As the world’s population shifts toward urban living, with more than half already residing in cities, the global health challenges of tomorrow are fast approaching. By 2050, nearly 70% of people will live in urban areas, and as cities swell, so will the need for smarter, sustainable solutions to keep communities healthy and thriving.
Ibraheem Alinur, CEO and Co-Founder of City Health Tech is leading this charge. His company focuses on improving public health by leveraging technology in practical, impactful ways. CHT is best known for its innovative handwashing devices, which provide health information while collecting data on hygiene behavior. The goal is simple: increase hand hygiene to prevent disease and create healthier environments in the spaces where people live and work. By using technology to tackle this everyday issue, Alinur believes we can reduce the spread of infectious diseases and build healthier communities worldwide.
Early Inspiration and Entrepreneurial Drive
Raised by a single mother who emigrated from the Caribbean, Alinur’s path to success began with hard work, self-reliance, and an insatiable curiosity. He credits much of his motivation to his mother, who encouraged him to pursue education and fostered a deep sense of responsibility from an early age.
At 17, Alinur joined MIT’s Minority Introduction to Technology, Engineering, and Science (MITES) program, an experience that fundamentally shaped his outlook. Surrounded by like-minded peers from diverse backgrounds, he realized his potential to attend a top-tier university—a goal that had previously seemed unattainable. Although he did not gain admission to MIT, this experience ignited his passion for innovation and problem-solving.
This drive led Alinur to seek out internships and opportunities wherever he could. One of the most significant was working with Kathy Chiu, Managing Director of DeepWork Capital. He met Chiu during an interview, and her involvement with startup funding fascinated him. Alinur, eager to learn more about the business world, sent her an email offering to intern for free. Soon, he found himself attending pitch meetings, soaking up knowledge, and building a network before he even finished high school.
Building City Health Tech
City Health Tech wasn’t Alinur’s first venture, but it has been his most successful. Before starting CHT, he launched several startups, learning valuable lessons from each failure and success. However, it was in 2017, during his undergraduate years, that he had the idea to focus on disease prevention. He saw how critical hand hygiene could be in reducing healthcare costs and preventing the spread of illnesses. The initial concept for CHT—a smart handwashing system—was born out of this realization.
“I knew we could make a difference if we improved handwashing behavior,” Alinur says. “Billions of dollars and millions of lives could be saved just by making sure people washed their hands properly.”
Alinur took a leap of faith and threw himself into building the company, driven by his passion for solving this problem. The result was a system that not only encourages better hygiene but also collects and analyzes data on handwashing habits. This data helps schools, businesses, and healthcare providers understand how to improve compliance and create healthier environments.
The Mindset of an Entrepreneur
For Alinur, entrepreneurship isn’t just a career—it’s a mindset. He believes that success in business comes from constant learning, building strong networks, and fostering a healthy work culture. Even before launching City Health Tech, Alinur had a habit of surrounding himself with people who challenged and inspired him. He found mentors, listened to experts, and continuously refined his vision by engaging with customers and stakeholders.
“I was balancing my undergrad studies with launching City Health Tech,” he recalls. “I had just finished another startup, which was an applicant tracking system for student groups. I also danced on the university’s competitive Indian folk team and worked as a magician on the side. Life was chaotic, but I thrived on the hustle.”
That hustle, combined with his ability to juggle multiple projects, laid the groundwork for City Health Tech’s early success. As the company grew, Alinur became more focused, refining his role as CEO. He now oversees strategic direction, talent acquisition, customer development, and fundraising, while maintaining a hands-on approach to problem-solving.
A Day in the Life of a CEO
Alinur’s daily routine begins with prayer and reading a few passages from the Quran to center himself. Once he’s grounded for the day, he prepares his coffee and writes out his top priorities. Much of his day is spent in meetings, whether with his co-founder and leadership team or with potential customers and partners. In between, he carves out time to read and stay current on trends that may affect the business in the coming years.
“No day is the same,” he says, “and that’s one of the best parts of running your own company. There’s always something new to tackle, some challenge to overcome.”
His hands-on leadership style extends to all aspects of the business, whether it’s developing new products, exploring strategic partnerships, or ensuring that City Health Tech continues to evolve with the market.
Defining Success
Success, to Alinur, is not just about financial growth. It’s about creating something of value and contributing to the community. He believes that real success comes from helping others and making a lasting impact.
“Being in a position to help others is how we change the world,” Alinur says. “It’s not about climbing to the top by yourself. It’s about bringing others with you and creating opportunities for those who might not have had them otherwise.”
This philosophy has guided his work at City Health Tech. By focusing on public health, Alinur is not only building a successful business but also addressing a critical issue that affects millions of lives. His goal is to create a lasting legacy—one that improves health outcomes and prevents disease on a global scale.
A Sustainable Future
Looking ahead, City Health Tech has ambitious goals. The company aims to scale its smart hygiene devices to schools, workplaces, and public spaces across the U.S. and beyond. They’ve set their sights on helping people wash a billion hands in the next three years. But Alinur’s vision extends beyond hygiene alone. He sees City Health Tech as a leader in creating healthier, more sustainable cities by working with government agencies, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders to address pressing global issues.
“We’re not just solving today’s problems,” he explains. “We’re building solutions for the future. Whether it’s public health, climate change, or resource management, we want to be part of the conversation.”
Alinur’s long-term vision for the company is to expand its role in improving public health through empathy, technology, and thoughtful design. He believes that with the right partnerships and innovation, City Health Tech can help shape healthier cities for generations to come.
Walking the Talk
As Alinur continues to lead City Health Tech through its next phase of growth, he remains committed to balancing his professional success with personal well-being. He’s learned the importance of setting boundaries, taking care of his health, and maintaining a strong support system. Daily walks with his wife help him clear his mind and keep his priorities in check.
Ultimately, Alinur’s story is one of perseverance, passion, and a commitment to making the world a better place. Through City Health Tech, he’s proving that technology can be a powerful tool in creating healthier, more sustainable communities—one clean hand at a time.
