Engineering Innovation Into Strategy: Meet Amith Harsha

From biomedical engineering labs to AI strategy consulting, Amith Harsha has built a career at the intersection of research, technology and business. Now, as a member of the Rice Executive MBA Class of 2026, he’s focused on turning technical expertise into transformative leadership. Continue reading Amith’s profile to learn more about his journey and his goals.

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Tell us a little about your career and background.

I’m the founder of 99th Centile, an AI strategy consulting firm I recently launched to provide strategic AI leadership that elevates organizations to the top 1% of performance and innovation. We help organizations navigate AI transformation thoughtfully, focusing on governance, implementation strategy and building capabilities that deliver sustainable competitive advantage.

My career spans a diverse journey from biomedical engineering research to AI implementation at startups and Fortune 500 companies. Recent experiences highlighted my need for better alignment between expertise and organizational skills, and I realized it was time to explore new opportunities in Houston –- where my wife and I reside with our six-year-old son and two labradors (having finally settled after years of cross-country moves).

Education: I have a Master of Science in biomedical engineering from Wright State University and a Bachelor of Engineering in electronics and electrical engineering from India. I’ve also earned multiple patents and have publications in medical imaging and AI applications from stints at the University of Kansas, Johns Hopkins University, National Institutes of Health and Intel. My work was recognized with an EB1 green card, securing U.S. residency as an Outstanding Researcher.

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Before launching 99th Centile, I worked in various senior technical and client-facing roles across AI and data analytics companies, most recently focusing on enterprise AI solutions and customer success across healthcare, energy and financial services. My experience at Intel, where I earned patents and led technical initiatives, provided valuable insights into systematic organizational excellence that now inform my consulting approach.

What is a fun fact about you?

I’ve lived in six different states, visited 42 states total and have moved across the country four times. I completed the MS150 cycling challenge last year, and I love cooking up a storm in the kitchen — whipping up cuisines from different countries and cultures.

Why did you choose Rice Business?

After years of moving across the country, Houston has become our home, especially with my wife practicing as an oncologic endocrinologist at MD Anderson. Attending Rice was a no-brainer. Being ranked No. 1 in entrepreneurship perfectly aligns with my consulting practice launch. The location across from the Texas Medical Center opens doors to healthcare innovation, and Rice’s involvement with The Ion and the Innovation District connects me directly to Houston’s startup ecosystem.

I reached a crossroad in my career where I felt the need to reinvent my professional role, using my diverse experiences to offer innovative yet efficient solutions to help businesses with their needs. An MBA from Rice Business will empower me with the principles of running a business, allowing me to offer strategic solutions to clients seeking technical expertise in the booming world of AI. I want to embed myself in Houston’s market, and Rice represents the gateway to everything this city’s innovation ecosystem offers.

Why did you choose our Executive MBA program?

The Executive MBA format allows me to develop the strategic business acumen I need for senior leadership roles while remaining flexible about my career path. My technical background is strong, but I want systematic frameworks for leadership and business strategy. The EMBA’s experienced cohort means learning from peers who’ve faced similar challenges, and the diverse professional backgrounds create rich perspectives that enhance every classroom discussion. The program structure supports working professionals exploring new opportunities — from senior roles to consulting to other ventures.

How are you feeling about starting your MBA? What are you most looking forward to?

I’m energized about this new horizon. Starting school for the first time since 2006 brings a mix of excitement and anticipation, but I’m most looking forward to the collaborative learning environment with such a diverse, experienced cohort. What excites me most is the opportunity to tackle real-world business challenges alongside classmates who bring different industry perspectives, and to develop systematic leadership frameworks while building lasting professional relationships in Houston’s innovation community.

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How was your experience during launch week? What were your first impressions of the program and your classmates?

Launch Week exceeded my expectations. Rice Business did an outstanding job socializing our cohort beforehand, so I had already connected with a few future classmates. The admissions team was incredibly approachable and made me feel like I truly belonged at Rice. By the end of the week, 42 strangers had transformed into a tight-knit group looking forward to the next two years together, bright-eyed and eager to learn from one another. I had spent an entire week learning and meeting new people while having so much fun — whether through team building activities like building bikes or creating anti-crushing outfits for eggs — just by connecting with the class of 2026. 

Amith Harsha is an Executive MBA student in the Class of 2027.