Digital Transformation Expert
Ahamed
Nishadh Najeem
Strategizing National Digital Infrastructure, Policy, and Startup Ecosystems across South Asia.
About Me
A results-oriented Technical Consultant and Entrepreneur with a decade of expertise in systems development, national policy formulation, and startup ecosystem incubation. Proven track record of leading high-impact projects for the UNDP and ICT Agency of Sri Lanka, including national AI strategies and digital economy blueprints.
What People Say
Ahamed's knowledge on the technological landscape in Government Sector in Sri Lanka positively contributed us to develop holistic digital solutions...
Ahamed is without a doubt, one of the most experienced and knowledgeable national level project manager I've ever worked with.
I knew Ahamed since 2018... I find him as a reliable, committed and caring team member.
Work Experience
A timeline of my professional career.
Technical Consultant (Systems Development)
United Nations Development Program (UNDP)
- Technical Consultant for the "Transforming Local Administrative Data Collection Systems for SDG Acceleration Project" (OneRegistry).
- Designing scalable architecture for national data interoperability and digitization of administrative processes.
Founder / Consultant
Plus Studio International (Pvt) Ltd
- Founded an IT consulting firm helping organizations of all sizes achieve business goals.
- Providing services in IT strategy and consulting, Technology project management, Software development, and Cloud computing infrastructure.
Subregional Digital Expert
United Nations Development Program (UNDP)
- Developed the blueprint for the Digital Economy Strategy of Bhutan.
- Supported the development of Sri Lanka's National Digital Strategy, National AI Strategy, and National Cloud Policy.
- Provided digital advisory services to UNDP Country Offices in partnership with the Chief Digital Office.
- Identified new trends to partner with organizations outside the UNDP to scale impact across South Asia.
Tech for Development Lead
United Nations Development Program (UNDP)
- Part of the HackaDev (National Social Innovation Challenge) team involved in planning, executing, and incubating selected startups.
- Technical consulting for the Citra Social Innovation Lab, Sri Lanka's first social innovation lab.
- Supported the UNDP Youth team with programs on innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership.
- Assisted the UNDP Country Office with technology-related operational issues.
ICT Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA)
Project Manager
Jan 2017 – Apr 2019- Managed the Spiralation Seed Funding Program (accelerator/incubator) with funding, training, and mentoring.
- Co-founder of Disrupt Asia, Sri Lanka's premier startup conference.
- Led a delegation of 8 startups and 30 delegates to 4YFN Barcelona.
- Organized ecosystem events: Global Student Entrepreneur Awards, Startup Weekends, SeedStars Colombo, Startup Grind, and Infotel Startup Pavilions.
- Planned and implemented the National Youth Software Competition.
- Handled PR, media coordination, and official social media channels.
Project Officer
Jan 2016 – Dec 2016- Led business missions to InnovFest Unbound Singapore (10 startups, 30 delegates) and 4YFN Barcelona (10 startups, 20 delegates).
- Supported Startup Weekends in Vanni, Colombo, and Jaffna.
- Supported the launch of the Uva Startup Hub.
- Organized the New Technology Experience Zone at Infotel 2016.
Project Coordinator
Mar 2014 – Dec 2015- Managed Spiralation Seed Funding Program.
- Led delegation to 4YFN Barcelona (6 startups, 10 delegates).
- Organized Youth Hackathon at World Conference on Youth (100 participants).
- Organized the First Ever Children's Hackathon in Sri Lanka with UNICEF and Microsoft.
Event Director (Volunteer)
TEDxColombo
- Functioned as Event Director for the annual independently organized TED event.
- Grew the event from a 100-seater to a 1000+ seater event.
- Managed a core team of 10 members, 50+ volunteers, and 30+ crew members.
Writer
ReadMe
Authored articles on technology events in Sri Lanka, live event blogging, and handled social media.
Sub Editor / Writer
CricTurf
Covered sports news and events (cricket and rugby) in Sri Lanka and globally.
Education
Academic qualifications and certifications.
Postgraduate Diploma in Cybersecurity Policy
Bandaranaike Academy for Leadership & Public Policy, Sri Lanka
Business Incubation Management (Short Course)
The University of Queensland (Australia Awards)
Executive MSc in Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Asia e University, Malaysia
BSc in Computing (Specialized in Software Engineering)
Staffordshire University, UK
Activities: Area 51 Head of Research, Secretary of Tantalize 2012
Certificate in Computer Studies
Singapore Informatics Computer Institute
Diploma in Web Designing & Development
American College of Information Technology
Primary & Secondary Education
S.Thomas' College Mount Lavinia
Volunteering
Community service and leadership roles.
Event Director
TEDxColombo
Scaled the event from 100 to 1000+ attendees. Managed a core team of 10 and 50+ volunteers.
Member
V-Force (UNV)
Contributed to V-Awards (2011, 2013, 2015), UNDP Twinning Schools Program, and National Youth Day celebrations.
Microsoft Student Partner
Microsoft
Enhanced student employability by offering training in Microsoft technologies and promoting tech adoption.
Skills & Expertise
A comprehensive overview of my capabilities.
Strategy & Policy
Startup Ecosystem
Technology & Security
Project & Event Management
Languages
Recommendations from LinkedIn
Endorsements from colleagues, partners, and industry leaders.
I had the privilege to work with Ahamed at Citra Social Innovation Lab of UNDP Sri Lanka. We worked in multiple projects together as teammates and managed to create effective and tangible outputs. Ahamed's knowledge on the technological landscape in Government Sector in Sri Lanka positively contributed us to develop holistic digital solutions and strategic plans... I am strongly recommending Ahamed to any organisation who would like to work on technology and youth space as he will be a valuable asset.
Bhagya Maheshi
PhD Candidate - Monash University
I rarely come across real talents who stand out like Ahamed. I had the pleasure of working with Ahamed for 5+ years with different projects in different organization he contributed for... Ahamed ability to handle multiple projects was unlike any I’ve seen before... I strongly recommend his skills in planning and executing development and empowerment program.
Mohammed Fawaz
Founder & CEO, CurveUp (Pvt) Ltd.
Ahamed is without a doubt, one of the most experienced and knowledgeable national level project manager I've ever worked with. His passion towards what he does makes his work super perfect... His technical understanding combined with the Eco-system knowledge of start-ups makes Ahamed undoubtedly one of the best choice which a company can ever have.
Tamasha Fernando
Senior Manager - ICTA
Always up to date on technological advancements, Ahamed was was instrumental in ensuring the next layer of entrepreneurs and startups in Sri Lanka had more than the usual to offer... His passion defines him and was instrumental in pushing national level initiatives to international standards. I'm absolutely looking forward to working with him again.
Aminda James
Senior Manager - ICTA
I have had the pleasure to work alongside Ahamed... Ahamed is highly passionate in all what he does to contribute towards a positive social impact. He is truly a team player and will not hesitate to offer any assistance to his fellow team members. I found Ahamed to be natural and possessing a knack for building good working relationships with stakeholders.
Nilan Thimbiripola
Project Manager - ICTA
Ahamed is a dedicated, trustworthy student. A student who listen to others and suggest his views diplomatically.!!!
Dayan Cooray
Teacher - S.Thomas' College
I knew Ahamed since 2018 for my involvement with UNDP-CITRA LAB... Throughout my years of working with Ahamed, I find him as a reliable, committed and caring team member. I always refer to Ahamed, and seek his point of view... As a friend, I describe Ahamed as a kind, trustworthy, reliable and loyal. Someone that you can always count on.
Yasmin Ahmad Mazlani
CEO - neOOne Associates
I highly recommend Ahamed for his exceptional contributions as a team player... His ability to foresee and think outside the box has been instrumental... As Co-founder of the "DisruptAsia" program, he has played a key role in supporting the IT industry in Sri Lanka... He is an exceptional character and a great example to others.
Vemani Kaushalya
Project Officer - ICTA
A focused and committed person. Ahamed and I worked together as a part of the TEDxColombo 2015 team. He is someone who manages his tasks superbly as he knows what his strengths are and delivers quality work... Ahamed is a hard worker and works to get things done to meet the deadlines.
Koshal Krishnakumar
Co-Organizer - TEDxColombo
Ahamed is extremely talented in the field of IT and organizing events. He possess vast experience in these areas and is committed to deliver the perfect experience to users or participants. He is also a strong leader who can get things done when needed. Ahamed is a 'MUST HAVE' on your event team.
Hamza Alibhoy
Co-Organizer - TEDxYouth
Ahamed has constantly proven himself to be the go to man to get anything solved. Having him sort out our website and direct the technicalities of the event - made my job a breeze. It also helps that he has the appropriate contacts to get whatever is required at the appropriate times. People like him are hard to come by.
Safra Anver
Licensee - TEDxColombo
Ahamed is extremely informed, professional and constantly on the ball, and has time and time again proved himself an invaluable source of factual data on the inner workings of the IT industry. A pleasure to work with.
Yudhanjaya Wijeratne
Author & Researcher