Innovations Engineer — Microsoft Garage Maker Space
Building at the intersection of hardware, software & AI — from maker space prototypes to production systems.
Learn MoreEmmanuel Mariaria is an Innovation Engineer, Maker, and AIoT Architect driven by a belief that hardware and software should work together to solve Africa's most pressing challenges. A champion of Made-in-Africa innovation, he builds locally rooted yet globally competitive technology - products, platforms, and ecosystems that strengthen local economies, skills, and data sovereignty. From firmware to cloud, from PCB design to AI model deployment, he approaches every challenge as a builder first.
As Innovations Engineer at the Microsoft Garage Maker Space, Emmanuel is at the forefront of experimental hardware and software product development. He designs, builds, and validates next-generation AIoT and AI prototypes, runs hands-on maker training programs (Tinkering Tuesdays), facilitates AI trend discussions (Cafenova Coffee Talks), and drives hackathon design and mentorship. His role spans full-stack prototyping - from PCB design and firmware to cloud AI - turning bold ideas into working products.
As Co-Founder & CTO of Maabara Bunifu, Emmanuel leads product development and technical strategy for an Africa-rooted AIoT consultancy. He has designed and shipped real hardware-software products - from custom PCBs and embedded firmware to cloud dashboards - deployed across wildlife conservation, smart industries, EV mobility, water infrastructure, and social impact sectors. Every product is built in Africa, for global relevance, with sustainability and local empowerment at its core.
Architecting microservices-based IoT platforms and translating business goals into scalable technology roadmaps
Recruiting, mentoring, and growing high-performing engineering teams across full-stack and IoT development
Delivering production-ready systems at pace, from MVP to scale, in fast-paced startup environments
Jan 2024 - Present | Maabara Bunifu - Infrastructure Lead
Architected and deployed scalable IoT infrastructure for electric bike fleet management. Designed microservices-based backend with MQTT messaging, real-time data dashboards, and multi-cloud deployment (Azure, AWS, Digital Ocean). Led technical roadmap, database optimization (MySQL, InfluxDB), and RESTful API development.
Leadership: System Architecture, Technical Roadmap, Team Leadership, Cloud Infrastructure Strategy, Client Technical Presentations
Apr - Nov 2025 | Maabara Bunifu
Product development of an AIoT vibration sensor for industrial vibrational analysis, featuring edge ML capabilities and comprehensive client presentation workflows.
Leadership: Product Development Lead, Client Communications, Design & Architecture
Aug 2025 - Present | Maabara Bunifu
Comprehensive NGO management platform with real-time tracking, analytics, and operational dashboards designed for non-profit organizations.
Role: Engineering Manager | View Live
May 2024 - Oct 2024 | Microsoft Garage
Market validation and development of a smart socket device with electromechanical design and API integration for the Windows team.
Role: AIoT Product Development Engineer Lead
Wildlife Monitoring Project
Led LoRa Network Infrastructure Design and oversaw its implementation at the Maasai Mara Reserve for wildlife monitoring and conservation efforts.
Industrial IoT Solution
Architected IoT devices and infrastructure for air quality detection and cloud analysis at a recycling plant, enabling real-time environmental monitoring.
Nov 2021 - Nov 2023
Developed smart product dispenser for sanitary products with IoT-enabled donations accountability tracking and real-time monitoring.
ALX Africa Competition
"Solterra" robot featuring ESP32 microcontroller, Bluetooth app control (C#), H-Bridge PWM-driven DC motors, and 3S Li-ion battery pack designed within competition constraints.
Innovative projects and training programs at Microsoft Garage, East Africa
QnA bot answering questions about Microsoft Garage based on documentation, resources and guard rails.
Robotics challenge activity with curated game rules, firmware development, and hardware preparation for Windows Team.
IoT training series at Microsoft Garage including Azure IoT Hub workshops and hands-on embedded systems sessions.
RAG AI integration project - built AI agent and car separately, both functional but awaiting code access for full integration.
Part of organizing team for AI trend discussions and testing new AI products. Facilitating sessions and inviting expert guests weekly.
Team matching, event flow planning, thematic advising on project categories, and technical training for participants.
ALX Alumni Workshop | November 12, 2025
Hands-on workshop on creating AI-powered pet planner agent using GitHub Copilot & AI Toolkit. 20 attendees participated in designing, configuring, and evaluating AI workflows.
View ResourcesMicrosoft Global Hackathon | East Africa
Interactive session on combining real-world sensor data with virtual simulations to unlock business insights through Digital Twin technology.
IEEE CASS Kenya Chapter Workshop | IEEE KSYP 2024
Case study presentation at The Panari Hotel on transforming concepts into market-ready IoT devices, featuring smart water-pump companion device example.
IEEE Gitex Summit | Alexandria, Egypt 2022
Presentation on AIoT trends and applications at the IEEE Global Conference on AI & IoT.
IEEE IoT | African Nazarene University
Educational session on IoT fundamentals and embedded systems for university students and tech enthusiasts.
2025 | Tunis, Tunisia
International presentation at IEEE Industrial Electronics Society Student & Young Professionals Congress.
Microsoft Garage Maker Space, East Africa | 2024 - Present
Leading experimental hardware and software product development at the Garage Maker Space. Designing and building AIoT prototypes, running Tinkering Tuesdays maker training, facilitating Cafenova AI coffee talks, organizing hackathons, and collaborating with the Windows team on product validation.
Maabara Bunifu Africa | 2021 - Present (4+ years)
Leading technical strategy and engineering execution for IoT consulting startup:
Kiri EV | Jan 2024 - Present
Technical leadership for electric bike fleet management platform:
Various Client Projects | 2021 - Present
Delivered IoT solutions for Elano Cloud (NGO management), Update International (AIoT industrial sensors), 51 Degrees Wildlife Conservancy (LoRa networks), Gjenge Makers (air quality monitoring), and more. Led technical roadmaps, team structuring, and full-cycle product development.
Gearbox IoT Platform | Multiple Projects
Architected solutions for smart greenhouses (KCB & Mastercard Foundation), industrial fire suppression sensors, and various IoT implementations. Led client consultations, team structuring, and project management.
Spectra - Global Winners
Provided expert guidance on fermentation/decomposition detection project using wavelength analysis of reflected light.