Akhtar Badshah, PhD

Akhtar is an innovation catalyst, educator, author, artist, strategic thinker, entrepreneur, and accomplished speaker. 

Through my work I am helping individuals and organizations to bend the arc of humanity towards a better world.

A seasoned executive with over 30 years of experience in international development managing a corporate philanthropic program and co-founding a global nonprofit on social enterprise.  Badshah has also taught architecture and urban development at MIT and is a published author, and an acclaimed international speaker.   His expertise is in the area of social entrepreneurship, corporate social responsibility, information technology for development (ICT4D) and creating opportunities for youth.

Akhtar is the Founder and Chief Catalyst of Catalytic Innovators Group a new consulting firm that is providing:

  •  Strategic Consulting

We work with corporations, NGOs and development organizations that are ready to innovative.  We help define the vision, provide direction, engage stakeholders and develop effective partnerships.  Read more about ourwork with Trust for the Americas, Global Impact and others.  

  •  Developing Leaders

We create an exclusive and intensive experience that brings together nonprofit, business, and government leaders to discover solutions that reach the next level of impact. Learn about the Seattle Philanthropy Forum, where we are curating and convening a global exchange for emerging and committed philanthropists.

  • Teaching and Training

    We work with universities and educational institutions to establish a hands-on, immersive catalytic innovation laboratory.  Read more about what are building with the University of Washington for undergraduate and graduate students who are ready to be social innovators and entrepreneurs.

We are excited to lend our complement of skills, discipline, expertise and experience to cultivate effective philanthropy and catalyze impact.  Learn more about Catalytic Innovators Group through our website where we foster collaboration and share our findings through articles, blogs and case studies.