AI Innovation Strategist & Entrepreneur

Meet Irewole Akande

Nigerian-born AI product strategist who's helped 50+ founders build AI-powered products that matter.

Irewole Akande speaking at a conference
50+
AI MVPs Built
$175K+
Startup Funding Raised
15+
Awards & Honors
100%
Workshop Success Rate

The Journey

From Kubwa, Abuja to global AI leadership — a story of ambition, innovation, and impact.

From Nigeria to Global Impact
The foundation of excellence

Born and raised in Kubwa, Abuja, Nigeria, Irewole's journey began with a simple but powerful belief: excellence breeds success. This core value would guide him from the bustling streets of Abuja to the innovation corridors of Silicon Valley and beyond.

His path to the United States wasn't just about personal advancement — it was about building bridges between continents and creating opportunities for the next generation of African innovators.

AI Product Strategy & Innovation
Shaping the future of responsible AI

Currently leading product management for Knowledge at Microsoft Viva Engage, Irewole is a global expert in building responsible AI systems. He specializes in human-in-the-loop approaches that validate AI-generated insights for accuracy and credibility within enterprise environments.

AI Product Strategist
Responsible AI Expert
Enterprise AI Systems
Innovation in Action
Building solutions that matter

Co-founded and invented Opal, a behavioral science-driven handwashing device adopted in schools and healthcare environments. Secured over $175,000 in investment and earned recognition from NSF, Edison Awards, and major accelerators.

$175K+ Raised
NSF Recognition
Edison Award

Founded an AI-powered platform helping individuals navigate the EB-1 visa process — a path he personally walked. This MVP demonstrates how AI can transform lives, fast.

AI-Powered
Personal Mission

Recognition & Impact

Celebrating excellence and innovation

2022
MBAs To Watch
Poets & Quants
2021
Lewis Latimer Honoree
Edison Awards
2021
Future Texas Business Legend
Texas Business Hall of Fame
2020
C. Jackson Grayson Award
SMU ($40,000)
2019
Most Promising Student Startup
Accelerated Liftoff
2018
NSF Innovation Corps
National Science Foundation

Speaking & Thought Leadership

AfroTech Conference
Black is Tech
Microsoft Festival
SMU Entrepreneurship

Philosophy & Mission

"I believe that entrepreneurship is a vehicle for self-determination and communal uplift — especially for Africans and immigrants."
Global Vision

Building a global network of diverse builders, technologists, and investors who design a future where solutions are made for Africans, by Africans.

AI as Equalizer

AI is the great equalizer — and no one should be left behind because they can't code or raise VC. Technology should empower everyone.

Excellence Driven

Driven by one core value: excellence, because it breeds success. Every project, every interaction, every innovation must meet the highest standards.

The Dream

To create a future where AI empowers the next generation of African and immigrant founders to achieve economic freedom and build solutions that uplift entire communities. Through hands-on education, mentorship, and accessible technology, we're not just building products — we're building pathways to prosperity.

Ready to Build Your AI Future?

Join the 50+ founders who've transformed their ideas into AI-powered products with Irewole's proven framework.

"Irewole was hired to teach my team transform our organization using AI. He helped revamp our strategy, built an impressive website, streamlined operations to help us drive growth and build early MVPs in record time."
OA
Oladipo Akande
CEO, Utility Services Limited

For Founders

Build your AI MVP in 3 hours. Perfect for solo creators and indie makers.

Join Founder Workshop

For Organizations

Transform your team with a custom 1-day AI innovation sprint.

Book Team Workshop