Through his pioneering work in Lebanon, Fadi has leveraged digital solutions to streamline government services, making them more accessible, efficient, and secure. His achievements have not only improved public trust but have also set a precedent for how technology can be harnessed to enhance governance during times of crisis.
From tackling long queues to securing millions of data points, Fadi Bou Debs is redefining how technology serves the public. His work in Lebanon has not only digitised essential services but also restored trust in government systems during a time of crisis.
It’s this bold vision that earned him the School of Management’s 2025 Excellence in Achievement Award for Recent Graduates.
"Winning this award is such an honour. It’s a testament to the incredible teamwork that’s gone into my work on various projects—from building tech solutions to driving progress in the public sector. More than anything, it’s a reflection of the amazing people I’ve had the privilege to learn from and collaborate with. This recognition is a reminder of our shared mission to tackle tough challenges and make a real impact. I’m deeply grateful and even more motivated to keep pushing forward."
Those were the heartfelt words of Fadi Bou Debs, digital transformation leader and co-founder of Evolve Online Ltd. His groundbreaking work in Lebanon has redefined how technology can transform government services, even during turbulent times, and his achievements are gaining international recognition as he is a global finalist in the Study UK Alumni Business and Innovation Awards by the British Council.
Driving change in the public sector
"Lebanon was in a tough spot when it came to technology," Fadi shared. "People were frustrated—long queues, confusing processes, and limited access to essential services. Change was overdue, and I knew technology had to be part of the solution."
Fadi's vision led to Lebanon’s first fully digital and encrypted public service platform—a game-changer for citizens navigating government services. By slashing wait times from hours to minutes and automating previously manual processes, the platform did more than offer convenience—it transformed public trust in digital governance.
"In just the first month, we saw over 50 million page visits and processed 400,000 passport appointments," Fadi recalled. "Even more importantly, we protected sensitive data from more than 100 million firewall security threats."
This wasn’t just about efficiency; it was about restoring trust during a time of national instability.
Change was never guaranteed though. To develop and transform legacy systems, you have to be agile and persevere through challenges.
Innovation under pressure
Building a secure, scalable, and user-friendly system from scratch was no easy feat. But progress was never guaranteed. Transforming a legacy system required not just vision but unwavering perseverance.
"We were racing against the clock with limited resources during a national crisis," he said. "It took relentless testing, constant problem-solving, and a strong sense of collaboration." With limited resources and a ticking clock, the team faced an immense challenge. Relentless testing, constant problem-solving, and an unshakable commitment to collaboration proved to be the key to success.
What they achieved went beyond technology—it was a cultural shift.
"Government services were seen as slow and bureaucratic," Fadi explained. "Our platform flipped that perception, making services accessible, transparent, and efficient. Digital transformation isn’t just about technology; it’s about rebuilding relationships and trust."
Looking to the future
Being recognised on a global stage has been both humbling and inspiring for Fadi.
"This isn’t just about me—it’s about the entire team and the people we’ve served," he said. "It shows that even in the toughest times, innovation can thrive."
And the journey isn’t over. "We’re just getting started. There’s so much more to be done."
Advice for future innovators
Fadi also offered valuable insights for aspiring innovators. "Listen first," he advised. "Really understand the challenges people face and design solutions that make their lives better. And don’t go it alone. Collaboration and resilience are essential. You’ll hit roadblocks, but with the right people and determination, you can make a meaningful impact."
A vision for the future
From revolutionising public services to mentoring the next wave of innovators, Fadi’s work proves that even the most entrenched systems can be reimagined. His journey isn’t just about technology—it’s about transforming lives.
