Dr Alexander Mikhalev

An experienced technical leader and innovator with a focus on data, engineering, AI and ML

An experienced technical leader and innovator with a focus on data, engineering, AI and ML. Capable of taking innovation from idea to production by building a complete platform with a whole lifecycle and corresponding organisation. Deep knowledge in AI/ML, data privacy, synthetic data, distributed data, natural language processing, search engines, sensors, and wired/wireless networks. Key positions include AI lead architect at Nationwide, UK Ministry of Defence, and CTO & Head of AI at Zestic AI.

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Featured Projects

Terraphim AI

Terraphim AI

Privacy-first, deterministic AI assistant built with Rust. 56-crate workspace featuring knowledge graph learning systems, Aho-Corasick text matching, multi-agent orchestration, and MCP server integration. Operates entirely on local infrastructure.

RustAIKnowledge GraphsMCP
The Pattern

The Pattern

Machine Learning NLP pipeline for knowledge discovery using Redis ecosystem. Combines VR/AR interfaces with AI to fight information complexity and enable spatial information exploration.

RedisNLPPythonVR/AR
Blockchain-Inspired Distributed System

Blockchain-Inspired Distributed System

Led team to build innovative distributed system resulting in a technology patent. Demonstrated systematic approach to innovation and ability to inspire teams to achieve breakthrough results.

DistributedBlockchainPatent
Loan Management Platform

Loan Management Platform

Full-stack loan management platform with Rust/WASM financial calculations, borrower portal, CRM integration, and immutable audit trails. Eight microservices with event-driven architecture.

RustWASMFintechMicroservices
Digital Synthetic Twins

Digital Synthetic Twins

Rust-based platform providing high-fidelity mock implementations of third-party APIs for offline development, deterministic testing, and cost-free experimentation. Drop-in compatible with official SDKs.

RustAPITestingAxum
Signal Intelligence Service Layer

Signal Intelligence Service Layer

Service layer migration integrating AI capabilities with existing signal intelligence infrastructure. Bedrock integration with automated deployment pipeline.

AIMigrationService Layer
TruthForge

TruthForge

Bias detection and narrative intelligence platform for responsible AI validation. Debate arena for multi-perspective analysis with structured verdict framework.

AI EthicsBias DetectionResponsible AI

Technical Expertise

AI & Data Science

  • Natural Language Processing
  • Machine Learning
  • Knowledge Graphs
  • Deep Learning (BERT, T5)

Systems & Infrastructure

  • Distributed Systems
  • Redis Ecosystem
  • Enterprise Architecture
  • Cyber-Physical Systems

Languages & Tools

  • Python
  • Rust
  • Graph Databases
  • VR/AR Development

Specialisations

  • Data Privacy & Security
  • Synthetic Data
  • AI Ethics
  • Sensor Networks

Key Achievements

CTO & Head of AI

Zestic AI | Sept 2023 - Present

AI-native consultancy architecting intelligent systems for private equity and scaling companies. Leading the AI Dark Factory infrastructure, Zestic Development Process (6D lifecycle), and delivery of AI-native platforms across finance, fintech, healthcare and industrials.

Tech Lead / AI/ML Architect

Nationwide Building Society | Dec 2018 - Sept 2023

AI/ML architect, working closely with innovation and venturing team and data & analytics community. Working on privacy-preserving techniques for machine learning models, synthetic data and digital twins.

Head of Prototyping Engineering

Nationwide Building Society | Jan 2017 - Jan 2018

Enabled Prototyping Engineering capability inside Nationwide. Led the team to create a prototype of new infrastructure to build a digital distributed organisation - powered by blockchain and Machine Learning algorithms. Invented and patented a new type of distributed storage, complementary to existing cloud/on-prem infrastructure.

Tech Lead

Nationwide Building Society | Jan 2014 - Jan 2017

Tech lead working closely with Architecture and Engineering, leading the team of technical architects and systems designers delivering change across the building society in Digital, AML/Fraud, HR, Data and Analytics portfolios.

Head of Architecture and Development

Shopitize Ltd | Nov 2011 - Dec 2014

Most senior technology professional, aligning business strategy with technology and product development. Building large-scale innovative IT infrastructure. Supervising Software Architects and developers.

Research Fellow

Cranfield University / UK Ministry of Defence | May 2007 - Dec 2009

Development of new methods for wireless and wired communications, novel sensor networks and data fusion for in-vehicle sensor networks funded by IVHM consortium led by Rolls Royce and Boeing. Research conducted at the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom.

IT/IS Executive

Microsharp Corporation Limited | Feb 2003 - May 2007

Design, development and testing of IT and phone infrastructure, created fully automated and redundant IT infrastructure.

Co-founder and Editor-in-chief

System Administrator magazine (samag.ru) | Feb 2002 - Feb 2003

Responsible for developing and controlling the publishing process. Management of a small team (5-8 employees) ensuring timely delivery to the printer.

Connect

Interested in collaborating on the convergence of AI, ethics, and systems engineering? Let's discuss how we can build the future of intelligent systems together.

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/alexmikhalev
GitHub: github.com/AlexMikhalev
Website: metacortex.engineer
Blog: sci-blog.com

Areas of Interest:

Natural Language Processing, Knowledge Graphs, VR/AR Interfaces, Data Privacy, Synthetic Data, Distributed Systems, AI Ethics, Healthcare AI, Biotech Applications, Enterprise Architecture

"Meta needs Brain -- Cortex: combining AI, ethics, systems and enterprise engineering to solve real-world complexity."