Dr. Mohd Yasir Arafat is faculty at the Department of Commerce, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh. He is an entrepreneurship researcher and advisor specializing in inclusive innovation, digital entrepreneurship, and bottom-of-the-pyramid (BoP) markets. He works with institutions, policymakers, and organizations to design evidence-based strategies that expand entrepreneurial access, strengthen ecosystems, and unlock opportunities in underserved and emerging segments.

His advisory approach focuses on the human side of entrepreneurship—how individuals recognize opportunities, build capabilities, and engage with technology in real-world, resource-constrained environments. By combining behavioral insights, institutional analysis, and data-driven methods, he helps organizations move beyond generic models and develop context-sensitive interventions that deliver measurable impact.

Dr. Arafat has extensive experience working with large-scale datasets such as the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) and applying advanced analytical tools (SEM, ecosystem modeling) to inform strategy, program design, and policy development. His work is particularly relevant for initiatives related to:

• Startup ecosystem development
• Women and youth entrepreneurship
• Digital inclusion and skilling
• Sustainable and impact-driven ventures

He collaborates with academic institutions, government bodies, NGOs, and international organizations to design training programs, research-driven policy frameworks, and incubation strategies that translate knowledge into actionable outcomes.

At the core of his work is a commitment to ensuring that entrepreneurship is not limited to privileged contexts, but becomes a viable pathway for marginalized, underserved, and emerging communities to participate in and benefit from economic growth.