Today we’d like to introduce you to Hamid Ali.
Hi Hamid, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
The story of SmartCore Labs began in 2017 with a simple idea — to make STEM education hands-on, affordable, and accessible to every child.
At the time, I was still working full-time in my corporate career, leading large-scale transformation and strategy initiatives for global companies. I used part of my own salary to fund SmartCore Labs in its early days, because I didn’t want cost to ever be a barrier for kids to explore coding, robotics, and technology. That’s why our programs started at just $100 a month — a price point designed to open doors, not close them.
What began as weekend sessions for a handful of neighborhood kids soon grew into something much bigger. Parents began sharing their experiences, schools started reaching out, and before long, SmartCore Labs became a trusted name in the community for STEM education.
Today, we serve over 200+ students across our Pearland and Manvel centers, and reach another 200+ students each week through our partner schools. Our programs range from coding, robotics, and AI to 3D printing and aerospace, all built on the principle of learning by doing. Every class is project-based — kids build, code, test, and experiment, gaining both confidence and critical problem-solving skills along the way.
We’ve stayed true to our mission over the years — growing entirely through word of mouth and community trust. We’re also proud to be a STEM.org accredited organization, and our advanced programs like LUX AI and Prometheus have given students the opportunity to take their creativity further through national and international competitions.
What started as a small effort funded out of pocket has now become a thriving ecosystem of young innovators, families, and educators working together to build the next generation of creators, builders, and thinkers. And that’s what keeps me inspired every single day.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t been a smooth road — but it’s been one worth traveling.
Keeping SmartCore Labs alive and growing has taken a mix of faith, grit, and community spirit. There have been times when rent doubled overnight or when I had to take personal loans just to keep the doors open and make payroll, all because I couldn’t bring myself to deny children an opportunity to learn. I’ve always believed that when you’re building something with purpose, you find a way — even when it’s hard.
Even today, it’s not easy. We see families who want their children to be part of our programs but simply can’t afford it at the moment. But we never stop their classes. Parents pay what they can and when they can. It’s not a charity — we have real bills, rent, and salaries to cover — but we also have a responsibility to our mission and to the kids who look forward to learning every week. So we make it work — sometimes through scholarships, sometimes through trust, and always through heart.
It’s not the easiest path, but it’s the right one. When I see a student’s eyes light up as they build their first robot or code their first game, it reminds me why we started this journey — to give every child a chance to dream, build, and belong, no matter their circumstance.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At my core, I’ve always been a builder — of people, systems, and ideas that create lasting impact. Over the years, I’ve led teams, scaled operations, and driven transformation across industries, but what I truly take pride in is helping others discover their potential — whether that’s a colleague, a student, or an entire community.
With SmartCore Labs, that vision comes to life every single day. We specialize in hands-on STEM education — coding, robotics, AI, and aerospace — giving children not just concepts to memorize, but tools to create, explore, and innovate. What makes us unique is the heart and dedication of our instructors. Many of them are full-time teachers or educators by profession, and they bring real classroom experience, patience, and passion into every session. They don’t just teach — they mentor, they inspire, and they care deeply about every student’s progress.
I’m proud that our programs are known for being both rigorous and accessible — we make sure that learning stays joyful, affordable, and meaningful for every child. And we’ve grown entirely through word of mouth and trust — one school, one family, one inspired child at a time.
For me, success isn’t measured in numbers or titles, but in transformation — when a student lights up because they just built their first robot or coded their first game, that’s the moment I know we’re doing something right.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
What I love most about Pearland & Manvel is its sense of community and opportunity. This city embraces diversity — not just in culture, but in ideas and ambition. Everywhere you turn, there’s someone building something, starting something, or helping someone else succeed. That spirit of collaboration and generosity is what keeps me rooted here. Parents, teachers, and local businesses genuinely want to uplift one another, and that’s been a huge part of SmartCore Labs’ growth. Houston isn’t just where we work — it’s where our mission comes alive.
If I had to pick something I like least, it would be how education and innovation spaces sometimes get overshadowed by larger industries. There’s so much incredible potential in our youth, and I wish more attention — and funding — went toward empowering the next generation of creators and problem-solvers right here in our city.
But overall, Houston’s energy is unmatched. It’s a place where dreams can take shape if you’re willing to put in the work, and where community truly becomes the foundation for success.
Pricing:
- $125 per month for 4 classes
- Camp- $325 for the week -7.45 am – 5 pm
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.smartcorelabs.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smartcore_labs/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smartcorelabs/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/smartcore-labs/
- Other: https://linktr.ee/smartcorelabs
