What began as a single, seemingly small conversation turned into a journey of lasting impact. In this story, MVP Muhammad Samiullah shares how curiosity, community, and a passion for mentoring startups and students led him from local tech events in Karachi to becoming a Microsoft MVP and a champion for innovation and growth in the global tech community.
By Guest Blogger Muhammad Samiullah.
What if a single 15-minute conversation could change someone’s future?
That’s something I discovered during my MVP journey. At first, I believed being an MVP was all about influence, advocacy, and sharing knowledge. I thought it meant exploring new technologies, gaining hands-on experience, and passing those insights to the community.
But over time, I realized the true impact of being an MVP often comes in the smallest moments: helping someone solve a challenge, guiding them toward a better approach, or clearing a confusion that unlocks their next step forward.
This became clear to me when I had the privilege of serving as an Expert in the Microsoft for Startups FoundersHub program, where I mentored startup founders who carried great ideas but were often limited by cost, resources, or uncertainty about technology adoption. Many weren’t struggling with vision, but with how to scale, handle errors, and decide which Azure service would be the best fit for their solution.
Through this program, I had the chance to guide 20 startups, helping them figure out how to build and scale their solutions, optimize costs with the Azure Pricing Calculator, and choose the services that best fit their needs. Along the way, I also introduced them to how Microsoft 365 Copilot could support research and analysis, and how GitHub Copilot could act as a pair programmer to reduce development time and effort.
What stood out to me was how even a short interaction could create outsized impact. By walking a founder through Azure cost optimization, showing them how to use credits effectively, clarifying service choices, or demonstrating how Copilot could reduce development time, I saw them move from stuck to confident. What seemed small to me was transformational for them.
Although the Founders Hub Expert program has since been deprecated, the lessons stayed with me. Startups, I realized, are like seeds. With the right support at the right time, they grow into something much larger. And having the chance to contribute to that growth—even in a small way—felt deeply meaningful.
Community is everything
This is the true power of community: helping and uplifting each other to create lasting difference. Along my journey, mentors and peers took the time to guide me, shaping where I am today. That’s why I feel strongly about giving back—whether it’s helping a student, a startup, or someone in the local tech community. Even a small effort can unlock possibilities, and this spirit of support continues to inspire me.
Today, I carry this perspective into my work as a Solution Engineer at Mazik Global, a Microsoft partner, where I help organizations design secure, scalable cloud and AI solutions that improve efficiency and reduce costs. Alongside this, I continue supporting startups locally in Karachi, Pakistan, helping them register for Microsoft for Startups, adopt Azure services, and integrate AI effectively.
My focus has also expanded to students in their final year—those working on projects they hope to transform into real businesses. Just like startups, they have vision and energy but often need guidance to move forward. Sometimes all it takes is a single meeting to turn a final-year project into the seed of a future startup. Opportunities like the Microsoft Imagine Cup can be game changers for them, providing a global platform to showcase their ideas.
Bringing students together to learn and spark ideas.
Quite Contributions, Lasting Impact
Through these experiences, I’ve learned that the MVP journey is not defined only by conferences, publications, or global platforms. It is also about the quiet, personal contributions, the moments where we mentor, guide, and empower others to take the next step.
If you have the privilege of access, knowledge, and networks, why not share? Even a short interaction can spark confidence, open possibilities, and create ripples that last far beyond that moment. Supporting just one startup or one individual can create an incredible ripple effect. Seeds grow into forests, and each of us is in a position to nurture them.
Ready to spark change?
One great way to start is by encouraging students to take part in the Microsoft Imagine Cup 2026. It’s a global competition that gives students the chance to turn their ideas into real solutions, gain mentorship, and showcase their work on an international stage. If you know students working on a final year project or exploring a startup idea, guide them toward Imagine Cup. It could be the spark that helps them grow their idea into something bigger.
Muhammad and friends at the Learn booth during MVP Summit.Together, we can nurture seeds of innovation — encouraging students and startups to dream bigger, take the step forward, and showcase their ideas on the global stage of Microsoft Imagine Cup 2026.
What’s your MVP story? Are you ready to make a difference?
Nominate someone, share your journey, or encourage the next generation of innovators to join the MVP community! Learn more about the MVP Program on the MVP Communities site. Follow us on social media on X and LinkedIn.
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