By Mehak Malik
For M. Abbas Mirza, learning has always been about meaning, not milestones. When he enrolled in the Post Graduate Program in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning from the McCombs School of Business at The University of Texas at Austin, in collaboration with Great Learning, he wasn’t looking for just another academic credential. He was looking for reinvention, a chance to go beyond theory and see how AI could be used to create solutions that matter.
Abbas describes the experience as nothing short of transformative. “It didn’t just give me technical knowledge; it gave me confidence, structure, and a mindset to apply AI with purpose,” he says. For him, the program offered more than learning; it offered direction, a way to think like a builder and use technology to make an impact.
Where Academic Rigor Meets Real Application
The blend of academic rigor and hands-on learning was what made the program stand out for Abbas. Every module pushed him to think critically and apply concepts in real-world settings. The mentor-led structure and collaborative environment helped him gain clarity and confidence.
Abbas emphasizes how the experience reshaped the way he approached problem-solving. What began as a desire to learn Artificial Intelligence soon turned into a complete mindset shift. Through projects that bridged learning with real application, he started to see how AI could move from being a concept to a tool for meaningful change.
Building Bonds and Ideas That Go Beyond the Classroom
One of the defining parts of Abbas’s journey was meeting his peer, Anzar Hasan. Their shared passion for Artificial Intelligence led to something bigger than classroom collaboration. Together, they co-founded several initiatives that combined learning, leadership, and community:
- Arsh.Ai- an AI consulting and solutions company
- APAGlobal.org- a worldwide professional community for AI and Agile practitioners
- North American Professionals Association (NAPA)- focused on advancing AI awareness, networking, and opportunities across North America. (https://www.napassociation.com)
These ventures became proof that the power of learning multiplies when collaboration meets purpose. What started as teamwork during the program evolved into a shared mission to spread AI literacy and innovation on a global scale.
From Learning to Launching Game-Changing Apps
Within just three months of graduation, Abbas and his co-founder turned their classroom lessons into real innovation. Their flagship SaaS platform, TopTalentAI.com, is already making waves, ranked among the Top 5 Best AI Tools for Career Tech by GenAI on LinkedIn.
TopTalentAI is designed to transform how job seekers and recruiters connect, making it one of the most impactful applications of AI in career technology. But their journey didn’t stop there. Abbas and his team went on to launch multiple apps across the App Store and Google Play, including:
- MyiTop.com - The all-in-one platform for Project and Team Management.
- Netzyng.com - Smart Price Comparison AI Engine. Compare prices, shipping, and reviews from top retailers.
- Audit360pro.com - Complete ISO Audit & Compliance Management Platform
Professional ISO audit management system with AI-powered assistance for ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, and ISO 27001. Digital checklists, NCR tracking, risk assessments, and real-time compliance reporting.
- Shadow AI Detector- helping users verify whether an image is AI-generated or authentic
- Bot or Not Game- an interactive way to test if you can spot AI-generated content
Each of these innovations represents the blend of creativity and practical problem-solving that Abbas developed through the program.
Turning Dreams into Reality
For Abbas, every milestone, from founding companies to launching apps, is proof of what happens when learning translates into real impact. “This isn’t just about launching products or platforms. It’s proof that with the right education and the right people, learning can become innovation,” he reflects.
Abbas’s story is not only about success, but also about belief; belief in the power of structured learning, collaboration, and the courage to build. As he proudly shares, being part of the Post Graduate Program in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning didn’t just give him skills; it gave him the confidence to turn ideas into reality and create solutions that matter.
