I'm Claudien Niyigena. Through ABIRU Labs, I build AI frameworks, industrial tech ventures, and curriculum that prepare Houston's workforce for what's next. This is where strategy meets the shop floor.
MBA · AI Strategist · Industrial Operations
I spent years in the field, working turnarounds, confined space operations, automation, and robotics maintenance at USA DeBusk across Houston's refining and petrochemical corridor. That experience taught me what no classroom could: how industrial operations actually run, where they break down, and what the workforce really needs.
While completing my MBA in Finance at the University of Houston-Downtown, I began building what the industry was missing: structured frameworks for AI adoption that respect operational reality. The ABIRU Decision Framework and SOMA AI Methodology came from that intersection of hands-on industrial work and strategic thinking.
Today, through ABIRU Labs, I develop AI-powered products for industrial safety and workforce management, teach applied AI at the community college level, and create curriculum that prepares Houston's workforce for what's next.
Eight systems built from real-world implementation — spanning decision-making, AI mastery, governance, architecture, strategy, and leadership.
A structured decision-processing engine for high-stakes, complex, ambiguous decisions where intuition alone isn't enough. Think of it as the operating system for executive reasoning.
A structured learning and integration system that helps professionals systematically adopt AI capabilities that deliver strategic value, without needing technical expertise.
Purpose-built systems for governance, architecture, strategy, analytics, decision auditing, and leadership.
Two AI-powered platforms designed for Houston's industrial sector, where the real work happens.
AI-powered safety management for industrial operations. SafetySquare streamlines Job Safety Analysis, hazard identification, incident reporting, compliance tracking, and safety briefings, replacing fragmented manual processes with intelligent, connected workflows.
A skilled trades workforce platform built to replace the outdated staffing agency model across Houston's industrial corridor. LaborLink connects qualified tradespeople directly with contractors and plants through intelligent matching and workforce analytics.
Bringing real-world AI adoption into the classroom — designed for Houston-area community colleges and workforce development programs.
Houston's industrial sector is adopting AI rapidly, but the workforce lacks structured training in how to apply these tools practically and safely. My curriculum bridges that gap directly, combining industrial operations expertise with applied AI methodology developed through real-world implementation.
The Applied AI Adoption for Business & Industry certificate series is built around the ABIRU and SOMA frameworks, giving students not just AI literacy, but structured systems they can apply immediately in their roles across process technology, safety supervision, operations, and workforce management.
Available as 3-credit courses, 16-hour CEU modules, or custom workforce development formats. Open to all experience levels.
Strategic AI adoption using the ABIRU Decision Framework for industrial and business contexts.
Hands-on AI integration in industrial workflows using the SOMA AI Methodology.
Building AI-powered ventures — featuring SafetySquare and LaborLink as live case studies.
Articles on AI adoption, industrial operations, and building in the age of AI.
When a plant or refinery undergoes a major retrofit, leadership faces a critical test of commitment and vision.
Read on LinkedIn →When factories and plants introduce robots, they don't just install technology — they reshape how humans work.
Read on LinkedIn →Manufacturing leaders wouldn't dream of running a refinery or plant on generic, one-size-fits-all solutions.
Read on LinkedIn →Manufacturing leaders know this truth well: no plant, refinery, or production line runs on bad inputs.
Read on LinkedIn →Part 3 of the Building Robust Products in the Age of AI series — balancing speed with responsibility.
Read on LinkedIn →Part 2 of the series — once you've defined your purpose, the real work begins: building for the AI era.
Read on LinkedIn →Sharing what I learn, build, and think about on LinkedIn.
Whether you're a college looking for an adjunct instructor, an industrial employer exploring AI adoption, or a professional ready to level up, I'd like to hear from you.
I'm based in Houston, Texas, at the center of the nation's industrial corridor. Open to teaching engagements, consulting conversations, partnership opportunities, and connecting with anyone building at the intersection of AI and industry.