“ABC helped me understand that innovation is not only about having a new idea, but also about how you build, shape, and present it.”
Can you introduce yourself? Tell us your name, where you’re from, and a bit about your background.
My name is Ahmed Ben Ismail, I’m from Sfax, Tunisia, and I have a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, specializing in Information Systems Development.
I’ve been working as a developer for almost two years since graduating, and I’m currently in my first year of a Master’s degree in Information Systems Development and Networks. At the moment, I’m focusing on AI, innovation, technology, and building the startup that brought me to ABC.
What were your expectations before coming to ABC Silicon Valley?
To be honest, what I experienced here was bigger than what I expected. This was my first international experience, which was one of the main reasons I joined ABC.
So far, it has been better than I thought. I’ve learned a lot and gained a better vision of the world, especially by seeing things at the level of Silicon Valley. I’m really happy I had the opportunity to be here.
What are some valuable lessons you learned from the guest speakers or company visits?
I learned a lot from hearing the stories behind the companies we visited. I also learned from Laszlo, especially from the way he speaks, tells stories, and engages with students.
One of the first guest speakers, Robert, also stood out to me. I liked the way he encouraged us to break down our thoughts and think about our vision, priorities, values, and dreams.
Has ABC changed the way you think about innovation?
Yes, in a way. Before coming here, my definition of innovation was mainly about creating something that nobody had thought of before.
Now I understand that innovation can also be about something that already exists, but changing the way you present it, build it, or shape it. The team also matters.
There are many different aspects of innovation that I was able to explore at ABC, and that made the concept much clearer to me.
What is one memory from the program you will never forget?
The company visits are definitely something I’ll never forget. I visited Apple, Google, and Intel on the same day in San Francisco, which was an amazing experience.
But Tesla was probably my favorite. Seeing how they build electric cars, the machines they use, and all the technology behind the process was really impressive. The factory itself is so big.
It was also my first time in San Francisco and my first time inside a Tesla factory, so that made the experience even more memorable.
