Last summer in Cairo, while visiting the growing tech diaspora displaced by the ongoing genocide in Gaza, our team at Apricot International met Kannan—a talented software engineer who had recently arrived in Egypt after escaping the violence. He was one of many resilient, highly skilled individuals we met during that trip, each with the same story of disruption and displacement, but also of hope. Kannan stood out immediately. With a degree in Computer Science and five years of experience at top-tier tech companies, he was not a junior looking to break in—he was already a seasoned engineer seeking a path forward. At the time, Brisk Teaching, a startup composed entirely of principal and staff-level engineers, was reluctant to hire anyone below their current level of technical seniority. But we believed in Kannan. Apricot International offered to cover his first month’s salary, not as charity, but as a bet on his proven ability. Within weeks, he exceeded every expectation. Kannan quickly gained the team’s trust and respect through his initiative, deep technical insight, and collaborative mindset. He’s now a full-time engineer at Brisk Teaching, working on cutting-edge AI technology—a field at the forefront of global innovation. Kannan’s story is not an exception. It’s a glimpse into the depth of talent emerging from Gaza, Palestine, and across the MENA region. Despite displacement, limited access to infrastructure, and political turmoil, these engineers bring world-class education, drive, and resilience to every team they join.
At Apricot International, we don’t just place talent—we advocate for it. Kannan is living proof that, when given a chance, displaced professionals don’t just contribute—they lead.
By:
Brandon Pampuch
