Student Profile - Akash Gupta

Student Profile - Akash Gupta

Daniel Schieman - 15 May 2017

When an individual has the drive to make a difference, you can guarantee it's going to change lives. Enter Chemical Engineering Undergraduate Akash Gupta who, at the age of 20, is entering his final year of Undergraduate studies. Born in India and schooled primarily in Kuwait, Akash and his family moved to Fort McMurray where he was exposed to the oil industry at a very early age. In his final year of high school, then 15-year-old Akash was awarded participation in academically competitive summer school programs at Harvard University, in Boston, and Philadelphia's Wharton School of Business.

Then at the age of 17, Akash was invited by Shell Canada to intern where he questioned the norms and courageously challenged top officials. Akash is a strong believer in innovation structures for the oil sands by nurturing the best in their employees. Through presentations to Shell Canada's Executive Vice President, and the Scotford Upgrader Leadership team in 2016, Akash successfully proposed and started a program enabling employees, including fresh graduates, to pitch business improvement ideas directly to the company.

Based on his knowledge, dedication, and differences made towards the oil industry, Akash was awarded The Alberta Council for Global Cooperation (ACGC) elite top 30 under 30 in December of 2016.

Now, Akash wants to help explore the artificial intelligence of Machine Learning to optimize production in the oil sands. Equipped with his extensive knowledge and hands-on experience, Akash also has entrepreneurial plans to start his own consulting firm. With his eternal devotion, there is no doubt that success will continue to be in his reach and, we will continue to hear about Akash making a difference.

The ACGC publishes a magazine every year that profiles each youth based on their contributions to the community, innovation, researching, mentorship, and more.