(Aug 21, 2026) When Manohar Reddy landed in the United Kingdom in January 2019 to pursue his Master’s degree in Electronic Engineering at the University of Bedfordshire, his academic foundation was firmly rooted in electronics and engineering.
During his university studies, he worked on a range of projects, notably the Smart 3D Tailor Measurement System, which explored how sensing, measurement and digital technologies could be combined to support virtual clothing applications. These projects gradually changed the way he viewed engineering. He began to understand that electronics, software, artificial intelligence and data could work together rather than being treated as separate disciplines.
That realisation eventually led him towards AI, Data Science and broader IT technologies. “My experiences in the UK taught me that an academic background does not have to define the entire direction of a career. It can instead become the foundation on which new skills and new opportunities are built,” says Manohar, in a chat with The Global Indian.
He represents a generation of professionals whose careers have evolved across disciplines and borders. Over the last four years, Manohar, an IT Consultant, worked as a Data Science Developer at London’s Luton Airport. In April 2026, he quit his job to establish his own company.
His work in AI, Data Science, Data Engineering and emerging technologies has earned him global recognition, with the most recent being the NRI Achievers Award 2026.
An international recognition for AI and Data Science
For Manohar, receiving the NRI Achievers Award 2026 for Global Achievement in AI & Data Science has been one of the most significant milestones of his professional journey. The recognition was part of the fifth edition of the NRI Achievers Awards, held on July 31, 2026, at The St Regis, Singapore.
Manohar Reddy received the NRI Achievers Award 2026 in Singapore
“As someone who has built his professional career in the UK while remaining deeply connected to his Indian roots, being recognised in Singapore was a proud and emotional moment.”
The awards encompass different areas of achievement and seek to highlight individuals who have demonstrated professional excellence, meaningful contributions and positive impact. Manohar was recognised in the Professional category.
The significance of the recognition lies in the journey behind it. “I did not begin my career directly in AI or Data Science. My journey started with Electrical and Electronics Engineering,” points out Manohar, whose growing interest in robotics and intelligent systems, postgraduate education in the UK and gradual transition into software, data engineering, AI and advanced analytics shaped his career.
The award, he says, represents years of learning, adaptation and professional development rather than a single moment. “It was particularly meaningful to receive the recognition on an international platform celebrating Indian and Indian-origin professionals.”
From a Telangana childhood to a career in technology
Born in Mancherial, Telangana, Manohar spent his formative years there before moving to Andhra Pradesh for higher education. He completed his schooling at Sai Krishnaveni Talent School, Mancherial, and later earned a Bachelor of Technology in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from BVC Engineering College.
“Even during my school and college years, I was naturally drawn towards understanding how things worked.”
Electronics, machines and robotics fascinated him, particularly the possibility of making machines perform tasks intelligently. “My childhood ambition was to become a robotics engineer, and that early curiosity eventually became an important foundation for my professional career.”
Academically, he was drawn to technical subjects and practical learning. Outside academics, he enjoyed football and chess. “Football taught me teamwork, discipline and the importance of working towards a common objective, while chess developed my interest in strategy, planning and analytical thinking.”
His family also shaped his outlook. His father, Keshavarao, worked as an Assistant Surveyor with Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL). He was based at the company’s head office in Kothagudem, Bhadradri Kothagudem district, Telangana, before his retirement.
“His professional life taught me the value of discipline, responsibility and commitment,” says Manohar, whose mother, Surya Kumari, was a homemaker and played a central role in bringing up the family.
The university turning point
“My time at the University of Bedfordshire was an important turning point in my professional development,” says Manohar, who arrived in the UK with an engineering background but found opportunities to explore technology from a much broader perspective.
His Master’s studies exposed him to areas including embedded systems, digital electronics, communications, intelligent systems, signal processing and applied engineering. His practical projects allowed him to experiment with robotics, computer vision, facial recognition, automation and emerging technologies.
The practical nature of the work was particularly influential. “Projects such as my Smart 3D Tailor Measurement System, virtual fitting work, robotics projects and intelligent safety concepts showed me that engineering could be combined with software, AI and data to develop solutions for real-world applications.”
Exploring VR and AR also expanded his thinking towards immersive technologies and their potential beyond entertainment, including applications in customer experience, training and safety.
“The university therefore gave me more than an academic qualification; it gave me the confidence to move beyond the boundaries of my original discipline.”
Manohar Reddy’s proposal on Autonomous Security Robots In Aviation was selected as a finalist in the “Intelligent Use of Resources” challenge of the 5th edition of the Innova Program in Spain
Building a career across AI, Data Science and engineering
After completing his Master’s, Manohar continued developing his knowledge through professional training, independent learning and practical technology work. Gradually, his career evolved towards Data Science, Data Engineering, AI, Business Intelligence, automation and digital transformation.
“That transition required persistence, because technology changes continuously and professionals have to keep learning.”
Over time, he developed expertise across Python, advanced data engineering, Microsoft Azure cloud architectures, real-time data processing, API and systems integration, among other areas. He also undertook advanced professional learning in Data Science and Machine Learning through Stanford University, complementing his Master’s education and practical experience.
His professional journey also brought recognition closer to home in the UK. In 2025, he was named Adult Achiever of the Year at the Luton’s Best Awards.
“The Luton’s Best Awards celebrate people and organisations contributing to the local community, and the recognition was particularly meaningful because Luton is where I have built my life in the UK.”
Alongside his professional career, Manohar has focused on sharing knowledge and encouraging people to develop their understanding of new technologies.
“I have supported people interested in technology and helped individuals explore emerging digital skills and career opportunities.”
The award therefore represented more than professional progress for him. It reflected the importance he places on contributing to the community around him. The award was sponsored by the University of Bedfordshire and presented by Professor Rebecca Bunting, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bedfordshire, making the occasion especially meaningful given his own connection with the university.
The same year, Manohar was selected as a Finalist for Inspirational Individual of the Year at the UK IT Industry Awards 2025. The awards are organised by Computing in association with BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT.
He is proud of both recognitions because they represent two different dimensions of his journey — contribution to the local community and recognition within the UK’s wider technology profession.
Navigating challenges and embracing continuous learning
Building a professional life in another country, continuously developing new skills and pursuing ambitious goals has not always been easy, he says.
“There have been difficult periods as well as moments of uncertainty, and Bhavani, my wife, has consistently encouraged and supported me throughout the process,” says the IT professional.
He particularly enjoys taking information from different systems, understanding the underlying business problem and designing technology solutions that can turn complex data into useful insights.
“AI and Data Science are evolving at an extraordinary pace, so I believe remaining relevant requires curiosity and a willingness to learn continuously.”
Manohar regularly spends time understanding emerging developments, exploring new approaches and considering how technology can be applied to practical problems.
Building smarter journeys through technology
Looking ahead, one of his ambitions is to contribute to the transportation sector, particularly airports and railways, through AI, Data Science, IoT, automation and real-time analytics.
“I am particularly interested in the concept of smart travel — using technology to make journeys safer, smoother and more efficient,” says the IT Consultant, who also aims to contribute to projects where technology produces a tangible improvement in people’s everyday lives.
He believes ideas such as RFID-enabled smart baggage systems, intelligent queue management, real-time passenger-flow analytics, predictive operational systems and connected travel technologies have significant potential to improve the passenger experience.
Manohar also plans to continue mentoring and sharing knowledge with young professionals, particularly those interested in AI, Data Science and other emerging fields.
“My own transition from electronics into Data Science has shown me that a person’s starting point does not have to determine where their career eventually leads.”
Finding inspiration beyond technology
Travelling is one of Manohar’s greatest interests. He has visited Madrid in Spain, Paris in France and Faro in Portugal, as well as several parts of the UK.
“Madrid was particularly memorable for its combination of Spanish history, grand architecture, vibrant streets and distinctive cultural atmosphere.”
Paris offered a completely different experience, with its history, artistic heritage, architecture and famous landmarks. “In Faro, I enjoyed the character of the Algarve, its coastal surroundings, Portuguese culture and relaxed atmosphere.”
Within the UK, Scotland has been particularly memorable. Visiting Ben Nevis offered him both dramatic mountain scenery and the challenge of exploring Britain’s highest mountain.
For Manohar, the journey from electronics engineering to AI and Data Science has been defined by the same curiosity that shaped his childhood — a willingness to understand how things work, learn something new and explore where technology can lead next.
- Follow Manohar Reddy on LinkedIn