Building Future-Ready Generations: Badr Ward’s Vision with Lamsa

Jon Santillan

Jon Santillan

Feb 3, 2025

Inspirational storyEducationInnovation
Building Future-Ready Generations: Badr Ward’s Vision with Lamsa

Badr Ward is a visionary entrepreneur with an unwavering passion for transforming early childhood education on a global scale. As the founder and CEO of Lamsa, a pioneering EdTech company, he’s on a mission to bridge the gap between national economic aspirations and educational outcomes using Unified Education Frameworks (UEF). In this interview, Badr shares the challenges he’s overcome, the innovative solutions he’s built, and his inspiring journey toward creating a future where every child is equipped to meet tomorrow’s challenges.

Can you share a brief note about yourself?

My name is Badr Ward, and I’m deeply passionate about transforming early childhood education on a global scale. I am the founder and CEO of Lamsa, a pioneering EdTech company dedicated to reshaping how young children learn by leading the way with Unified Education Frameworks (UEF).

At Lamsa, we bridge the gap between national economic aspirations and educational attainment by connecting key stakeholders—educators, parents, schools, and governments—on a unified platform. This approach ensures resource efficiency, personalized learning, and actionable analytics that empower educators while driving national education goals.

Education is the backbone of progress, yet many countries struggle to align curricula with economic priorities. By leveraging UEF, Lamsa enables governments to seamlessly connect their visions with practical, scalable solutions that prepare future generations for the challenges ahead.

We are currently scaling globally, attracting attention from key education stakeholders in regions such as the Middle East, Africa, LATAM, North America, and Western Europe. Lamsa’s mission is clear: to create future-ready generations who can tackle problems we haven’t yet conceived, addressing the unique needs of diverse cultures and communities.

Why did you choose to start a business?

Globally, there’s a profound disconnect between education and economic outcomes. Governments often lack effective mechanisms to align their economic aspirations with a consistent, scalable educational framework, starting from early childhood.

We started Lamsa to address this pressing issue. Our mission is to bridge this gap, enabling governments to efficiently deliver on their economic and educational goals, empowering educators to foster young learners, and providing parents with the tools they need to actively support their children’s development. Lamsa is about ensuring that education evolves alongside national and global priorities.

How did you start your business?

Lamsa began as an idea inspired by our experiences as parents and a deep understanding of the challenges educators and policymakers face. In the early days, we focused on extensive research, collaboration with child development experts, and feedback from educators and parents.

Navigating the startup phase meant embracing uncertainty and iterating quickly. We built and refined our platform through persistence and a shared commitment to our mission. The early journey taught me that purpose-driven work requires not only passion but also adaptability to overcome obstacles and drive meaningful change.

What do you wish you’d known before you started your business?

I wish we had fully grasped the importance of patience and resilience in building a mission-driven company. Passion can spark an idea, but sustaining a business requires learning to navigate challenges and adapt to evolving market dynamics.

Additionally, understanding the balance between urgency and long-term thinking would have been invaluable. It’s not just about solving today’s problems but also anticipating the needs of tomorrow.

Did you have any support in your journey?

Absolutely. Mentors have been instrumental, offering invaluable guidance, particularly during moments of uncertainty. Networks like the World Economic Forum and partnerships with Ministries of Education have played a significant role in expanding Lamsa’s reach and impact.

The unwavering support of our investors, who believe in our vision, has been a cornerstone of our journey, helping us navigate the highs and lows.

The government of Abu Dhabi, particularly through Hub71 and its programs like the Bright Program with Startup Genome, has been transformative. Their initiatives provided access to resources, expertise, and networks that have been pivotal in accelerating Lamsa’s growth and impact.

This ecosystem of support has been key to turning challenges into opportunities.

What is your greatest challenge as a business owner?

One of the greatest challenges is maintaining scalability without losing the authenticity of our mission. Expanding globally requires navigating diverse frameworks, cultural differences, and technological advancements while staying true to our core values.

What advice would you give to your past self before opening your own business?

I would remind my past self to embrace uncertainty and view every challenge as an opportunity for growth. Building a business is rarely a straight path—setbacks will occur, but they often lead to invaluable lessons.

I’d also emphasize the importance of pacing yourself. Entrepreneurship is a marathon, not a sprint. Surrounding yourself with a team that shares your vision and values can make all the difference in navigating the journey.

Reflecting on your path to entrepreneurship, what key piece of advice would you offer to aspiring founders ?

Start with a clear purpose. Entrepreneurship is rewarding but requires immense dedication and resilience. Align your work with something you truly care about—it’s what will sustain you through challenges.

Don’t be afraid to seek help. Mentors, networks, and partnerships can accelerate your growth and help you avoid common pitfalls. Lastly, focus on creating real value for your audience. If your product or service genuinely meets a need, success will naturally follow.