UGNXT

Postdoctoral Researcher @Linköping University Sweden || PhD @Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University) || Deep Learning || Image Processing || Artificial Intelligence || Machine Learning.

Sayed A. Irfan is a distinguished academic and expert in machine learning, data science, and deep learning, with a career spanning research, teaching, and leadership in higher education.

Professional Experience

Director of Academics

upGrad | Full-time | IndiaDec 2024 - Present (3 months) In his current role at upGrad, Sayed A. Irfan leads academic initiatives, curriculum development, and strategic planning to enhance educational offerings in data science and machine learning.

Assistant Professor of Machine Learning

DigiPen Institute of Technology Singapore | Full-time | SingaporeNov 2021 - Dec 2024 (3 years 2 months) During his tenure at DigiPen Institute of Technology Singapore, he specialized in teaching and research in machine learning, deep learning, and data science. His work included advanced data visualization techniques, predictive modeling, and AI-driven applications.

Postdoctoral Researcher

Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS | Full-time | Seri Iskandar, MalaysiaAug 2018 - Nov 2021 (3 years 4 months) As a postdoctoral researcher, Sayed A. Irfan developed machine learning-based models for complex energy sector challenges, including:

• Adsorption and desorption of CO₂ and methane in ultra-tight reservoirs.

• Optimization solvers for shale adsorption and fracking.

• AI models for reservoir characterization.

• Machine learning models for nanoparticle flow in ultratight porous media for enhanced oil recovery (EOR).

• Pioneering mathematical models for magnetic and electromagnetic nanoparticle-based EOR.

• Conducting method development, validation, and technology transfer activities.

• Ensuring compliance with quality systems and regulatory standards.

Key Skills & Expertise

• Machine Learning & Deep Learning

• Data Science & Data Visualization

• SQL & Python Programming

• Optimization Solvers & Reservoir Characterization

• Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) & AI Applications in Energy

• Academic Leadership & Curriculum Development

Sayed A. Irfan continues to contribute to the field through research, teaching, and strategic leadership, shaping the future of data science education and machine learning applications in various industries.

I am interested in Computer Vision, Artificial Intelligence and its applications. Currently I am working with Convolutional Neural Networks for the detection of objects in images. In a near future I plan to extend it to object and activity tracking in real time by working on challenging projects to broaden up my experience.

Over the past 25 years, I have built deep expertise across multiple domains and have chosen to focus on two areas where I bring the greatest value: Academics and Consulting.

Academics

I have taught AI and related technologies to more than 20,000 students worldwide. Building on this success, I co-designed and continue to administer a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program in Emerging Technologies at Golden Gate University—now one of the world’s largest AI leadership programs, with over 600 leaders enrolled. In parallel, I supported Atlas Skilltech University in designing its first B.Tech program, which, in just three years, has grown to more than 350 students. Through my organization, I have also delivered enterprise education to some of the world’s leading brands, and I have personally trained ministries, boards, and CXOs globally in AI and ML.

Building AI Products and Services

I have partnered with more than 50 companies to tackle complex business challenges using AI and ML, leveraging these experiences to provide advisory and consulting on how to make AI truly effective within the enterprise. I led the development of a patented product that was successfully acquired, and I am currently co-leading the development of another product under my organization, for which we have applied for two additional patents.

Postdoctoral Researcher @Linköping University Sweden || PhD @Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University) || Deep Learning || Image Processing || Artificial Intelligence || Machine Learning.

Operations and Customer Success Leader with over 9 years of cross-functional experience managing academic delivery, student success and account management across India and the US. Proven track record of enhancing learner outcomes, streamlining processes, and improving customer experience in high-growth EdTech environments.

Chartered Accountant, Finance Faculty, Grader and Consultant.

• An accomplished academician with over 11 years of extensive experience as faculty in reputed management colleges coupled with 4 years of corporate exposure. • Possess excellent inter-personal, communication, organizational and training skills.

B.Sc., MBA-International Business, (PhD) - 10 years of experience as an Academician in various B-Schools and an expert in Executive Education. Passionate about brand building, Supply Chain Management and Corporate training. Active Advisor for noted Organizations. With clear views and action plan to bridge the industry-academic gap. A true Professional who endorses work ethics and Passion in her students.

• Solution Provider empanelled on msmementor.in within the domain of Organisational Management and a Business Researcher in the Ed Tech Space. • Seasoned L&D Professional in Service Industries and an Accredited Management Teacher with a Total Experience of over 23 Years. • Programme Director - Foreign Languages ; French. Change management by way of virtual training on Foreign language platforms to Doctors from pre-clinical,para-clinical and medical departments of JNMC for serving the multifarious soft skill demands from certain establishments that prevail in the MedTech,EdTech & MSME startup space at leading Institutes worldwide. • Designed high-quality content & Virtual Training Delivery in line with the parlance of current industry trends in Front Office Management Sytems • Systemization in the provision of trained manpower and workforce provider to the well known brands of star hotels in the vicinity.

1. Independent Director’s Database Registration Certificate: [IssuedNov 2022·ID IDDB-NR-202211-045272]

2. AIMA Accredited Management Teacher( AMT ) [IssuedOct 2022; ID AMT2/10/22 Sl.No.208]

3. Member of the Prime Director’s Database [IssuedNov 2022; ID 1044734Q.1.]

Co-Founder and MD of upGrad (aka UEducation) - an online education venture focused on targeting working professionals.

~10 years of operations, investment and consulting experience in the education sector in India, China, SE Asia and Latin America. Been part of investments over $1B flowing into the education sector in emerging markets.

Worked with Bertelsmann India Investments, Parthenon Group and Tata Strategic

Hold an MBA from ISB Hyderabad and a B. Tech. in Mechanical Engineering from IIT Delhi

I have diverse experience across oil and gas, renewable energy, insurance and consumer goods sectors. I have helped clients in their operational turnaround, brand strategy and new product launch, new business development as well as end-to-end supply chain digitisation. I have a keen interest in energy transition and decarbonization technologies, climate adaptation among others.

I joined Boston Consulting Group as a Senior Associate after graduating from IIM Indore where I was awarded the KK Alagh Gold Medal for All Round Performance among women participants and secured 5th rank in the graduating batch. I did my B.tech. in Information Technology from MAIT, IP University, graduating with the 2nd rank overall and am a Gold Medalist from DPS Faridabad for consistent scholastic performance over the years. I have also been bestowed with the OP Jindal and Times scholarships. During my exchange term in MBA, I persued MSc in Global Management at Grand Ecole EDHEC Business School and have travelled to over 25 countries so far.

Experienced Program Manager with a demonstrated history of working in the e-learning industry. Skilled in Negotiation,Stakeholder management, budgeting and team handling. Strong program and project management professional with a Master of Business Administration - MBA focused in Business Administration and Management, General from Liverpool John Moores University.

Coach, Transformation, Strategy, Insights, Customer Experience Specialist, KPI setting.

I am interested in Computer Vision, Artificial Intelligence and its applications. Currently I am working with Convolutional Neural Networks for the detection of objects in images. In a near future I plan to extend it to object and activity tracking in real time by working on challenging projects to broaden up my experience.

An assertive professional with over 10 years of extensive experience in customer service and operations. Customer-focused with a proven ability to adapt quickly, multitask, and thrive in fast-paced environments. Dedicated to efficiency and team success in achieving organizational goals.

Product Manager - Content at upGrad.

Working as a content strategist for the various Tech courses at upGrad which include Blockchain and Full Stack Development. My responsibilities include:

• Networking with industry experts;

• Creating and designing the content;

• Content writing for upGrad platform;

• Creative designing of the course and content structure;

• Coming up with various ideas on how to make learning a fun experience.

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