Yahya Lazgin

Yehya Chali is an Iraqi-Kurdish entrepreneur, software developer, and AI enthusiast based in Erbil. He is the Co-founder and CEO of *Ovanya*, the first dedicated AI and data science company in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. Born in 1999, Yehya founded Ovanya at the age of 21 with a strong desire to bring meaningful technology solutions to his community and help bridge the gap between global innovation and local challenges.

Ovanya focuses on delivering practical AI applications tailored to the regional context, including natural language processing for Kurdish and Arabic, computer vision, data analytics, and machine learning integrations. Yehya’s work often centers on building solutions that address real needs — from digitizing workflows for businesses to supporting public sector institutions in their digital transformation efforts.

Over the past few years, Yehya has led Ovanya through various growth stages, building partnerships with organizations in education, health, and enterprise sectors. His approach to leadership is collaborative, always aiming to create value through problem-solving and continuous learning. He believes in the importance of responsible innovation — using AI not just as a trend, but as a tool for long-term, human-centered impact.

In addition to Ovanya, Yehya also founded a marketing agency that focuses on storytelling, branding, and digital content — another way of supporting the evolving digital economy in Iraq. Though his primary focus remains on AI and software development, he values the intersection of creativity and technology.

Yehya has participated in regional conferences and events such as HITEX and AIM Congress, where he has spoken about the role of AI in education, business, and economic development. He has also moderated panels on the future of AI and its potential to empower young professionals and institutions in Iraq.

With a background in software development and a deep interest in philosophy, behavioral science, and data ethics, Yehya brings a multidisciplinary mindset to his work. He is especially passionate about promoting AI literacy and helping others understand how emerging technologies can be adapted responsibly in local contexts.

Outside of his professional life, Yehya enjoys writing, playing piano, reading literature, and staying engaged with cultural and social issues. He is committed to personal growth and to contributing positively to the broader entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.

As part of the Global Entrepreneur Network, Yehya hopes to connect with like-minded founders, share experiences, and continue learning from peers around the world — with the goal of helping his region grow through innovation, education, and collaboration.