Ibrahim Maina
Founder & CEO of Nyata AI
Ibrahim Maina is a Bristol-based AI founder and UWE Bristol graduate, best known as the founder of Nyata AI — a community-focused AI platform connecting people with real-world local support through conversational technology.
The idea for Nyata AI was shaped by Ibrahim's frontline experience as a Welfare Support Assistant at The Salvation Army's Logos House in Bristol, where he saw how difficult it could be for people to find food services, showers, housing guidance and community support.
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Education & recognition
Ibrahim studied Information Technology Management for Business (ITMB) at the University of the West of England, Bristol — a Tech Industry Gold accredited programme co-developed with leading UK technology employers. In 2022, he received a Commendation in the National Student Team Competition, issued by TechSkills (a techUK company).
Leadership development
Ibrahim holds two leadership micro-credentials issued by Common Purpose: the Inclusive Leadership badge from the Future Leader Experience programme (March 2022), and the Global Citizenship micro-credential for completing an experiential programme advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals through cross-boundary collaboration.
Speaking & teaching
In March 2026, Ibrahim returned to UWE Bristol as a guest speaker for the Entrepreneurial Decision-Making module on the BA (Hons) Business Team Entrepreneurship programme, invited by Senior Lecturer Tom de Pentheny O'Kelly FHEA. He shared his journey from ITMB student to AI founder, exploring experimentation, learning by doing, and the realities of building Nyata AI. View lecture recap.
In April 2026, Ibrahim was an Industry Panel speaker at the inaugural Diversity in Cyber Security Workshop (DCS2026) hosted at UWE Bristol, chaired by Dr Harjinder Singh Lallie OBE (University of Warwick) and Dr Aida Smith (UWE Bristol). On the Innovation & Inclusion Panel, he spoke alongside representatives from BeyondTrust, Computer Network Defence Ltd and Gloucestershire College on inclusive technology and accessibility. View panel recap.
Today
Nyata AI is now growing into a wider community platform combining AI assistance, local service discovery, transport, bookings, professional support and community engagement. Nyata Ltd (Companies House 16286344) is registered with the UK Information Commissioner's Office (ICO ZC042900) and is an Innovate UK Business Connect Talent & Skills Connect Partner.
Education: University of the West of England, Bristol (UWE Bristol) · Based in: Bristol, UK · Company: Nyata Ltd · Focus: AI, community support, accessibility, local service discovery
