Hassan Albalawi leads WakeCap Technologies as its CEO and founder, transforming how construction sites operate across the Middle East and beyond. He combines technical expertise with a passion for solving real-world problems, making him a key figure in Saudi Arabia’s tech scene. Albalawi’s journey from academia to entrepreneurship highlights his drive to boost safety and efficiency in one of the world’s toughest industries. Under his guidance, WakeCap uses cutting-edge tools like IoT and AI to track worker activities in real time, helping projects run smoothly and safely.
Hassan Albalawi grew up in Saudi Arabia, where he developed an early interest in engineering and innovation. He pursued higher education with determination, earning a PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Duke University in the United States. This rigorous training equipped him with skills in advanced technologies, including wearable devices and data analytics. Before founding WakeCap, Albalawi gained experience in research and development, focusing on how tech could improve industrial processes.
His time at Duke sharpened his problem-solving abilities. Hassan Albalawi often recalls how his studies inspired him to apply engineering to everyday challenges. “I saw the gap between theory and practice,” he once shared in an interview, emphasizing his human-centered approach to innovation. This mindset drove him back to the Middle East, where rapid urbanization created opportunities in construction.
Founding WakeCap Technologies
In 2017, Albalawi co-founded WakeCap Technologies in Riyadh with Ishita Sood, aiming to digitize construction sites. He spotted a major issue: traditional methods relied on manual tracking, leading to delays, accidents, and inefficiencies. Albalawi decided to change that by developing sensor-powered solutions that attach to workers’ hard hats. These devices collect data on location, attendance, and productivity without invading privacy.
WakeCap started small but grew quickly. Hassan Albalawi bootstrapped the company initially, drawing on his PhD knowledge to prototype the tech. He assembled a team of engineers and experts who shared his vision. “We wanted to empower workers and managers alike,” Albalawi explained, highlighting the company’s focus on human benefits. Today, WakeCap serves clients in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and beyond, tracking over 150 million labour hours.
The company’s breakthrough came with its AI-driven platform, which provides real-time insights. Albalawi actively leads product development, ensuring solutions meet on-site needs. In 2024, WakeCap acquired Palo Alto-based Crews by Core, expanding its reach into Silicon Valley and opening an R&D headquarters there. This move strengthened WakeCap’s global footprint while keeping its roots in the Middle East.
Innovations and Impact
Hassan Albalawi drives WakeCap’s innovations, blending IoT sensors with AI analytics. The system automates timekeeping, monitors safety compliance, and predicts project delays. Workers wear smart caps that send data to a cloud platform, allowing managers to make quick decisions. This tech reduces paperwork and errors, saving time and money.
Albalawi emphasizes safety above all. “Construction sites can be dangerous, but data helps prevent accidents,” he says. WakeCap’s tools alert teams to hazards like overcrowding or unauthorized access. The company also supports Saudi Vision 2030 by promoting digital transformation in construction, creating jobs, and fostering local talent.
In May 2025, WakeCap raised $28 million in Series A funding, led by UP Partners, to scale its operations. Albalawi celebrated this milestone on LinkedIn, thanking investors and his team. This capital will fuel AI enhancements and international expansion, proving his leadership in contech.
Notable Projects
Albalawi has steered WakeCap to success on several high-profile projects. One standout is its deployment on NEOM, Saudi Arabia’s futuristic city project. WakeCap’s sensors track thousands of workers, ensuring timely progress on this massive $500 billion initiative. The tech provides real-time dashboards, helping managers optimize resources amid challenging desert conditions.
Another key project involves Aramco, the oil giant. WakeCap monitors construction at Aramco sites, improving safety for energy infrastructure builds. Albalawi’s team customized solutions to handle extreme heat and large-scale operations, reducing downtime by up to 20%.
WakeCap also contributes to Qiddiya, an entertainment megacity near Riyadh. Here, the platform manages diverse teams building theme parks and venues, enhancing coordination. Similarly, at King Salman Park, WakeCap ensures efficient landscaping and urban development.
These projects, worth over $80 billion combined, showcase Albalawi’s ability to deliver under pressure. He often visits sites personally, gathering feedback to refine the tech. “Seeing our tools in action motivates me,” Albalawi shares, adding a personal touch to his professional drive.
Future Vision and Legacy
Looking ahead, Albalawi plans to integrate more AI features, like predictive maintenance and sustainability tracking. He aims to make WakeCap a global standard in construction. “We’re just getting started,” he told investors recently.
Albalawi also mentors young entrepreneurs, serving as a jury member on Stars of Science. His story inspires many in the Middle East, showing how education and innovation can drive change.
In a fast-evolving region, Hassan Albalawi stands out as a leader who blends tech with empathy. Through WakeCap, he builds projects and brighter futures for workers and communities. His work reminds us that true progress comes from addressing human needs with smart solutions.
