PhD Researcher decoding how talent, patents, and capital flow across Europe. Helping policymakers, investors, and founders build stronger innovation networks.
Recent work on ecosystem connectivity, application of generative AI, entrepreneurship networks and case studies in international education.
A novel methodological approach using generative AI to map granular founder journeys across African ecosystems, revealing patterns invisible to traditional survey methods.
Read on SSRNSix-step methodology achieving 70-99% efficiency improvements in enterprise contexts.
Coming SoonAnalysis of building cross-university entrepreneurship networks impacting 300+ students.
View Case StudyGuided by leading scholars in strategy, innovation economics, and entrepreneurship.
Professor of International Strategy
Supervisor/Promoter
KU Leuven
View ProfileProfessor of Strategy & Entrepreneurship
Co-Supervisor
Utrecht University
View ProfileAssistant Professor
Co-Supervisor
KU Leuven
View ProfileKU Leuven & Utrecht University
Investigating inter-ecosystem connectivity and entrepreneurial mobility across European regions.
Ignite Hub Africa
Providing strategic support to the Ignite Research Academy management team to drive key initiatives. Advising on partnerships to align with organizational goals and enhance operational effectiveness.
European Network for AI Safety (ENAIS)
Facilitated a 12-week intensive AI Governance program using BlueDot Impact curriculum. Guided participants through AI policy development, risk mitigation strategies, and real-world policy analysis.
Mobile Edge AI Lab, Carnegie Mellon University Africa
Co-designed the "GenAI Inside" methodology for enterprise AI adoption, achieving 70–99% efficiency gains across 4 use cases. Led a 4-person team completing 4 high-impact automation initiatives within 6 weeks. Published at IEEE AIxB 2025.
From data engineering and AI systems to ecosystem building and policy platforms — projects with real-world impact.
Built a full ETL pipeline and relational database to help a venture capital client identify high-potential cancer therapy patents. Normalized 269,353 USPTO records into a 6-table PostgreSQL schema, then ran 10 analytical procedures uncovering domain momentum, NIH-to-FDA translation gaps, and cross-domain innovation patterns.
Developed a conversational RAG system for real-time policy engagement with national AI strategies from Kenya, Nigeria, and Rwanda. Built with LangChain, MongoDB Atlas Vector Search, and OpenAI — featuring semantic retrieval of 1,000-character document chunks, CrossEncoder re-ranking, and conversational memory.
Founded CMU-Africa's premier innovation hub, building a student entrepreneurship ecosystem across 7 universities. Organized hackathons, rapid prototyping bootcamps, and mentorship programs — partnering with Jasiri, FlutterFlow, and the CMU-Africa Innovation Hub to drive student-led ventures.
Managed a Royal Academy of Engineering-funded project at FUT Minna developing AI-driven clean energy solutions for Nigeria. Led multidisciplinary teams across 6 partner universities and 5 industry partners, designing 200+ communication assets and coordinating industry immersion programmes.
"He's that rare mix of strategic thinker and sleeves-rolled-up leader. He negotiated over $30,000 in partnerships to support entrepreneurial activities. Muhammad has left an indelible mark on my career."
"He is the most enterprising individual I've ever encountered. His combination of strategic thinking, relentless drive, and collaborative spirit makes him an invaluable asset to any organization."
"His relentless drive to find the resources needed to successfully execute on projects, both big and small, is what consistently stands out. He is truly an A-player."
"Muhammad demonstrated exceptional organizational and leadership skills. His creativity and strategic thinking were evident in engaging sessions that catered to a diverse audience."
"A strong advocate for using technology to create a more inclusive economy. He is always looking for ways to use technology to make a positive impact on the world."
"Muhammad's warm persona is only outmatched by his brilliance and dedication to the service of others. Young professionals like him are few and far between in this day and age."
"His ability to deal with a crisis and come up with new ways to achieve results was always an inspiration. His energy to make things happen was contagious."
"Muhammad's leadership and management skills have been the main reason the research academy is still active. He is community-conscious, highly motivated, and impact-oriented."
I'm open to research partnerships, co-authorship, and conversations about innovation ecosystems, generative AI, and entrepreneurship.