AUS alumnus Sherif Ismail drives innovation in robotics with WakaTech

When Sherif Ismail first experimented with 3D printing as a student at American University of Sharjah (AUS), he was driven by curiosity—testing ideas, refining designs and learning through hands-on experience. What began as a simple exploration would eventually lead him to form WakaTech, a robotics company now recognized for its AI-powered waste management and education solutions.

In February 2025, WakaTech was named one of the UAE’s Top 100 Future Enterprises, an initiative by the Ministry of Economy, recognizing the country’s most promising startups. Chosen from over 1,130 companies, WakaTech secured its place among the top nine percent, reinforcing its role in the country’s innovation ecosystem. The award was presented to Ismail by the Minister of Economy and the Minister of State for Government Development and the Future, marking a defining moment in his journey. 

“The UAE has created an environment where startups can thrive, and this recognition reinforces the importance of technology-driven solutions in our economy,” Ismail said. “We see this as a stepping stone to expand our work and take WakaTech to new heights.”

The AUS experience: A foundation for entrepreneurship and innovation

At AUS, Ismail pursued a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, graduating in 2022, and later completed his Master of Science in Mechatronics Engineering in 2024. He graduated magna cum laude, ranked third in his cohort, and earned first place for his senior design project. Throughout his studies, he took on practical learning opportunities, completing internships at Nissan, Fujairah International Airport, Al Mashreq Bank and Grundfos, where he gained firsthand experience in engineering applications across different industries.

Beyond academics, Ismail was an active student leader. He served as President of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers student chapter at AUS, leading initiatives that provided students with industry connections and technical workshops. Under his leadership, the chapter was named Club of the Year, and he was awarded the President of the Year Award for his contributions to student engagement. 

His efforts extended to research, where his master’s thesis on autonomous robot navigation resulted in two published research papers. The first, “A Noise-Resilient Observer for Enhanced Surface Temperature Estimation of Li-ion Battery Cells,” was published in IEEE Transactions on Transportation Electrification. The second, “Improved Capacity Estimation Method for Li-ion Battery Cells Using a Modified Kalman Filter and a Cell Thermal Model,” appeared in IEEE Transactions on Instrumentation and Measurement.

“AUS gave me the space to explore ideas and apply my skills in real-world settings. Whether through internships, research or student leadership, I had opportunities to develop both technical knowledge and problem-solving abilities,” he said.

The birth of WakaTech: From a side project to a robotics startup

Ismail’s entrepreneurial journey started in 2021, when he began selling 3D-printed parts as a personal project. While it started as an experiment, it introduced him to the challenges of running a business, from product development to customer engagement. That experience led him to expand his focus beyond engineering and learn about marketing, finance and operations—all essential skills that prepared him for what came next.

In 2023, he launched WakaTech, a robotics company specializing in smart waste management solutions and robotics education. By integrating artificial intelligence and automation, WakaTech is helping businesses improve the efficiency of waste handling while also offering hands-on robotics training to students. Throughout its early development, WakaTech benefited from the support of the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa), which provided guidance in refining its strategy and scaling its operations.

“We are building technology that modernizes industrial processes and makes automation more accessible,” Ismail explained. “There is a growing demand for robotics solutions, and we aim to provide systems that not only improve efficiency but also contribute to sustainability.”

Giving back: Strengthening the AUS connection

Ismail remains closely connected to AUS, ensuring that students benefit from the same opportunities that shaped his career. WakaTech recently participated in the AUS Career Fair and is also a sponsor of the Third Emirates Robotics Competition, one of the largest robotics competitions in the UAE, hosted by AUS in collaboration with Khalifa University, Rochester Institute of Technology Dubai and Dubai Future Labs.

WakaTech is now preparing for its next stage of growth. The company will be showcasing its latest robotics solutions at the Engineering Open Innovation Day 2025, an event that highlights cutting-edge projects from AUS students, faculty and industry partners.

Ismail also contributes to AUS as a member of the Advisory Board for the Department of Mechanical Engineering. In this role, he collaborates with faculty and industry professionals to enhance curriculum development and bridge the gap between education and industry demands.

“Our partnership with AUS is an important one,” Ismail said. “Through competitions, career fairs and mentoring opportunities, we want to support students in gaining practical experience and building their professional skills.”

The road ahead

With WakaTech growing, Ismail is focused on expanding its reach in automation and education. The company is scaling its robotics solutions to new industries while expanding its training programs to equip students with hands-on experience in AI and automation. He is also setting his sights on earning a place on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list, a recognition that reflects his long-term vision of making an impact in the field of robotics.

“There is still so much to do, and we are just getting started,” he said. “We want to keep developing technology that makes a difference, whether in industry automation or education. The more we innovate, the more opportunities we create for the next generation of engineers and entrepreneurs.”

Ismail believes that success is shaped by adaptability and persistence. He credits much of his progress to embracing challenges and seeking opportunities to learn.

“Things don’t always go as planned, but every challenge is a chance to improve,” he said. “It’s about staying committed to your goals and continuously learning along the way.”

The journey is just beginning

From a student with a passion for engineering to a leader in the UAE’s robotics industry, Ismail’s journey is a testament to the power of curiosity, determination and innovation. At the heart of this transformation is the AUS College of Engineering, which champions entrepreneurial thinking and cutting-edge research. Through its rigorous academic programs, hands-on research opportunities and strong industry collaborations, the college fosters a culture of applied learning where students turn ideas into impactful solutions. To learn more about the college, visit www.aud.edu/cen.