The Journey and Vision of Mohammed Hikmet: A Story of Innovation and Leadership

In a recent interview, I had the privilege of speaking with Mohammed Hikmet, the visionary behind HMI Technologies and its subsidiary, Ohmio. Mohammed’s journey from war-torn Iraq to becoming a leading figure in the field of intelligent transport systems and autonomous vehicles is nothing short of inspirational. His story is a testament to resilience, innovation, and forward-thinking leadership.

From Iraq to New Zealand: A Journey of Resilience

Mohammed Hikmet’s story begins in Iraq, where he and his family fled the war in 1991. They spent five years in Jordan before migrating to New Zealand, a country that Mohammed describes as a “nice home that allowed you to do everything.” Despite the challenges of starting anew in a foreign land, Mohammed and his brother Ahmed co-founded HMI Technologies in 1999. Initially focused on computer systems, the company soon ventured into intelligent transport systems (ITS) and infrastructure, laying the groundwork for what would become a pioneering enterprise in the Asia-Pacific region.

Innovating in Intelligent Transport Systems

HMI Technologies initially made a name for itself by developing variable message signs (VMS) for motorways in New Zealand and Australia. However, Mohammed’s vision extended far beyond this. In 2015, recognizing the impending wave of autonomous vehicles, he pivoted the company towards this emerging technology. This led to the creation of Ohmio, a subsidiary dedicated to developing autonomous shuttles that integrate seamlessly with existing infrastructure.

The Ecosystem Approach to Autonomous Mobility

Mohammed’s approach to autonomous vehicles is holistic. He emphasizes the importance of viewing these vehicles as part of a larger ecosystem that includes infrastructure, cybersecurity, and sustainable energy. According to Mohammed, the future of autonomous mobility lies in creating a virtual world that interacts seamlessly with the real world. This involves not only the vehicles themselves but also the infrastructure they rely on, such as traffic lights, charging stations, and cybersecurity measures.

Challenges and Triumphs in Leadership

Leadership, for Mohammed, is about building a strong, cohesive team and fostering a culture of innovation and responsibility. He credits much of his success to the dedicated team at HMI Technologies and Ohmio. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the team continued to innovate and deliver projects despite the challenges of remote work and global disruptions. Mohammed believes that the real asset of any company is its people, and he has worked hard to build a team that shares his vision and commitment to excellence.

Mohammed Hikmet’s Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, Mohammed sees a world where autonomous vehicles play a crucial role in public transport, particularly in controlled environments like airports and business parks. He also stresses the need for cities to be proactive in adopting and testing autonomous technologies. By doing so, they can better understand the interactions between autonomous systems and existing infrastructure, paving the way for broader implementation.

Leadership Lessons and Call to Action

Mohammed’s journey offers several key lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs and leaders:

Embrace Change:

• Mohammed’s ability to pivot from computer systems to intelligent transport and autonomous vehicles highlights the importance of adaptability in business.
• Build a Strong Team: Success is not just about having a great idea but also about having a team that can execute that vision.
• Think Holistically: Viewing autonomous vehicles as part of a larger ecosystem can lead to more sustainable and effective solutions.

For cities, businesses, and individuals looking to innovate, Mohammed’s story is a call to embrace change, invest in forward-thinking technologies, and build strong, cohesive teams. By doing so, we can create a future where technology enhances our lives in ways we can only begin to imagine.

In conclusion, Mohammed Hikmet’s journey from Iraq to New Zealand, and his subsequent success in the field of intelligent transport systems and autonomous vehicles, is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through resilience, innovation, and visionary leadership. His story is not just about personal success but also about the potential for technology to transform our world for the better.