Malik Uzair, a ninth-grade student, has carved a niche for himself in the emerging tech ecosystem by developing 31 mobile applications and a website at the age of 13.

Uzair's journey into coding and app development began in 2021. At the time, he was trying to understand how mobile apps and websites work.

His first inspiration came when he saw a friend of his father working on app development. He lived close to his house in the Saidpora area of Eidgah in the downtown. That moment aroused Uzair’s curiosity; he wanted to know "what goes on behind the screen."

"I was very curious to know how everything worked," says Uzair. "That curiosity inspired me to learn on my own," he said in an interview.

Uzair turned to the internet for learning. YouTube tutorials, online learning platforms, and advanced courses became his classroom. Over the past few years, he completed more than a dozen online courses related to web development and mobile application development.

Uzair Malik

He says the beginning wasn't easy. “I was young and found many concepts difficult to grasp, but because I had a genuine interest in IT, I didn't give up,” says Uzair.

Uzair began his journey by creating mini-apps for hotel and vehicle booking. These apps aimed to allow the locals to book hotels or vehicles from the comfort of their homes. Several hotel-based applications are currently undergoing verification and are expected to go live on app stores soon.

Inspired by the growing influence of AI (Artificial Intelligence), Uzair also ventured into chatbot development. To date, he has created at least seven AI chatbots, ranging from basic conversation to utility-based assistants.

"AI is the future. I wanted to understand how it works and how it could be used to help people," says Uzair.

Uzair's projects aren't just commercial. He's also developed an SIS (School Information System) for two schools. This system allows schools to digitally manage online attendance, fee management, tracking outstanding fees, and submitting homework. Currently, these apps are invite-only and have limited use.

Uzair's most ambitious project is "Freevance," which is currently available as a web-based platform and will soon be launched as a mobile app. Freevance is designed on a no-commission model.

While other freelancing platforms charge commissions of 10%–20%, Freevance allows you to apply for jobs for a small fee of just ₹10 or ₹20. Jobs in graphic design, logo design, web development, and other IT skills are available. In the future, the platform will also support the buying and selling of digital assets.

Uzair Malik with his mother

"My goal is to ensure there's no additional burden on small operators and young people. Technology should be a help, not a hindrance," says Uzair.

Speaking about the social climate in Kashmir, Uzair believes that the proper use of technology is more important today than ever.  “Many young people today misuse their phones or fall into bad habits. If those same phones are used to learn skills and create something, technology can be a boon,” he says.

Uzair credits his parents for his success. Initially, their family wasn't aware of the depth of his passion, but over time, they provided their full support. "My parents always stood by me, no matter what the difficulties," Uzair says.

Through Freevance and other projects, Uzair has also worked with clients in Canada and the USA. He believes that skill matters more than age.  “People in foreign countries don't look at age; they only look at the quality of work,” he says.

For his future studies, Uzair dreams of attending an IIT. He's also working on an AI-based video editing app that will allow users to edit videos simply by entering prompts.

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Uzair has a clear message for young people:  "Never think, 'I can't do it.' With dedication, anything is possible."  He also recommends the "Apna College" YouTube channel for learning IT skills.