Nizar Jaffer Somji

2025 Northern Alberta Business Hall of Fame Inductees

Headshot Nizar Somji

Nizar Jaffer Somji’s path from engineer to transformative entrepreneur and community leader is defined by vision, resilience, and a drive to build lasting impact.

After earning an electrical engineering degree from the University of Birmingham and a master’s in chemical engineering from the University of Alberta, Nizar launched Matrikon Inc. in 1988. What began as a one-person consultancy became a global leader in industrial automation, with operations on six continents and over 600 employees. In 2010, Matrikon was acquired by Honeywell for $144 million.

Building on that success, Nizar founded the Jaffer Group of Companies, a diversified enterprise spanning construction, hospitality, real estate, and consulting. With operations in Canada, the U.S., and Portugal, the group has invested over $130 million in Alberta, creating hundreds of jobs and fueling economic growth.

In 2024, Nizar was elected Chancellor of the University of Alberta, reflecting his long-standing commit-ment to education and social impact. His philanthropic efforts include funding engineering research chairs and serving on the University’s board of governors.

To JA students, Nizar shares: “Think big, embrace challenges, and never stop learning. That’s where the real growth happens.”