John Akinboyewa

John Akinboyewa, Engineer, Innovator, Artist and Social Entrepreneur, TheHungreeApp.com, USA.

John Akinboyewa, P.E., is an accomplished petroleum engineer, visionary social entrepreneur, and multi-talented creative whose work spans various industries and disciplines. With expertise in engineering, software development, and a passion for addressing some of the world’s most pressing problems, he has devoted his life to applying his technical prowess and leadership skills to create a positive global impact. Whether in oil and gas reservoir management or in his groundbreaking efforts to combat food insecurity and waste through The HungreeApp, he exemplifies the convergence of innovation, community service, and technical excellence.

Born in Nigeria, John’s early years were defined by a blend of resourcefulness and community spirit. Growing up in a household with sporadic access to basic utilities like electricity and water, he and his family learned to make the most of limited resources. For only a few months each year, they had access to public electricity, and even then, it was unreliable, available for only a few days at a time. These challenges forged in him a sense of innovation and the importance of community solidarity. A transformative event in his childhood was when his family drilled a water borehole in their yard, allowing them to provide clean water not only for themselves but also for their neighbors. By running a water line to the fence outside their property, they ensured that the community could access water whenever it was available. This act of sharing became a powerful metaphor for him, demonstrating that communities are stronger when they collaborate and share resources. It was the genesis of his belief in “villages”—close-knit communities working together to support one another—a concept that would later inspire the design of The HungreeApp’s village-based food-sharing model.

Even as a child, John exhibited an extraordinary aptitude for technology and problem-solving. By the age of six, he began programming in BASIC, laying the foundation for his future as an engineer and innovator. While his early academic focus was on STEM subjects, he also nurtured a deep love for the arts, especially music. Lacking access to a proper piano, he taught himself music theory on a small toy keyboard that could only play one note at a time. Undeterred, he moved to London, where within just a short period of formal music lessons, he quickly translated his theoretical knowledge into practical skills. Within months, he had gain proficiency on the piano, organized concerts, performed, sung, and taught others how to play piano. His gift for music was evident, but even more remarkable was his willingness to share his knowledge with others. Throughout high school and college, he continued to teach piano to friends and students, demonstrating his belief that talent, like resources, should be shared for the benefit of the community.

John’s academic journey was equally impressive. At just 10 years old, after noticing that he was growing bored with traditional schooling, his father arranged for him to attend university in Nigeria. He had already been tutoring high school seniors in calculus, and despite moving between schools and being placed in grades that didn’t match his advanced skill level, he excelled academically. By 16, he was enrolled at the Colorado School of Mines, one of the most prestigious engineering institutions in the world, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering. During his time in university, John served as a mentor and guide to many young people, particularly through collaborations with National Society of Black Engineers (@NSBE) and @Lockheed Martin, where he taught students about engineering, rockets, and robotics. Proudly, his guidance and mentorship has let to many students graduating with their own successful careers in STEM. After completing his undergraduate studies, he began working for a world-class engineering construction firm, @Kiewit, where within months of employment, he improved and automated several processes and workflows for himself and several of the company’s engineers. However, his thirst for knowledge and desire to tackle complex engineering challenges led him back to the Colorado School of Mines for graduate studies, where he pursued a Master’s degree in Petroleum Engineering. There, he applied his programming and analytical skills to oil and gas reservoir simulation development, focusing on advanced simulation models to optimize oil and gas recovery—a field that would become central to his professional career.

John’s career trajectory took him across the globe, where he worked in various engineering roles in Colorado, Utah, Chicago, North Dakota, South Dakota, Texas, Nigeria, London, and Saudi Arabia. Since 2006, he has been at the forefront of reservoir engineering and simulation, working on some of the most complex and high-stakes oil and gas projects worldwide. His expertise encompasses a wide range of technical areas, including reservoir management, production optimization, economic analysis, and software development. As a licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) and @Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE)-Certified Engineer, he has led multidisciplinary teams in developing and managing subsurface studies. His efforts have been instrumental in advancing reservoir simulation technologies, designing custom software solutions that enhance field management, production forecasting, and economic planning. His work has helped major oil companies, including @Marathon Oil, @Saudi Aramco, and @NNPC, optimize their exploration and development projects, leading to significant increases in production and financial returns. He has also played a key role in oil and gas litigation, providing expert witness services in cases involving complex technical and economic evaluations. His expertise has been sought in both domestic and international arenas, where he has provided consulting services and led training programs for engineers and managers in reservoir management, risk analysis, and asset evaluation. Among his many achievements, his pioneering work in numerical reservoir simulation has earned him recognition in the field of Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR). His research on polymer-augmented waterflooding, steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD), and unconventional gas reservoirs has been published in leading industry publications and presented at international conferences, including in Bahrain.

While John’s technical career has been nothing short of extraordinary, he has never lost his passion for the arts. During graduate school, he took acting classes and soon found himself performing in films. His talent in this area led to his involvement in projects showcased at prestigious international festivals, such as the Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival and the Cannes Film Festival. He continues to engage in the arts, performing in music concerts, singing, and playing both the guitar and piano. His deep love for music and performance has not only provided a creative outlet but also allowed him to connect with diverse audiences. In 2025, he will take his passion for acting to the next level by starring as part of the main characters in a feature film set to air in theaters and on streaming platforms.

John’s diverse background in engineering, software development, and community service all came together in his latest venture, The HungreeApp. This app, which he designed to address food insecurity, food waste/pollution, mental health challenges, and social isolation, is a pioneering solution that leverages technology to create a more equitable and sustainable world. Inspired by his early experiences of community sharing in Nigeria, The HungreeApp connects food providers—restaurants, caterers, individuals, and local communities—with people in need, known as “Hungrees.” By redistributing surplus food that would otherwise go to waste, the app not only addresses hunger but also promotes environmental sustainability by reducing food waste. Its unique village model allows users to form tight-knit communities where food can be shared among trusted groups. These “Hungree Villages” echo the collaborative spirit that he witnessed growing up, where neighbors supported one another in times of need. By fostering these connections, The HungreeApp not only feeds people but also helps alleviate social isolation, promoting mental wellness and a sense of belonging.

Aligned with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including Zero Hunger and Responsible Consumption and Production, The HungreeApp has garnered attention from international dignitaries and local governments. It has been featured in The Denver Post, and discussions with the Colorado Department of Higher Education and international ambassadors have highlighted its potential for global impact. To further his mission, John founded HungreeFreeWorld, a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding the reach of The HungreeApp’s goals. Through this nonprofit, he aims to provide food, nutritional support, and community-building resources to vulnerable populations worldwide. Together, The HungreeApp and HungreeFreeWorld represent a scalable, adaptable solution to some of humanity’s most pressing issues: hunger, waste, and isolation.