Our Team

Professor Dr Rahat Iqbal

Managing Director

Professor Dr Rahat Iqbal is a Senior Academic, Director, Inventor and Consultant with 20 years’ experience in industrial and academic roles. He previously worked in University of Dubai, and led the Connected Mobility Research Group in the Institute of Future Transport and Cities (IFTC). Professor Iqbal has supervised to completion 21 PhD students and examined 22 doctorate thesis. He has published more than 150 papers in international journals, conferences and books. He has edited several special issues of international journals and workshop proceedings. His work has resulted in high profile innovation awards, prestigious grants and 5 technology patents of high industrial uptake. Professor Iqbal has led projects funded through the Newton Fund, Conacyt, Innovate UK, Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), European Commission, European Regional Development Fund (DRDF) and Harvard University in collaboration with industry, governmental organisations and academic partners. Professor Iqbal has secured over £10 million for research innovation and commercial projects from various funding agencies.

Tomasz Maniak

Chief Technology Officer (CTO)

Experienced CTO with a demonstrated history of working in computer software, enterprise system design and implementation, big data analytics, AI, machine/deep learning, IoT, robotics, computer vision and automation. Have successfully managed and delivered over 30 high profile commercial projects. Expert in deep learning, computational neuroscience, quantum computing, machine learning, distributed/big data processing, embedded software development, Python, C/C++, automotive engineering and full-stack web development. Have successfully applied state of the art machine/deep learning techniques to many challenging real word problems. An inventor on three patents related to machine/deep learning. Strong data science and software engineering professional with a PhD focused on Deep Learning, AI and computer software from Coventry University. Has a long-proven experience in applied research, deep learning, software development, automation and vision inspection. Published a number of articles in high impact scientific journals and attended a number of conferences. Passionate problem solver, fast learner, and a competitive goal achiever.

Dr Charalampos Karyotis

Research Director

Dr Charalampos Karyotis is Research Director at IRIS Automation with over a decade of industrial experience. Specializing in AI technologies, Dr Karyotis has successfully led the commercialization of innovative products, securing over 1 million in public funding. His role encompasses the development and implementation of intelligent solutions for real-world challenges. Holding a PhD in Affective Computing from Coventry University and an MSc in signal processing for the University of Athens, he has made significant contributions to the field, authoring over 15 scientific articles. His research interests extend to machine learning, smart cities, quantum computing and IoT with a focus on rapid prototype development. His academic journey includes positions as a lecturer and teaching assistant at Metropolitan College Greece and the National University of Athens.

Dr Elena Aloupogianni

lead engineer for computer vision and ai

Dr Eleni Aloupogianni is an experienced engineer for computer vision and AI at IRIS Automation. She is leading projects in smart city, industrial automation and generative AI. She obtained a PhD when working with Obi laboratory, in Tokyo Institute of Technology. Her research revolves around multi-spectral images and their use in the macropathology medical field. She is proficient in Python, R, SQL, machine learning statistical modeling. She has worked on financial analysis application using deep learning based approaches. At Interactive Coventry she has delivered projects in the area of anomaly detection using AI and industrial computer vision.

Vasiliki Santikou MSc

research associate

Vasiliki Santikou is a Research Assistant at IRIS Automation, supporting projects in industrial AI, user interface design, user experience, and cognitive applications for industrial inspection and monitoring systems. Her work focuses on understanding user requirements, designing intuitive interfaces, improving user interaction with intelligent systems, and supporting the development of human-centred solutions for industrial environments. She contributes to research, project delivery, documentation, testing, and stakeholder engagement activities, helping ensure that AI-driven technologies are accessible, effective, and aligned with operational needs.

Dr Zahid Mumtaz

Business Development Manager, Australia region

Dr. Zahid Mumtaz is a seasoned professional specializing in strategic partnerships and business development. With extensive experience in fostering collaborative relationships and driving growth, Dr. Mumtaz plays a pivotal role in expanding our organization’s presence in the Australia region. His expertise spans across identifying key opportunities, building impactful alliances, and delivering tailored solutions that align with client and organizational goals. Dr. Mumtaz’s commitment to excellence and innovation ensures sustainable growth and a competitive edge in the industry. Based in Australia, he is dedicated to creating value-driven partnerships and unlocking new opportunities for success.

Bakhit Bin Jarn

Business Development Manager, UAE Region

Bakhit Bin Jarn is the Business Development and Strategy Lead at IRIS Automation, bringing over 10 years of experience in digital systems, technology strategy and innovation management. Holding an MSc in Data Science, he has supported major digital transformation initiatives across the UAE, including national archiving and intelligent information management programmes. At IRIS, Bakhit focuses on strategic partnerships, AI-driven innovation and the development of scalable solutions for manufacturing, industrial automation and smart infrastructure sectors.

Akshay Mohan Nair

research fellow

Akshay Mohan Nair is an accomplished computer science professional with a Master’s degree in Applied AI from the University of Essex and is currently pursuing a PhD at Nottingham Trent University. Akshay actively contributes to the European-funded SCION project, for which IRIS has received funding through the Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) framework. The project focuses on developing Secured and Intelligent Massive Machine-to-Machine Communications for 6G within a multi-partner Doctoral Network. With contributions to international smart city initiatives and a strong background in AI, computer vision and network technologies, he is passionate about the convergence of AI, Quantum and 6G technologies. His dynamic approach and commitment to innovation position him as a key contributor to next-generation intelligent systems and real-world industrial applications.