TechRound interviewed Think Big Technology Founder and CEO Omar Hafez as part of its US50 judge coverage, discussing his work building enterprise software and AI solutions for complex, traditionally underserved industries.
In the interview, Omar explains how Think Big Technology helps founders and established businesses design, develop, and scale software products that create measurable impact. He also points to FireDesign.ai as an example of applying AI to transform engineering workflows in the built environment.
The conversation covers Omar's perspective on the US startup ecosystem in 2026, including the shift from AI hype toward practical products that change how industries operate. He highlights opportunities in sectors such as engineering, construction, manufacturing, and healthcare, where founders can solve deeply practical problems for real customers.
As a US50 judge, Omar says he is looking for founders with a clear understanding of customer pain, validated demand, strong execution, and the ability to adapt when reality challenges the original plan.
His advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is direct: build something people genuinely need before worrying about building something big.