Whilst we celebrate Black History Month in October in the United Kingdom, in the United States, Black History Month is celebrated in February. A number of news outlets and pages are covering the pioneering people who have made astronomical moves within Tech over the past century or so, however, who are the people who are currently continuing their legacy in the search for answers within this space?
In this article, we will have a look at some of the people within the tech space who are working on Emerging technologies such as Quantum Computing, Blockchain and Artificial intelligence, in some way or another.
Patrick Kiragu Mwangi B.A, BSc., M.A
Patrick Kiragu Mwangi is a visionary leader and co-founder of Blockchain and CryptoAsset (K) Ltd., a pioneering firm offering advisory and implementation services in the dynamic fields of blockchain technology and cryptoassets. Born in Kenya, Patrick’s academic journey has taken him across continents, shaping him into a multifaceted expert in economics, finance, and emerging technologies.
Having pursued Economics at Egerton University in Kenya, Patrick’s thirst for knowledge led him to the United Kingdom in 2003. There, he furthered his studies with prestigious institutions such as the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants and the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment. His academic pursuits culminated in the attainment of a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Accounting from Oxford Brookes University and a Master’s degree in Management (Financial Analysis) from The University of Northampton.
Patrick’s passion for innovation and emerging technologies is evident in his role as a co-founder of Blockchain and CryptoAsset (K) Ltd. With a keen understanding of the potential of blockchain technology and cryptoassets, Patrick and his team provide invaluable advisory and implementation services, driving forward the adoption and integration of these transformative technologies across industries.
Beyond his professional endeavours, Patrick is an avid researcher and writer, delving deep into blockchain and cryptoasset topics to share insights and knowledge with the broader community. Outside the realm of finance and technology, Patrick holds a special affection for 7s rugby, a passion cultivated during his time playing rugby at high school in Kenya. This love for the sport serves as a reminder of his roots and the diverse interests that shape his identity.
In conclusion, Patrick stands as a trailblazer at the intersection of finance, technology, and innovation. His journey from Kenya to the global stage exemplifies the power of curiosity, determination, and expertise in driving positive change. Through his leadership, research, and commitment to excellence, Patrick continues to shape the future of blockchain technology and cryptoassets while honouring his diverse interests and cultural heritage.
Nanri Ouakhilatou Torou
In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, individuals like Nanri Ouakhilatou Torou exemplify the spirit of innovation and adaptability. With a background in digital marketing and graphic design, Ouakhila made a bold career switch to software engineering, driven by her passion for technology and creativity.
Armed with a Master’s degree in Computer Science, Ouakhila embarked on an exhilarating journey into the realm of AI sports technology. She found her niche in leveraging cutting-edge technology to empower athletes, teams, and sports academies to enhance performance and foster overall well-being. Currently serving as a junior software engineer, Ouakhila is at the forefront of technological innovation, exploring immersive technologies such as AR and VR to push the boundaries of possibility.
Beyond her professional endeavours, Ouakhila is deeply committed to democratising access to knowledge through technology. Through her project “Science for All,” an AR and VR initiative, she aims to make scientific knowledge accessible to all, inspired by her participation in the ColorIntech Programme and Meta. Her dedication extends to developing AR features that bridge the gap between technology and education, paving the way for a more inclusive and informed society.
Moreover, Ouakhila is a staunch advocate for diversity and inclusion in the tech industry. As a part-time teaching assistant at Niyo Group, she devotes her time to empowering the next generation of tech enthusiasts while championing diversity within the field. Her efforts serve as a beacon of inspiration, fostering an environment where individuals from all backgrounds can thrive and contribute to technological innovation.
In addition to her impactful work, Ouakhila runs the Instagram channel Ouakhila.tech, where she shares valuable insights, tips, and advice on breaking into tech careers. Through this platform, she extends her reach beyond her professional circles, offering guidance and encouragement to aspiring technologists worldwide.
Ouakhila’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of technology and the importance of passion, dedication, inclusivity, and mentorship in shaping the future of the tech industry. Through her innovative projects, professional pursuits, advocacy efforts, and social media presence, she continues to make a profound impact, empowering individuals and communities alike through the limitless possibilities of technology.
Manqoba Hlatshwayo
Manqoba Hlatshwayo is a Senior Quantum Applications Engineer at the National Quantum Computing Centre (UK) – a new research institution funded through UKRI, which is dedicated to accelerating the development of quantum computing by addressing the challenges of scalability. His early forays into the Quantum world started after his Bachelor’s degree in Theoretical and Mathematical Physics at Rhodes university, and began during his Master’s degree in Physics at Western Michigan University, where he also stayed to complete his PhD in Physics. His thesis was titled “Simulating strongly coupled many-body systems with quantum algorithms” and explored error-mitigation techniques, variational quantum algorithms and numerically engineered high-fidelity custom gates.
Manqoba’s general fields of study include applications of quantum algorithms to simulate multi-body physics, solve complex finance problems, and accelerated solvers for linear and non-linear differential equations.
In a groundbreaking study published in Physical Review C, researchers Manqoba Q. Hlatshwayo, John Novak, and Elena Litvinova delve into the realm of quantum computation to tackle the challenges of computing excitation properties in strongly coupled fermionic many-body systems.
In layman’s terms; the team focused on a special algorithm called the quantum equation of motion (qEOM), which mixes classical and quantum methods to solve tricky problems in fermionic systems. Their goal was to improve accuracy in areas like medium-heavy nuclei, where regular computers struggle.
Testing the qEOM on digital and IBM quantum devices, they found something remarkable: the qEOM doesn’t need more measurements as problems get harder, unlike regular methods. This means it’s way more efficient. But there’s a catch: as problems get tougher, errors in quantum computers become a bigger issue. To deal with this, the team analysed errors and used smart techniques to reduce them.
In short, this study showed how quantum computers could revolutionise solving complex physics problems. With the qEOM’s efficiency and error-reducing tricks, researchers are closer than ever to cracking the code of strongly coupled systems, and Manqoba is helping break boundaries within the quantum physics world as we speak. Thanks, Manqoba!
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We at Web3sy are keeping an eye on these Ladies and Gentlemen in technology, and we think that you should too!
If you want to follow their journey, find them on social media, here:
- Patrick Kiragu Mwangi B.A, BSc., M.A – https://www.linkedin.com/in/ACoAABBKJ_sBoc1wC08KqPaX29IS7JE2FvVw55Q
- Manqoba Hlatshwayo – https://www.linkedin.com/in/manqoba-hlatshwayo-8469ba70/
- Nanri Ouakhilatou Torou – https://www.linkedin.com/in/nanri-ouakhilatou-torou/
Do you know of any more innovative individuals within the tech space? Let us know in the comments or get in touch! We love celebrating both black excellence and technical innovation!
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Nkeiruka Whenu
CEO and Founder of Web3sy