Iqbal Z. Quadir
- Born:
- Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Nationality:
- Bangladeshi-American
- Profession(s):
- Entrepreneur, Educator, Technology Strategist
Early Life and Education
- Received early education in Bangladesh.
- Earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Swarthmore College.
- Obtained an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
Career and Major Achievements
- Worked as a venture capitalist on Wall Street before transitioning to entrepreneurship.
- Founded Grameenphone, the largest telecommunications operator in Bangladesh.
- Pioneered the concept of village phone ladies, providing phone access to rural populations and empowering women.
- Played a key role in bringing mobile phone technology and connectivity to underserved areas of Bangladesh.
- The genesis of Grameenphone and the initial business plan were shaped, in part, by the vision that an 'iqbal quadir grameenphone offer' – access to affordable and reliable telecommunications – could transform the country's economic and social landscape.
- Served as a faculty member at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
- Founded the Legatum Center for Development and Entrepreneurship at MIT.
Notable Works
- Advocate for the use of technology in development, particularly in emerging economies.
- Published articles and lectured extensively on the impact of mobile technology on poverty reduction and economic growth.
- Authored reports and analyses on telecommunications policy and its role in fostering entrepreneurship.
Legacy and Impact
Iqbal Quadir is recognized for his significant contributions to bridging the digital divide and promoting economic development through innovative business models and technology solutions. His work with Grameenphone serves as a model for connecting underserved populations and empowering communities through access to information and communication technologies.