Arshad Mairaj

Arshad Mairaj started their work experience in 2012 as a Senior IP and Commercialisation Manager at the University of Leeds. In this role, they led a team in identifying and commercialising intellectual property from the Engineering and Physical Science faculties, and was involved in licensing opportunities and establishing new start-up companies. Arshad also served as the Head of Commercialisation at the University starting from April 2018. During their tenure, they were responsible for central leadership of the exploitation strategy and operational implementation across the early-stage technology value chain. Arshad also served on various boards and committees related to IP and commercialisation, including the executive IP and Commercialisation committee for corporate level governance.

In addition to their role at the University of Leeds, Arshad has held director positions in various companies. In 2016, they became a Director at Celltron Networks Limited, a start-up focused on optical network architectures. Arshad was responsible for delivering core technology using patented network architecture for high bandwidth passive optical networks. Arshad also served as a Director at Optimus Vitrum, an engineering company specializing in stronger display screen glass for mobile devices, from 2018 to 2020.

In 2017, Arshad became a Director at Edgetic, a venture capital-backed start-up delivering software products for cloud computing and data center markets. Arshad contributed to the development of computer implemented methods driven by artificial intelligence for efficient management of operational environments.

In recent years, Arshad has also held director positions at several other companies, including LC Auxetec Ltd, Cavero Quantum Ltd, 4-XTRA Technologies Ltd, Acuity Robotics Ltd, Slingshot Simulations, Ultracell Networks Ltd. Arshad'sroles in these companies primarily involve strategic decision making and leadership.

Overall, Arshad Mairaj has extensive experience in IP and commercialisation, as well as in founding and leading innovative companies in various sectors.

Arshad Mairaj has a strong educational background starting with a Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) degree in Electronics from the University of Southampton, which they obtained between 1997 and 1999. Arshad then pursued further studies and completed a Ph.D. in Photonics from the same university between 1999 and 2002.

In 2004, Arshad Mairaj enrolled at the University of Birmingham and obtained an MBA in International Business the following year, in 2005.

In addition to their academic achievements, Arshad Mairaj has acquired several certifications. In 2009, they obtained the PRINCE2 Foundation certification from the OGC Project Management methodology accredited by APMG. Arshad became a Chartered Engineer (CEng) from the Institute of Engineering and Technology UK (MIET) in 2008. Two years later, in 2010, they acquired a Certificate in Management Consulting Essentials from the Chartered Management Institute UK. Finally, in 2007, they earned the title of Chartered Physicist (CPhys) from the Institute of Physics UK (MInstP).