- Blueprint AI Founding Team

Our Team

Led by academic pioneers and industry professionals, our founding team is committed to advancing the future of AI in building compliance.

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Our founding team is committed and proud to be leading the future of AI-driven drawing review in building compliance.

Dr. Hao Liang, PhD

Co-founder, CEO

Dr. Hao Liang is a tenured Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Alberta and the Canada Research Chair in Intelligent Energy Systems. With more than a decade of expertise in artificial intelligence and energy systems, he has published over 130 peer-reviewed papers and earned multiple awards for research excellence.

Over the course of his academic career, Dr. Liang has led research programs that have secured in excess of CAD $9 million in external funding (of which he has held a direct share of roughly 35 %). His work bridges theory and practice: his research has been adopted by more than 15 industry partners, underscoring his commitment to deploying AI solutions in real-world settings.

As CEO of Blueprint AI, Dr. Hao Liang leads the company’s strategic direction and technological vision. Recognized as one of Canada’s foremost AI researchers, he drives the development of advanced compliance technologies rooted in deep technical expertise and academic rigor. Under his leadership, Blueprint AI continues to push the boundaries of AI-assisted drawing review, translating state-of-the-art research into practical solutions that serve architects, engineers, and regulators alike.

With active roles in both academia and industry, Dr. Liang bridges the worlds of scholarly innovation and commercial application. He mentors graduate students and postdoctoral researchers in fields spanning intelligent energy systems, cyber physical security, stochastic optimization, and AI for smart infrastructure, advancing knowledge that shapes the future of intelligent, data-driven design.

Jacqueline Deng, MBA

Co-founder, COO & CFO

Jacqueline is an accomplished executive with over 8 years of experience in real estate development and finance. Holding an MBA with a focus on finance and strategy, She brings a strong foundation in financial planning, investment analysis, and operational leadership.

Throughout her career, Ms. Deng has led large-scale development projects, managed multi-billion-dollar budgets, and implemented systems that enhance efficiency and profitability. She is highly knowledgeable in municipal zoning bylaws and real estate development processes, providing valuable insights that drive project success and compliance.

As COO & CFO, she leverages a strategic mindset and financial acumen to drive growth, optimize operations, and support long-term business success.

Dr. Yuan Liu, PhD

Co-founder, CTO

Dr. Yuan Liu is a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Alberta and an accomplished AI scientist whose research spans artificial intelligence, smart contracts, and quantum algorithms. With an exceptional interdisciplinary foundation in computing and emerging technologies, he develops innovative methods that bridge theoretical discovery with practical application.

As one of Canada’s promising researchers in AI and quantum computing, Dr. Liu has contributed pioneering work that advances the efficiency and reliability of intelligent systems. His achievements have been recognized with the Outstanding Paper Award at the 2023 IEEE Canadian Conference on Electrical and Computer Engineering, highlighting his leadership in next-generation computational intelligence.

As Chief Technology Officer of Blueprint AI, Dr. Liu drives the company’s technical vision with a focus on scientific rigor, innovation, and real-world impact. His deep expertise in AI and algorithm design underpins Blueprint AI’s mission to create fast, dependable, and intelligent compliance solutions for the global building industry.

Barry Qiu, P.Eng. (CP, CFPS, AlFireE, CSSGB)

Co-founder, Advisor

Barry is a highly technical and passionate professional engineer with deep industry knowledge in fire and life safety. Over the past decade, Mr. Qiu has worn many hats, serving as a contractor, consultant, designer, and authority having jurisdiction. His diverse experience enables him to deliver practical, Code-compliant solutions to unconventional and complex projects, including several multi-billion dollar projects.

In addition to his Building Code expertise, Barry maintains familiarity with related design disciplines, including sprinkler, structural, mechanical, and electrical systems so that projects are coordinated holistically. Mr. Qiu has a strong affinity for learning and expanding his knowledge in his spare time, during which he obtained the Certified Professional and Certified Fire.

Protection Specialist designations, two of the most prestigious credentials in the fire and life safety sector. Barry’s photographic memory has made him a walking Building Code encyclopedia and allows him to excel at drawing reviews.

As an advisor to Blueprint AI, Barry brings his engineering expertise to advance the next generation of AI-assisted drawing review. His involvement is paramount in bridging the gap between professional practice and emerging innovation, guiding the development of AI tools that reinforce real-world constructability and Code compliance, while preserving the essential role of professional judgment exercised by architects, engineers, and authorities having jurisdiction.