From launchpad to lift-off: Faris Abu Farha’s path to success

Faris Abu Farha is a Software Engineer at NVIDIA. He graduated from Birzeit University in 2025 with a bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, and went on to work as an AI Engineer and a part-time instructor at the Arab American University before joining NVIDIA a year later. Behind that fast start lies a learning journey that began while he was still a student, with the Palestine Launchpad with Google programme delivered by Google, Udacity, and SPARK.

Faris first came across the programme on social media. What attracted his attention was the mix of relevant subject matter and serious support. He joined, in his words, “because of the high-demand topics it offered, the high-quality content, and the fully funded mentorship.”

Learning that builds on itself

Faris did not stop at one course. He began with the Intro to Machine Learning with TensorFlow Nanodegree, found it genuinely useful, and went straight on to a second Nanodegree in Data Analytics. “I enjoyed the learning experience and wanted to expand my skills even further,” he says.

The technical grounding proved helpful. “I built a strong theoretical foundation while applying what I learned through the hands-on labs and projects throughout the courses,” he explains. That combination of theory and practice carried directly into his work, and he found himself drawing on it across his AI courses, university labs, technical interviews, and personal projects.

Mentorship, Community, and Giving Back

For Faris, the value of the programme went well beyond the coursework. The networking events run for each cohort gave him the chance to connect with fellow students, instructors, and professionals, and helped build his confidence along the way. The career readiness support mattered too.

“It helped me improve my CV, interview skills, and professional confidence, making me better prepared for future job opportunities,” he says, adding that the programme continued to keep graduates in mind when sharing openings with hiring partners.

He also chose to give back. Faris was the club lead of the Google Developer Groups (GDG) on Campus and he volunteered at one of the programme’s events because he wanted to support the community that had supported him.

“It was a rewarding experience to be involved in organising and managing an event and to see it come together successfully behind the scenes,” he recalls. The experience made him appreciate the planning and teamwork behind events.

That sense of belonging is what stayed with him. “Being part of the Palestine Launchpad community means being surrounded by like-minded people who share similar interests and ambitions,” he reflects. “It gave me a supportive environment where I could exchange ideas, ask questions, and learn from others in my field.”

Reaching NVIDIA, and looking ahead

Faris landed his role at NVIDIA through his own efforts and job search. What the programme gave him was a foundation he could carry anywhere.

“With commitment, continuous learning, and consistent effort,” he says, “the programme can help you build the skills needed to reach opportunities at leading technology companies.”

His advice to other young Palestinians considering similar programmes is simple and direct.

“Don’t just enroll, commit to the learning process,” he urges. “Take the courses seriously, complete the projects, engage with the community, and make the most of every opportunity the programme offers.”

For Faris, that is the heart of it. “Palestine Launchpad is much more than a learning programme,” he says. “Beyond the technical content, it connects you with a supportive community, valuable initiatives, networking opportunities, and activities that can positively shape your personal and professional journey.”