MD Saifur Rahman Saikot’s contributions to energy efficiency have set him apart from his peers and established new benchmarks for the industry. Why? Because in the rapidly evolving world of both renewable and non-renewable energy, he proposes change through advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies.
Through his company, he pioneers “Reinforcement Learning with Digital Twins” to optimize energy production. By integrating real-time data with high-fidelity simulations, this approach enables adaptive control, predictive maintenance, and autonomous decision-making to maximize efficiency and minimize downtime. This method could be successfully applied to enhance energy production across sectors such as solar, wind, and oil and gas.
“What drives me most is the idea of building something new—whether it’s through machine learning or AI technologies—to make life easier,” MD Saifur explains.
The system is an advanced AI-driven approach that uses reinforcement learning algorithms to continuously analyze these simulations, making autonomous adjustments to improve efficiency, predict maintenance needs, and reduce downtime.
This technique is particularly powerful in energy production, where it enables adaptive control of solar, wind, and other renewable systems by learning from real-world conditions and dynamically optimizing performance.
He adds: “I like creating systems that reduce human error and automate tasks so people can focus on more meaningful and complex work.”
For MD Saifur, that drive has manifested in his work and achievements in the energy sector. While it is fulfilling, it can also be challenging, especially when trying to convince stakeholders to lean into the unfamiliar for the benefit of their companies.
MD Saifur says: “It can be challenging to convince stakeholders about a new technology. But by showing clear use cases and real results, incorporating the method of reinforcement learning with digital twins as part of Machine Learning AI gains their trust.”
A Track Record of Transformational Contributions
MD Saifur’s journey in the energy sector began with a simple yet profound mission: to solve complex energy problems with the power of machine learning and AI. From his earliest roles, he has worked tirelessly to create solutions that extend far beyond the immediate needs of his employers, impacting the broader field of energy and AI.
“Ever since I started my professional career in 2019, I’ve focused on making an impact wherever I work,” MD Saifur says. “I’ve always told my managers, ‘I don’t want to just work for the sake of working—I want to leave a mark.’"
At ICF, Inc., MD Saifur spearheaded the development of advanced automation tools that reduced data errors by 80%, saving clients tens of thousands of dollars annually. These tools have become templates for other companies seeking to optimize data migration and management processes.
His work earned him several awards, including the ICF Copper and Bronze Awards and the ICF Visionary Vanguard Awards.
With Sunnova Energy International, he developed dynamic analytical models that improved financial forecasting accuracy by 20%, a game-changer in how energy companies measure portfolio performance.
“When I design a solution, my goal isn’t just to meet today’s challenges,” MD Saifur explains. “I want to create frameworks that others in the industry can adopt and adapt to build a more efficient energy future.”
One of his most remarkable achievements is the creation of over 200 custom automation processes during his tenure at Energy Service Partners. These processes streamlined internal workflows and set a new standard for residential solar project management automation.
As well as this, he has built several custom software applications for energy stakeholders throughout the country.
At Energy Service Partners, MD Saifur had the opportunity to design and develop customized solar software and applications tailored to our subcontractors' unique needs.
These solutions addressed specific operational challenges, such as streamlining project workflows, automating repetitive tasks, and improving data accuracy across various processes.
By reducing manual errors and enabling more efficient resource allocation, these tools saved significant time and effort for the subcontractors and led to substantial cost savings. The improved operational efficiency translated into enhanced project delivery timelines and better resource utilization, ultimately boosting profitability and helping subcontractors achieve more success in their business operations.
This ability to think beyond immediate applications and anticipate future needs has established MD Saifur as a thought leader whose work benefits the entire renewable energy ecosystem.
Standing Above His Peers
MD Saifur's rise in the industry reflects his superior expertise and vision. While many professionals in the energy sector focus on incremental improvements, his work demonstrates an ability to envision and implement systemic change. His contributions have drawn the attention of high-level stakeholders, including investors, state agencies, and even government organizations.
Dr. Niaz Murshed Chowdry, Lead Research Specialist at the California Department of Public Health, praises MD Saifur’s innovative work for showing how well-advanced AI technologies can work together for global change.
“The impact of this work will not only advance the field of AI but also foster a new era of smart, efficient energy solutions that benefit society as a whole,” Chowdry says.
The interest in his work is not just anecdotal—it’s measurable. MD Saifur has been invited to collaborate on critical projects with federal and state agencies, including disaster recovery and energy optimization initiatives. His ability to bridge the gap between technical innovation and practical application has made him a sought-after partner for groundbreaking ventures.
This level of demand for his expertise is mirrored in his compensation. MD Saifur’s salary far exceeds the industry average, reflecting the value his skills bring to organizations and the trust stakeholders place in his capabilities.
Dr. Abu Farzan Mitul is a Research Associate at the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) within the U.S. Department of Energy. He sees MD Saifur’s proposal as one that aims to address the critical challenge of improving the efficiency and integration of energy systems.
“MD Saifur’s past contributions to the field of energy efficiency and artificial intelligence reflect a consistent trajectory of innovation and leadership,” Mitul says. “He advanced his career as a Project Manager at Energy Service Partners, Inc., where he successfully managed a portfolio of over 3,000 residential solar projects that contributed more than $25 million in revenue.”
A Journey of Knowledge and Excellence
MD Saifur’s impressive credentials are a testament to his commitment to continuous learning and excellence. He is pursuing a Ph.D. in Information Technology with a specialization in Artificial Intelligence at the University of the Cumberlands, with an expected completion date in 2027.
MD Saifur has also earned a Master of Science in Computer Science with a focus on Data Science from Fitchburg State University in August 2021.
Before that, he completed a Bachelor of Science in Economics at South Dakota State University in May 2019.
In addition to his academic achievements, MD Saifur holds certifications as a QuickBase Expert Builder, QuickBase App Builder, and QuickBase Pipelines Builder, showcasing his expertise in developing advanced applications and streamlining workflows using the QuickBase platform.
MD Saifur also maintains active memberships in prestigious organizations such as the American Solar Energy Society, IEEE Power & Energy Society and the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM).
While these credentials are noteworthy, they are only a tiny part of what differentiates MD Saifur.
“What truly drives me is the passion to make a difference,” he says. “Degrees and certifications open doors, but it’s the vision and execution that push boundaries.”
Bridging Technology and Collaboration
One of MD Saifur’s distinguishing qualities is his ability to collaborate across disciplines and inspire others to embrace innovative technologies. He is frequently invited to share his insights at conferences and workshops, where he speaks about the transformative potential impact of AI on the energy sector.
His work has also caught the eye of suppliers and investors eager to incorporate his AI-driven strategies into their operations: “MD Saifur’s understanding of ML, AI,and energy integration is unmatched,” says one industry stakeholder. “Working with him isn’t just about solving today’s problems—it’s about preparing for a better future.”
These collaborations have led to partnerships that extend beyond traditional employer-employee relationships, positioning MD Saifur as a pivotal figure in the AI and energy landscape.
Visions of A Sustainable Future
MD Saifur’s ambition doesn’t stop at his current roles. He is actively working to establish his own company, Digital Twins Energy LLC, which specializes in AI-driven optimization strategies for energy systems. This venture reflects his vision of creating scalable, efficient solutions that redefine how energy is produced and managed.
“My ultimate goal is to make the energy sector smarter and more accessible,” MD Saifur shares. “AI and ML can revolutionize this industry, and I want to ensure we harness their full potential for everyone's benefit.”
