Salma Hassona
Some people study AI. Others use it to quietly reshape how people think, decide, and live.
Meet Salma Hassona, a Data Science & AI student at the University of Doha for Science & Technology, building at the intersection of intelligence, design, and human impact through her startup, Kipo - AI financial assistant.
For Salma, technology is not just systems or code; it is behavior, clarity, and decision-making. It is about how people interpret information, and how the right design can turn complexity into understanding.
That belief is what led her to build Kipo - AI financial assistant. This AI-powered personal finance assistant simplifies financial decision-making by turning complex data into clear, actionable insights that help people build better habits and financial confidence.
Along the way, her work and involvement have been shaped by experiences in entrepreneurship, innovation, and competition.
- Speaker on Qatar Radio, sharing her journey as a young innovator in AI and technology
- Presenter at Web Summit, showcasing Kipo on a global stage
- Peer Mentor and Judge at the Entrepreneurial Showcase Event at Qatar University, supporting and evaluating over 200 student ventures
- 2nd Place Winner in the Cybersecurity CTF at Skills Day, University of Doha for Science & Technology, in a competition supported by Cisco, Huawei, and talabat
- Top 7 Finalist in the Vodafone Pitch Competition, organized by Vodafone Qatar and #UHUB, where she and her team presented Kipo among emerging startups
- Active contributor to her university's entrepreneurship ecosystem, engaging in student-led innovation and early-stage venture building
She is now focused on evolving Kipo from a promising prototype into a fully developed MVP, while deepening her work in AI and building systems that feel more intuitive, accessible, and human-centered.
For Salma, innovation is not about complexity – it is about clarity. Removing friction until technology becomes something people can actually use.
Beyond her technical journey, she is also intentional about representation, encouraging more young women to enter tech and entrepreneurship and take up space in fields where they are still underrepresented.
Her story reflects a simple but powerful idea: the best technology does not overwhelm people – it helps them understand their world better.
Start before you feel ready. Most meaningful things are built in motion, not in preparation.