSA) since 2015.
He is a founder and investor of a number of technology startups related to transportation, tourism, health, analytics, retail, etc. A connector and mentor to startups and a consultant to government, INGO and private sector organizations in technology transformation, productization, innovation, go-to-market and operational strategy.