Meet The CBIT Team
Led by Professor Xiao Ma, the CBIT Venture Builder and Research Team boasts extensive experience in business transformation, industry research, and bespoke one-on-one iterative development. Born from WMG Accelerator, our STEM-based venture builder is well versed in co-developing, validating, and growth-hacking STEM outputs with researchers addressing specific needs.
Our team has been involved in over 70 start-ups and includes 7 different nationalities, 6 areas of study, 7 languages spoken fluently, and a passion for entrepreneurship.
Xiao Ma
Director of CBIT
Xiao founded CBIT after co-creating the UK's No.1 ranked master's degree in entrepreneurship while leading the WMG Accelerator at the University of Warwick. Prior to joining academia, Xiao was either the founder, co-founder, or CEO of several successful start-ups. Currently, he's also an investment board member at Touchstone Capital. Xiao received his PhD in Artificial Intelligence from the University of Warwick and holds a bachelor's in Computer Science from the Beijing Institute of Technology. He is also fluent in Mandarin and conversational in Korean.
Georgi Ilieve
Head of Venture Builder
As a founding member of CBIT, Georgi has extensive experience nurturing start-ups and innovation. Before joining CBIT, he was a Tech Lead at Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG) Accelerator, where he honed his product development and process improvement skills. Georgi holds a bachelor's degree in Computer Science from Coventry University. He is also fluent in Bulgarian and conversational in Russian.
Connor Morrison
Head of Growth & Business Development
Connor joined CBIT with a wealth of experience in leading growth teams from around the world. Before joining our team, Connor was the Head of Marketing at a funded SaaS start-up. Prior to that, he led sales and marketing efforts in law, sports, fashion, cannabis, and politics. Connor holds a master's degree in Project Management from Nottingham Business School as well as a bachelor's degree in Communications and Business Administration from Notre Dame de Namur in Silicon Valley. He is also conversational in French.
Mohamed Abbas
Business Engagement & Community Manager
Mohamed is one of the longest-standing members of the CBIT team, having worked alongside Xiao, Georgi, and Jay at WMG Accelerator. Mohamed has spent a significant portion of his career creating, analysing, and managing a wide variety of communities. Before joining CBIT, he was an Entrepreneurial Development Officer at the University of Birmingham and a Start-up Mentor at PIM. Prior to that, he was an Analyst and Co-ordinator for the United Nations. Mohammed holds a master's degree in Innovation and Entrepreneurship from the University of Warwick and a bachelor's degree in business and management from Damascus University. He also speaks Arabic fluently.
Dr. Fatima Gillani
Senior Research Fellow
Fatima is the lead researcher for CBIT and a module course leader for our master's programme. With over five years of consulting and teaching experience, she has proven to be a pioneering force in technology and innovation management. Her multidisciplinary research delves into digital transformation, sustainability, and electrification of transport, driving impactful change in academia and industry alike. With a PhD in Operations Management from Lahore University of Management Sciences, an MBA, and a bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Engineering and Technology in Lahore, Fatima's academic achievements speak volumes about her expertise. She is also fluent in Urdu.
Zeng Fan
Researcher
Zeng is our in-house signal processing, AI, machine learning, and big data optimization expert. As a former Research Fellow at Brunel University's Computer Science Department, he excelled in extensive big data analysis and optimization, focusing on feature and event detection, classification, and prediction within the "A human-centred Internet of Things platform for the sustainable digital mine of the future" Horizon 2020 funded project. Zeng holds a PhD. in Electrical Engineering and an MPhil. Electrical Engineering from Brunel University London. He received his bachelor's in Electrical Engineering from Dalian University of Technology. Zeng is also fluent in Mandarin.
Jay Bal
Professor & Business Modelling Expert
Professor Jay Bal is our module leader and business modelling advisor. Jay was part of the original WMG accelerator team, first joining the University of Warwick as a team lead installing advanced electronic systems in JLR cars. He has consulted for several governments, the World Bank, and the Common Wealth Secretariate on improving ecommerce to promote SMEs. Jay also founded the WMCC Marketplace which has enabled over 14k SME users to win £8bn in contracts. Jay holds a PhD. Artificial Intelligence from the University of Warwick and an MSc. Integrated System Design, University of Manchester. He was also awarded the EITB Fellowship in Manufacturing Management at Cranfield School of Management.
Sönnich Dahl Sönnichsen
Associate Professor, PhD
Sönnich is our module lead for Innovation and Business Transformation, Multichannel Digital Strategy, and the Business Transformation Project as part of MSc Business Transformation. Before CBIT, Sönnich was a postdoctoral researcher at Lund University. His education and research expertise spans the dynamics of collaborative networks, service innovation, business models, and public procurement, all through the lens of circular economy principles. Sönnich holds a PhD in the field of marketing and circular economy from Copenhagen Business School, where he also received his MSc in marketing and strategic management and BBA. Sönnich is fluent in Danish and German.
Muhammed Junaid
Postgraduate Researcher
Junaid is currently a PhD. candidate at Nottingham Trent University for science and engineering. He holds a masters degree in Management Science from Taiyuan University of Technology and bachelors degree in Economics from the University of Warsaw. Junaid is also fluent in Urdu and conversational in Mandarin.
Independent Advisors
Phil Webster
Operations
Phil is an experienced Fractional COO and strategic advisor with a proven track record of working with Founders/CEOs to align operations to organisational strategy. He's passionate about driving innovation, productivity and growth in tech-focused businesses. Phil is adept at bridging the gap between vision and execution. He has experience in Fintech in AML and KYC due diligence as well as support service businesses in parking management and R&D tax advice. Phil was also an AI developer in the defence industry and is now an Expert in confidential computing in personal genomics. In the start-up world, Phil was involved in edtech; managing the problem of staff/parent communication in multiple languages. He also spent time in a design research agency specialising in technology and healthcare, a medical device start-up, and an AI-led start-up focused on the water industry.
Chunli Cao
CFD & MIcro climate technologies
Dr. Chunli Cao is an expert in air quality, computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and energy efficiency in buildings, with a specialization in Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). A developer of the international energy calculator for BREEAM in Use, and a level 5 energy performance assessor, Dr. Cao's work spans across environmental science and technology. As a fellow of CIBSE, CEng, and MIMechE, committee member of Chinese green building council, her global perspective is influenced by extensive experience in China, the UK, and the Middle East. Fluent in English and Chinese, Dr. Cao is dedicated to advancing sustainable building practices and enhancing environmental conditions through academic and practical approaches.
Amin Al-habaibeh
Product Design & development
Professor Amin Al-Habaibeh is Professor of Intelligent Engineering System at Nottingham Trent University. He has over 25 years of experience in industrial research, development and innovation; with significant experience in the area of artificial intelligence, engineering, product design innovation, built environment, instrumentation, IoTs, mechatronics, and manufacturing. Currently acting as the Director of Product Innovation Centre (PIC) at Nottingham Trent University, developing state-of-the-art technologies to support businesses, communities and society towards a better future with new and enhanced products and services. He is a Chartered engineer and member of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (the IET). His recent work has been funded by Innovate UK, AHRC, EPSRC, GCRF, H2020, the British Council, ERDF and the Royal Academy of Engineering. As a technologies, Amin’s work covers a wide range of industries and sectors to support innovation and enhanced productivity.
Mahdi Bodagh
SMART MATERIALS, MODELLING & MANUFACTURING
Dr. Mahdi Bodaghi (PhD, FHEA, CEng, MIMechE) is a distinguished Senior Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering at Nottingham Trent University. He is also the founder and director of the 4D Materials & Printing Lab that hosts a broad portfolio of projects focusing on the development of smart materials, resilient metamaterials, robotic materials, sustainable bio-composites, and 3D/4D printing technologies. His vast research experience has led him to co-found the 4D Printing Society and to co-edit the book series—Smart Materials in Additive Manufacturing. His research has been disseminated through over 275 scientific papers in prestigious journals as well as the presentation of his work at major international conferences (Google Scholar: Citations: 7820, h-index: 49). Mahdi recent work has been mainly funded by Innovate UK and EPSRC. As a Technical Advisor, Mahdi brings unparalleled expertise in advanced materials, modelling, and manufacturing, driving forward sustainable, cutting-edge solutions in STEM and industry applications.
Rong Qu
AI & Data Science
Professor Qu’s research interests include the modelling and optimisation for operations optimisation in logistics supply chain and resource optimisations in transport, healthcare, and energy efficient buildings, etc. using machine learning supported optimisation algorithms in operational research and artificial intelligence. These intelligent techniques are integrated with intelligent decision support systems for logistic fleet operations at SMEs, workforce scheduling at hospitals, policy making in education, and cyber security for connected and autonomous vehicles. Research fields: Automated Algorithm Design; Hyper-heuristics; Evolutionary Computation Machine Learning; Data Mining; Knowledge Discovery Constraint Programming; Mathematical Programming, Case Based Reasoning Collaborative industries: Transport Logistic Scheduling and Vehicle Routing Cyber Security for Connected Vehicles Personnel Scheduling, Timetabling Portfolio Optimization My approach focuses on deep user understanding through primary research, leveraging data for strategic decisions, agile iteration for continuous improvement, and collaborative teamwork to achieve shared goals. Industries: Health, Wellbeing, Sustainability, Digital Health, MedTech Fields of Expertise: GenAI, Go To Market, Early Stage Startup (Digital Product Development, MVP), Fractional C Suite (CTO, CPO), NED, Investor
Jon Boothe
B2B Tech Sales
Jon Boothe is a distinguished business strategist and sales executive with a wealth of experience in driving growth and innovation for startups, Fortune 500 companies, and enterprises of all sizes. His expertise spans CRM, cloud solutions, AI, and business development, enabling him to lead transformative initiatives that yield substantial revenue growth and operational enhancements. Jon's strengths lie in crafting strategic sales plans, negotiating high-stakes deals, and delivering bespoke solutions tailored to diverse client needs. His leadership and innovative strategies consistently surpass targets and secure long-term client loyalty. Jon's experience extends across both B2B and B2C sectors, including high tech, manufacturing, healthcare and life sciences, defense, financial services, retail, consumer packaged goods, and automotive industries. His broad industry knowledge allows him to understand and address unique challenges, driving success for his clients. Notably, Jon has worked for the number one cloud solutions company in the world, further enhancing his ability to deliver exceptional results. As an advisor, Jon leverages his ability to align cutting-edge technology, business objectives, and keen market insights to foster strong client relationships to drive optimal business outcomes. Jon holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Sociology from Florida State University.
Martin Sanhu
Digital HealthCare
With 20 years of experience in product development and technology delivery, I specialise in advancing companies from concept to market in the UK, US and GCC. My expertise blends insights with design thinking to create impactful digital solutions that drive real results. My approach focuses on deep user understanding through primary research, leveraging data for strategic decisions, agile iteration for continuous improvement, and collaborative teamwork to achieve shared goals. Industries: Health, Wellbeing, Sustainability, Digital Health, MedTech Fields of Expertise: GenAI, Go To Market, Early Stage Startup (Digital Product Development, MVP), Fractional C Suite (CTO, CPO), NED, Investor
Nishant Raj
Supply Chain & Manufacturing
With over ten years of experience in the manufacturing industry, Nishant Raj is a passionate and visionary entrepreneur dedicated to leveraging data and technology to create value for customers and stakeholders. As the CEO of Valuechain Technology Ltd., he leads the charge in providing data-driven solutions for smart manufacturing and supply chain optimization. Nishant's mission is to bridge the gap between emerging technologies and real-world problems in the manufacturing sector. Certified as a ScrumMaster, he champions culture change, collaboration, and innovation. He hosts the podcast "How Did They Get There?", sharing insights and learning from industry leaders and experts. Areas of Interest: Artificial Intelligence, Digital Transformation, Start-ups, Manufacturing, Community Building
Harry Nijjar
Digital MArketing
Notching up more than 12 years of marketing experience in the public and private sectors, Harry launched Woodstock Haus in April 2019. It's a strategic consultancy which focuses on latest developments in marketing and technology - offering entrepreneurs, start-ups and global brands various services which deliver business results. Previous to this, Harry was Head of Services Marketing for SCC, Europe’s largest independent IT business with annual revenues of £2 billion. His role was to drive engagement for SCC’s core solution areas that included automation, AI, machine learning, data centre and public cloud services. Harry also has a strong history with the University of Warwick, having been a staff member for 4 years and also graduating in 2008 with BA (Hons) in Film & Literature. Through this agency, Harry has worked with global brands such as @pubity on Instagram, Gymshark, UEFA and Turkish Airlines on various campaigns. He’s also building a wider proposition to support young ambitious entrepreneurs.