Every city depends on safe and efficient transportation to keep people moving and communities thriving. But when roads, traffic systems, and infrastructure aren’t managed well, delays, accidents, and wasted resources quickly become part of daily life, affecting everyone from commuters to businesses.
Dr. Suliman Gargoum is tackling these challenges head-on. As an Assistant Professor at the University of British Columbia and Co-founder of Reflektar Tech, he uses artificial intelligence and remote sensing to create digital models of cities. These virtual models give city planners, transportation agencies, and consultants the insights they need to make smarter decisions—improving roads, traffic flow, and the everyday lives of people.
Over the years, Dr. Suliman Gargoum has achieved many milestones that highlight his impact:
- Founded the Smart Analytics Lab for Modeling Advanced Infrastructure Systems (SALMALIS) research centre at UBC
- Supervised and mentored over 25 Highly Qualified Professionals (HQP)
- Received multiple best paper and best presentation awards
- Invited to speak at multiple international conferences and events
- Published over 50 peer-reviewed scientific papers
- Co-founded Reflektar Tech, a technology startup transforming transportation
- Previously recognized as the Transportation Association of Canada’s Young Professional of the Year
- Received the University of Alberta Alumni Award in Innovation, an achievement shared by only a few of the University’s 340,000+ graduates worldwide
His work doesn’t just make transportation safer and more efficient; it helps cities plan and grow sustainably. Beyond technology, Dr. Suliman mentors future engineers and leaders, inspiring them to innovate and make a meaningful impact.
Without experts like him and the tools he develops, cities would struggle to maintain safe, efficient, and forward-thinking transportation systems—showing just how crucial his work is for the cities of today and tomorrow.
Family Influence in Shaping Early Leadership
Dr. Suliman’s experiences span four countries across four continents, giving him a truly global perspective. From an early age, both his mother and father played a pivotal role in nurturing his leadership potential, instilling confidence through real-life experiences and exposure. This foundation gradually evolved into academic and business leadership roles.
Throughout his career, whether at the UAE University, the University of Alberta, Reflektar Tech, or the University of British Columbia, he has collaborated with exceptional colleagues, partners, supervisors, and mentors who have helped shape his professional journey. He has also benefited from unwavering support and encouragement from his family.
While his path has not always been smooth, Dr. Suliman views every hurdle and challenge as an opportunity to learn and grow. He focuses on learning from obstacles without losing sight of his goals, using each experience to improve while continuing to move forward.
Early Inspiration from a Family of Educators
Dr. Suliman grew up in a family deeply passionate about making an impact through higher education. His father, who pursued a doctoral degree and later became a university professor, inspired him to follow a path in academia. After earning a BSc with honours in Civil and Environmental Engineering, he went on to complete his MSc and PhD, focusing on the use of artificial intelligence and remote sensing to improve road safety and infrastructure management.
Throughout his academic journey, Dr. Suliman developed a strong drive to see the practical impact of his work. Having published over 50 peer-reviewed scientific papers, he consistently asked how his research could influence day-to-day operations in the transportation industry. This drive led him into the business world, where he co-founded Reflektar Tech, a technology startup that helps transportation agencies, consultants, and municipalities use AI and remote sensing to build and manage digital twins of cities.
His passion for creating meaningful impact eventually drew him back to academia, joining the University of British Columbia. In this role, he continues to advance his research while mentoring and training the next generation of engineering leaders.
“Leadership is about Inspiring Teams toward Collective Success…”
Dr. Suliman defines leadership as the ability to guide others toward shared goals through inspiration, encouragement, and collaboration. He believes that while this core principle remains timeless, what has evolved in today’s world are the tools and resources available to leaders. For him, effective leadership now also means leveraging technology, data, and innovation to empower teams, adapt to change, and drive meaningful impact in an increasingly dynamic environment.
The Guiding Principle behind Every Decision
One core principle that guides Dr. Suliman in all his decisions is “Hikma.” Hikma is the ability to apply expertise most appropriately and fairly possible. He believes this quality has historically distinguished true leaders from those merely holding leadership positions. While the literal translation of Hikma is “wisdom,” its meaning goes deeper. It is about finding the right balance in every situation—whether it’s the amount of salt in a meal or the level of regulation in an organization. Too little regulation can lead to chaos, while too much can create micromanagement and bureaucracy, both of which hinder an organization’s growth and effectiveness.
AI as a Complement, Not a Replacement
In Dr. Suliman’s view, leadership has evolved significantly with the rise of AI and digital transformation. Traditionally, leaders relied heavily on the guidance of trusted human advisors to navigate complex decisions. Today, AI and digital tools have expanded this landscape, giving leaders access to vast amounts of data and insights that were previously unimaginable. These technologies provide a broader range of perspectives and allow leaders to analyze information more comprehensively. While AI does not automatically ensure better decisions, it empowers leaders to make more informed, evidence-based choices, enhancing their ability to guide organizations effectively in an increasingly complex and fast-paced world.
Recognition and Awards
Dr. Suliman has received several awards that show the impact of his work:
- Alumni Achievement Award – University of Alberta
- Given to only a few graduates out of more than 340,000 worldwide.
- Recognizes his contributions to academia and industry.
- Highlights his leadership, innovation, and mentorship.
- His role as a TGII keynote speaker shows his dedication to guiding future leaders.
- Recognizes creative programs, processes, or products that make a real difference.
- Shows his ongoing commitment to mentoring and inspiring the next generation.
- Transportation Association of Canada Young Professional Award (Sep 2023)
- Honors individuals under 35 who have made important contributions to transportation.
- Recognizes personal achievements and leadership skills.
- ITE Northern Alberta NextGen Star (Apr 2020)
- Celebrates young professionals who show promise, creativity, and leadership in transportation.
- ITS Canada Excellence in R&D Award – June 2018 and June 2019
- ITS Canada Intelligent Mobility Award (Connected and Autonomous Vehicles) – June 2024
These awards together reflect a career focused on excellence, innovation, and helping future leaders grow.
Integrating Artificial Intelligence in Transportation Planning
Dr. Suliman’s research focuses on developing methods that use artificial intelligence and remote sensing technology to make the design and management of transportation infrastructure more informed and data-driven. He is particularly excited about the potential of creating digital twins efficiently, which can help provide safer roads and a smoother, more comfortable experience for all road users.
Master Both Written and Verbal Skills
Dr. Suliman believes that communication is one of the most important skills a leader can have. Being able to clearly and concisely express ideas is invaluable, whether in research, business, or personal relationships. He emphasizes practicing written and verbal communication regularly and using tools, such as large language models, to get feedback and improve—but never to replace one’s own thinking. At the same time, he stresses the importance of patience, reminding that progress takes time. Success often comes down to one additional attempt, one extra experiment, or one more phone call. Even the best ideas and brightest minds can fall short if they cannot effectively convey their thoughts or give themselves the time needed to see results.
| Dr. Suliman Gargoum’s 5 Impactful Business Mantras |
|---|
| Innovation with Purpose: Use technology and creativity to solve real-world problems. Lead by Example: Inspire teams through mentorship, collaboration, and integrity. Patience and Persistence: Progress takes time; one extra attempt or experiment can make the difference. Data-Driven Decisions: Leverage AI, insights, and evidence to guide smarter actions. Communicate Clearly: Share ideas effectively in writing and speech to drive impact and influence. |
Company/Featured Person Overview
| Person Name | Dr. Suliman Gargoum |
| Company Name | The University of British Columbia Reflektar Tech |
| Company Headquarters | British Columbia, CanadaAlberta, Canada |
| Founded Year | 19082018 |
| LinkedIn Profile | https://www.linkedin.com/in/suliman-gargoum-phd-753009b8/ |
| Company URL | http://www.ubc.cahttps://reflektar.io/ |
