SRINAGAR: Faisal Kawoosa, a distinguished entrepreneur and technology expert from Srinagar, is going to be the first Kashmiri to serve as a judge for the prestigious Global Mobile (GLOMO) Awards 2025. The GLOMO Awards, held annually during the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, are considered the pinnacle of recognition for innovation and excellence in the mobile and digital technology industry.
Born and raised in Srinagar, Kawoosa’s academic journey reflects a blend of curiosity and determination. After completing his schooling at CMS Tyndale Biscoe, he chose the commerce stream despite excelling in matriculation—a decision that was unconventional at the time. He went on to secure distinction in his higher secondary examinations, ranking second in the state board commerce exams in 1998.
Kawoosa was part of the first BBA batch at the prestigious Islamia College and later pursued an MBA from Kashmir University. His early fascination with technology, particularly gadgets, combined with a passion for quantitative subjects like statistics, shaped his career trajectory.
In 2005, Kawoosa embarked on a professional journey that saw him excel in globally renowned technology market analysis firms for 13 years. In 2018, he launched his entrepreneurial venture, Techarc, which specialises in market research and data analytics in the technology domain. Alongside his professional achievements, he has been actively consulting for startups and incubators across India since 2012.
In 2023, Kawoosa established Techarc’s operations in Kashmir, working alongside his wife and co-founder, Dr Shahana Qutab, a PhD in social marketing. The company serves prominent mobile brands and ecosystem players globally, operating from both Gurgaon and Srinagar.
Faisal Kawoosa has also founded a digital advocacy forum in Jammu and Kashmir, aiming to foster a sustainable digital ecosystem and economy in the region.
The GLOMO Awards, hosted by the GSM Association, are globally recognised for honouring disruptive innovations and excellence in mobile technology. This year, 200 independent judges, including Kawoosa, will evaluate entries across 33 awards in seven categories. The awards are a highlight of the Mobile World Congress, which annually attracts over 1 lakh participants from across the globe.
