Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Reference
Timeline
Generic

Boaz B. Tulu

Gainesville,FL

Summary

Passionate and solution-driven Agricultural Technologist with a strong background in Computer Science and Engineering. A selected Mandela Washington Fellow, exposed to cutting-edge agricultural imaging innovations at Purdue University. Adept in managing teams and Committed to leveraging technology to drive sustainable agricultural advancements and support smallholder farmers.

Overview

6
6
years of professional experience

Work History

CTO and Co-Founder

Debo Engineering
01.2019 - Current

Co-founded Debo Engineering with Jermia Bayisa, an AI-based agritech company focused on developing products and software to increase crop productivity in East Africa. Led the development of a flagship AI-powered mobile app for plant disease detection, receiving national and international recognition.

Director, AI Center

Jimma University
02.2021 - 06.2023

Leads the AI Center at the university, overseeing research projects, fostering collaborations, and promoting the development and application of artificial intelligence in various fields.

Lecturer and Researcher

Jimma University
04.2018 - 06.2023

Taught courses related to Computer Engineering, implemented innovative teaching methods to enhance student competitiveness, and mentored over 20 students to create their own successful startup companies.

Co-founder and External Communication Expert

Omishtu Joy
04.2021 - 01.2023

Co-founded Omishtu-Joy, a startup company selling a soil testing product that helps farmers determine the best crop for their land within 5 minutes. Represented Ethiopia in an innovation competition in Kenya, winning a $25,000 prize from the World Bank.

Education

Master of Science - Agricultural And Biological Engineering

University of Florida
Gainesville, FL
08.2025

Certificate - Leadership in Agricultral Business

Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN
07.2022

Master of Science - Computer Engineering

Jimma University
Jimma, Ethiopia
06.2021

Bachelor of Science - Electrical And Computer Engineering

Jimma University
Jimma, Ethiopia
06.2017

Skills

    Communication Skills
    Teamwork & Collaboration
    Problem Solving
    Adaptability
    Leadership
    Project Management
    Conflict Resolution
    Critical Thinking
    Time Management
    Cultural Awareness

Accomplishments

  • Best University Project Winner in Jimma University, Addis Ababa
  • (2017) Awarded for the best final-year project at Jimma University.
  • Green Innovation Award Winner, Addis Ababa (2019)
    Recognized for contributions to sustainable and
    environmentally friendly innovation.
  • MEST Africa Community Vote Winner, Addis Ababa (2020)
  • Voted as the top innovation by the MEST Africa Community.
  • KOICA MinT Innovation Award Winner, Addis Ababa (2021) Honored for exceptional innovation by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and the Ministry of Innovation and Technology (MinT).

Reference

  • Woubakal Beyene U.S. Embassy Addis Ababa
    Email: beyenewt@state.gov
  • Gary R. Burniske Purdue University Email:
    grburniske@purdue.edu
  • Lonni Kucik Purdue University Email:
    lkucik@purdue.edu
  • Dan Dawes Purdue University Email:
    dddawes3@gmail.com
  • Dawit Mulugeta Coffee Innovation Fund Project
    Manager - GIZ Email: dawit.mulugeta@giz.de
  • Dr. Kinde Anlay Jimma University Email:
    kinanlay@gmail.com
  • Jermia Bayisa Debo Engineering Email:
    jarmbayisa@gmail.com

Timeline

Co-founder and External Communication Expert

Omishtu Joy
04.2021 - 01.2023

Director, AI Center

Jimma University
02.2021 - 06.2023

CTO and Co-Founder

Debo Engineering
01.2019 - Current

Lecturer and Researcher

Jimma University
04.2018 - 06.2023

Master of Science - Agricultural And Biological Engineering

University of Florida

Certificate - Leadership in Agricultral Business

Purdue University

Master of Science - Computer Engineering

Jimma University

Bachelor of Science - Electrical And Computer Engineering

Jimma University
Boaz B. Tulu