Silicon Valley Syrian engineers host tech conference in Damascus amid rebuilding efforts

DAMASCUS/ISTANBUL

A group of Syrian IT engineers in the US gathered Friday with students and industry professionals at a technology conference in Damascus.

Organized under the leadership of Syrian engineers working in Silicon Valley, the event aims to connect young talent with international companies, create new job opportunities and share the latest developments in the IT sector.

Participants highlighted the importance of knowledge transfer between Syrian engineers abroad and those in Syria, emphasizing the role of the IT industry in strengthening the country’s economy.

Bridging Silicon Valley, Syria

Iyad Yaqoob, one of the organizers, described the conference as the first major technology gathering in Syria since the fall of the Baath regime. Speaking to Anadolu, he explained the event’s significance:

"Technologists, entrepreneurs, and students in Syria will now have direct access to the latest technological advancements through collaboration with their Syrian counterparts from around the world. Academics, business owners, investors, and students will have the opportunity to come together, share knowledge, and explore new possibilities,” said Yaqoob.

Yaqoob emphasized that Syrian professionals in Silicon Valley feel a responsibility to contribute to their home country. One of the key objectives, he said, was to exchange insights on technological progress, challenges, opportunities and potential collaborations.

“Our goal is to generate 25,000 new jobs in the technology sector over the next five years and to help Syria build a sustainable tech ecosystem,” said Yaqoob.

Reflecting on his journey, he added: “I left Syria 15 years ago, but I believe the best thing we can do is listen to each other, share knowledge, and move forward together. Syrians should now take greater responsibility for their country's future.”

Creating 25,000 tech jobs in five years​​​​​​​

Navar Shara, head of the artificial intelligence department at a US-based company, reaffirmed the initiative’s ambitious goal.

"We came from the US specifically for this conference. As a team of academics, researchers, and industry experts, we are committed to creating 25,000 job opportunities over the next five years by working closely with students, universities, and local leaders in Syria,” said Shara.

He noted that companies specializing in informatics and data science will play a crucial role in mentoring students and guiding them toward technology-driven projects. The conference, he added, is designed to foster collaboration between students and academic institutions, helping them gain practical experience before graduation.

Strengthening Syria’s technology ecosystem

Rama Shakaki, another member of the US team, participated in the conference as a volunteer and advocate for strengthening Syria’s technology sector.

“Our goal is to build a sustainable future for the tech industry by bringing together entrepreneurs and investors while supporting young people in artificial intelligence, information systems, and engineering,” Shakaki explained.

She emphasized that the conference aims to connect IT companies with Syrian students, creating pathways for innovation and long-term growth in the country’s technology sector.