Non-profit organizations hold a special place in the tech ecosystem, first of all, because of the significant support they offer to early-stage startups. These interconnected networks of specialists selflessly contribute their time and expertise to create open-source projects and organize tech events and competitions, bridging the gap between possibilities and reality for multiple talents across the world.

Volunteering offers a plethora of opportunities for IT professionals to grow both personally and professionally. It provides them with unique experiences, diversifies their skill sets, offers a broader understanding of the world, and expands their network. ITech Post reached out to Amirali Kerimovs, a software engineer with 10+ years of experience and a member of the non-profit organization Burning Heroes Founder Association, to talk about how a strong network of specialists can enrich the professionalism of tech experts. Amirali has an impressive professional background, having provided top-tier IT solutions to prestigious Norwegian companies during his tenure at Pearl Group, the largest SAP service provider in the Nordic countries. And now, he is helping other companies to reach the heights of technological advancement with Burning Heroes.

Amirali, you have worked as a software engineer at one of the most reputable companies in the region. In addition to that, you have built many complex tech projects. Why have you decided to engage in volunteering?

"Just like everyone else, I was once in a position where I was learning from the others. Now, I have reached a certain point in my professional journey where I feel the need for my experience and knowledge to become useful to other people. You see, my work for leading European companies and never-ending learning allowed me to grow and be aware of the latest trends in the IT industry. I have enough expertise and desire to give back.

It is not an exception for any industry when high-level experts "scout" new talents. But since the IT sphere is growing at an especially tremendous pace, new faces and their innovative ideas are very much needed. Plus, volunteering is beneficial for me as a tech expert. While helping others, I can always stay updated on what my colleagues have to offer. This is why I joined Burning Heroes—to support a meaningful cause and excel in a new role as a mentor and a leader."

Burning Heroes are making a difference on a global level with contests that help talented startups from all over the world succeed and grow. What has attracted you to this organization?

"I felt that the core idea behind the Association resonated with my worldview. This is a non-profit organization and an exclusive network of accomplished and experienced professionals in the technology and startup ecosystem: tech experts, founders, and venture capitalists. We voluntarily contribute our time and effort to help others reach new heights, and the contests we organize are the best way to do it.

Our main activity during these competitions is to evaluate the potential of all participating startups to go big from three perspectives: market fit, the technology they use, and their product design."

As a software engineer with huge experience, you are surely responsible for the tech aspect, am I right?

"That's right. Some of the members, myself included, were invited to join the jury panel and evaluate the work of our colleagues in the field at the contest. As a jury member at the High-Tech & Innovation panel, my task was to highlight the participants' advantages and flaws from a technological perspective and of course, connect them to the right people who have financial means to help these startups hit the market."

So, I guess we are going to hear about a new big breakthrough that happened thanks to your association soon.

"I hope so. As a judge at the Tech Panel, I can say that I was very impressed by the technological strength of the participants. It was hard to award only three startups among them all."

You have anticipated my next question. The Burning Heroes Startup Awards 2022 last August gathered more than 120 participants from all over the world. While this is already an impressive number, I know some of them came to the contest with groundbreaking ideas. It must have been hard to evaluate them all and choose the most worthy.

"It was, indeed. I had to analyze the technological aspect of the participating companies, what software they use. We have four criteria in this category: Originality, Knowledge, Intensity, and Maturity. The organizations of the future must pay close attention to the tech they are using because there is too much competition out there.

The judging process wasn't easy. There are many truly outstanding projects, fresh ideas, and budding talents, and they must be given a chance to be seen by big companies. Many of them presented their AI-based products, which made me happy because it's my main focus these days. The part of the jury duty that I really enjoyed was providing feedback and having one-on-one sessions with the finalists. The desire of participants to absorb every word I was saying on how to improve their tech aspects was the best reward for me."

You've made such a huge impact on Burning Heroes; what responsibilities do you have?

"We don't actually have any strict tasks or responsibilities we must do. The spirit of volunteerism is the core of our Association, and every member dedicates as much time and brings as much to the table as they can. We all have done a lot to contribute to a shared mission and the development and growth of Burning Heroes.

I personally invented the 'Perks Ecosystem' Program, which now allows every participant of our contests to level up via collaboration with leading software companies. To make it happen, I established partnerships with three American companies who all agreed to provide benefits to our contestants. So, in a nutshell, I serve as a bridge between a talented startup founder who is seeking the means to make his company visible and the established organization."

That sounds impressive. I guess they are happy to have you onboard, considering how crucial your role was for the association.

"We don't have any random people at Burning Heroes. Everyone who got in was personally invited to join the nonprofit based on their merits and professional accomplishments. Also, we are all well-established specialists with a huge wealth of experience, expertise, and a track record we have accumulated throughout the years in our respective fields. For me, for example, this is information technology. Every person is at the top of their game. Having worked with these people side-by-side, I can confidently say that they have all contributed their best."

Can you tell me a bit more about the people you work with? Who are they?

"My fellow members all have a solid professional portfolio and remarkable skills. These are representatives from reputable and world-recognized companies, like Altair Capital, Techstars, SOSV, 500 Global, Fort Ross Ventures, and many more."

None of you are getting a monetary reward for your work in Burning Heroes. What does this association give you?

"Being among talented people fosters my growth as a tech expert and a person. We all have something to give and share—whether it's a piece of advice or a helpful connection. I believe in the power of collectively building a world where experts and entrepreneurs pass their experience to the next generations."

My final question for you: what advice would you give to a fellow software engineer who wants to excel in IT?

"Don't be afraid to challenge yourself. And build a strong network of like-minded people—this is the fastest way to grow."