Waqar Hussain Wins 2025 HBW Spirit of Entrepreneurship Award
Waqar Hussain ’25, a student at Syracuse University’s Whitman School of Management and CEO of Icon Pro Solutions, has been honored with the 2025 Hunter Brooks Watson (HBW) Spirit of Entrepreneurship Award. This recognition celebrates Waqar’s leadership, creativity, and commitment to building meaningful, tech-driven solutions.
Chosen from a competitive group of student entrepreneurs at Syracuse, Waqar stood out for his ability to turn innovative ideas into real impact proving that business, when guided by purpose, can be a powerful tool for change.
What the HBW Spirit of Entrepreneurship Award Means
The HBW Award honors the memory of Hunter Brooks Watson, a young entrepreneur who believed in using creativity and technology to improve the world. It is given to students who demonstrate:
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Resilience in overcoming challenges
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Initiative in launching real-world solutions
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Purpose in aligning entrepreneurship with community value
Waqar’s journey embodies these values through his leadership at Icon Pro Solutions and the development of practical, scalable tech platforms.
The Vision Behind Icon Pro Solutions and Iconnic Cloud
As the CEO of Icon Pro Solutions, a software company headquartered in Syracuse, NY, Waqar leads a team focused on building accessible digital tools and training the next generation of tech professionals.
Icon Pro Solutions offers:
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Custom web app development
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UI/UX design services
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Developer and design training programs, especially in underserved areas like Quetta, Pakistan
One of the company’s signature products is Iconnic Cloud a lightweight, intuitive platform designed for small businesses and educational institutions. Iconnic Cloud simplifies file storage, project management, and digital collaboration, providing a cost-effective solution for growing organizations.
Waqar’s leadership ensures that Icon Pro doesn’t just build for clients they build for real-world use, helping others take their first step into the digital economy.
A Student Entrepreneur Making Real-World Impact
Beyond his academic life, Waqar’s entrepreneurial efforts have helped startups grow, supported local students through tech education, and delivered cloud-based solutions to clients across borders.
His story shows that you don’t need to wait until graduation to start building something meaningful.
What’s Ahead
Waqar plans to continue growing Icon Pro Solutions and expanding the reach of Iconnic Cloud. With a strong foundation and a clear purpose, his focus remains on creating accessible tools that empower people no matter where they live.
His recognition through the HBW Award is a reminder that with consistency, curiosity, and courage, student entrepreneurs can change the world starting right now.