Iqbal Quadir

Iqbal Quadir is a pioneering academic and entrepreneur known for his work in technology-based, for-profit entrepreneurship aimed at economic empowerment in low-income communities. He has been affiliated with both Harvard Kennedy School and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he held the title of Professor of Practice. Quadir founded the Legatum Center for Development and Entrepreneurship at MIT, mentoring over 200 student entrepreneurs, and co-founded the MIT Press journal Innovations, which focuses on entrepreneurial solutions to global challenges.

Research Interests:

• Technology-driven economic development
• Mobile network operators and financial inclusion
• Entrepreneurial ecosystems in emerging markets
• Impact of connectivity on poverty alleviation
• Digital financial services

Scientific Awards:

• Distinguished Fellow

Quadir’s career bridges academia and practice. At Harvard Kennedy School (2001–2005), he began teaching entrepreneurial approaches to development, later continuing this work at MIT (2005–present). He co-founded the journal Innovations to disseminate scalable solutions to poverty. His academic role at MIT involved directing the Legatum Center, which has prepared 200 MIT student entrepreneurs since its inception. His legacy is marked by integrating rigorous academic mentorship with transformative real-world ventures like Grameenphone and bKash.