The University of Balamand proudly celebrates the achievements of its alumni Rodolph Khlat (BS in Computer Engineering, 2019; MS in Computer Engineering, 2021) and Hanna Daoud (BS in Computer Engineering, 2020), who are co-founders of Smartr AI and have developed the official mobile app for Lebanon’s Ministry of Tourism.

This platform is an AI-powered travel companion designed to help visitors and the Lebanese diaspora discover the country’s rich cultural, historical, and natural treasures. The app offers location-aware recommendations, an AI assistant in Arabic, English, and French, a custom trip planner and itinerary builder, and the ability to save and share favorite spots. What makes it truly unique is its community-driven content, supplied directly by Lebanese businesses, local guides, and cultural institutions, making it a platform built by and for the Lebanese.

The app was commissioned through an RFP by OMSITAI (Office of the Minister of State for IT & AI). Among three shortlisted companies, Smartr AI, in collaboration with Razor Capital, won the bid and successfully delivered the platform in just 8 weeks. The system includes three layers:

• • A Mobile App for travelers and diaspora.
• • A Contributor Web App for guides, cafés, guesthouses, and SMBs to list and manage content.
• • An Admin Dashboard for the Ministry to approve, verify, and track content while gaining real-time visitor insights.

This innovative platform not only enhances the discoverability of Lebanon’s hidden gems and small businesses but also positions the country as a digitally ready tourism destination. It simplifies travel planning for millions, supports local businesses by providing them a free storefront, and delivers real-time intelligence to the Ministry, enabling smarter tourism promotion and policy-making.

Rodolph and Hanna’s achievement reflects the University of Balamand’s commitment to nurturing talented engineers capable of delivering impactful, real-world solutions that contribute to Lebanon’s growth and innovation. ​