Checking In WIth Miswar Syed

Young Leaders Award recipient Miswar Syed is completing his master's degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering, specializing in renewable energy and power systems, at the University of Waterloo, Canada. He is a researcher, published author, inventor, TEDx speaker, and panelist, having participated in numerous conferences worldwide. With experience in both Fortune 500 companies and startups in the clean energy sector, he focuses on lab-to-market processes, scalability, strategic partnerships, and market analysis. His expertise includes renewable energy systems, energy storage technologies, and AI applications in smart grids. Miswar has received multiple international awards for his work and is currently building his venture, Swish, which aims to enhance solar panel efficiency through innovative R&D solutions.

We recently checked in with Miswar to learn more about his background and plans for the conservation and regeneration of the planet.

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WS: Could you start by telling us a bit about yourself and what inspired you to embark on your current project?

MS: My name is Miswar, and I was born in Saudi Arabia. I am currently pursuing a master's degree in electrical engineering at the University of Waterloo in Canada, where I specialize in renewable energy. My interest in this field was sparked during my undergraduate studies in Saudi Arabia, where I first delved into clean energy research. This initial exploration led me to work on diverse topics such as solar-wind energy systems, energy storage technologies, and the integration of artificial intelligence to foster the clean energy transition. My academic journey allowed me to publish several papers, present my work globally, and even share my insights through a TEDx talk.

Throughout my experiences, I collaborated with both Fortune 500 companies and innovative clean energy startups. This exposure to both large-scale corporate environments and agile startup ecosystems helped me realize that impactful research often requires translation into practical applications. In 2022, driven by a passion to make a tangible impact, I turned towards entrepreneurship. By 2023, I had founded Swish—a venture aimed at addressing some of the most pressing challenges in our transition to a cleaner and more sustainable future, ensuring we leave a viable planet for future generations.

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WS: How might receiving the Walking Softer Young Leaders Award affect your project?  

MS: Receiving the Walking Softer Young Leaders Award significantly accelerates the progress of my project, Swish. The recognition and support provided by this award not only validate our mission but also enhance our capabilities in product development and scaling. This is crucial as our vision extends beyond local boundaries; we aim to expand Swish's impact to multiple countries. The resources and network associated with the award would enable us to meet our objectives more swiftly. This support is instrumental in navigating the challenges of scaling at an international level, allowing us to make a more substantial and timely impact on global sustainability efforts.

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WS: Could you share a particular success story from your project that you feel proud of? ‍

MS: Since founding Swish about a year ago, we have achieved several milestones that fill me with pride. We have successfully progressed from initial ideation to developing prototypes, and we are now poised to conduct pilot tests with our early customers, whom we've identified through proactive customer interactions. Additionally, Swish has won several pitch competitions across Canada and secured grant funding, which has been crucial in advancing our project. ‍

Through Swish, I have had the opportunity to meet many influential figures and have even been featured in local news, read the article. The journey has been exhilarating and receiving the Young Leaders Award is not only an honor but also a significant motivator to continue pushing forward with our mission. ‍

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WS: Where do you see your project in the next five years? What are your long-term goals for expanding or evolving your work? ‍

MS: In the next five years, I see Swish becoming a key player in the renewable energy sector, particularly within the solar industry. To achieve this, we plan to establish partnerships and expand our presence into key markets, especially those with substantial solar adoption. By doing so, we aim to enhance the accessibility and effectiveness of solar energy worldwide. Long-term, our vision is to influence industry standards and practices. We intend to advocate for policies that promote the integration of innovative solutions like Swish, driving broader adoption of sustainable technologies. Ultimately, our mission is to contribute significantly to reducing the global carbon footprint through smarter, cleaner energy solutions. ‍

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WS: What advice would you give to other young individuals who want to start their own environmental or climate projects? ‍

MS: My advice to young individuals eager to launch their own environmental or climate projects is to start by deeply understanding the real-world challenges through personal experiences or interactions with those directly impacted by these issues. This initial step of identifying genuine problems is crucial—it ensures that the solutions you develop are directly addressing real needs. Once you've pinpointed these challenges, continuously engage with your intended audience to co-create sustainable and effective solutions. Remember, the essence of developing impactful environmental solutions lies in integrating customer feedback at every development stage and fostering shifts towards sustainable practices that meld seamlessly into daily life. By being patient, receptive, and focused on genuine community engagement, you'll not only solve environmental issues but also build a responsive and responsible business.

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Learn more about Miswar's work:

Miswar's LinkedIn