Helsinki Incubators Alumni Sustafe: "Entrepreneurship forces you to look at the bigger picture"

In our latest Alumni Interviews spotlight, we connect with Kashif Muhammad and Irfan Saeed from Sustafe, where they serve as CEO and Chief Operating Officer, respectively.

Muhammad and Saeed never imagined trading the proverbial lab coats for business plans. The molecular biologist and polymer chemist were deeply embedded in their research until laboratory safety concerns sparked a career pivot that would lead them to found Sustafe, a startup focussed on using digital solutions to make workplaces safer and more sustainable.

"I had been working in different research institutes over the years and had witnessed many safety incidents," Muhammad explains. "This made me think about how we could reduce errors and improve safety while integrating sustainability into the process."

From Multiple Ideas to Focused Solution

When Muhammad first joined the Helsinki Incubators' Pathways programme, he arrived with several concepts. "I initially had three different ideas," he shares. "Two were related to my research in molecular virology, where I'd been working on biocontrol strategies using viruses to control diseases in forests. These required extensive collaboration and effort, backed by over a decade of research."

However, the programme coaches saw more significant potential in his safety concept—what would eventually become Sustafe.

Saeed joined the project through a mutual connection, bringing a vital industrial perspective. "Given my background in the industry, I have worked closely with safety teams," Saeed notes. "I provided technical input on how our solution could improve workplace safety and integrate sustainability."

A mix of complementary backgrounds

While neither had launched a company before, they did bring some relevant experience to the table. "I didn't have any direct entrepreneurial experience, but I come from a business family back home in Pakistan, so I was familiar with the business mindset," Muhammad reveals.

Saeed had already been working at the intersection of research and commerce. "My most recent role has been focused on technical business," he explains. "While I wasn't an entrepreneur myself, I had a solid understanding of how business works, especially in technology-driven fields."

The two gentlemen did find that the shift from research to entrepreneurship presented significant challenges. "As researchers, we tend to focus on the technical aspects—solving problems in isolation," Muhammad acknowledges. The incubator programme helped reshape their approach.

"The programme was structured in a way that continuously challenged us," Saeed explains. "The combination of dedicated and rotating mentors helped bridge gaps in our knowledge. They provided valuable insights, especially in finance and design."

Communication was particularly challenging. They had to learn to translate complex scientific concepts into accessible pitches that resonated with potential investors and partners. "We had to regularly step out of our comfort zones to refine and present our concept," Saeed recalls.

Making the concept tangible

The turning point came when they began developing concrete materials. "We started creating wireframes for our app, which helped us make the concept more tangible," Saeed says. This transformation from abstract idea to visual prototype changed how others perceived their vision.

Their early work produced substantial results. The team compiled a database of 5,000 laboratory chemicals, categorising them based on safety, inventory, and storage properties. They also established a LinkedIn presence, "We shared content about safety and sustainability and grew our audience to over 600 followers in a short space of time," Saeed proudly notes.

They took their most significant step in August of 2024—officially registering Sustafe as a company. "That was a huge step for us—we took a risk and made our vision a reality," Muhammad emphasises.

The validation came when they participated in pitching competitions and secured some financial support. This early success reinforced their commitment despite the challenges of bootstrapped development.

A (sustainable) vision beyond academia

When asked what a sustainable future looks like to them, Muhammad explains, "This planet is our home and this is the only home we have. So we have to use our resources in a very wise and efficient way. That's why our vision is that you have to have safety, which is basically saving the human resources, and then we need to have sustainability—saving our material resources."

Saeed adds, "A sustainable future for me is when people at work don't have to be reminded about safety and sustainability. This is something that is printed in their brain, and before they start anything, they think about safety. They think about sustainability, and they understand that sustainability is going to save our planet."

While their initial focus was academic laboratories, they quickly recognised broader applications.

"We want our solution to be adaptable to various industries—academic labs, industrial plants, construction sites, and beyond," Irfan explains. Their platform aims to make managing safety protocols, chemical inventories, and sustainability goals more intuitive and accessible.

Currently, they're developing their MVP while seeking funding. "We're bootstrapped, so we're looking for funding while simultaneously developing our prototype," Muhammad says.

"The reality of taking an idea to market is challenging," Saeed admits, "but we are focused on refining our product and building partnerships."

Advice for Researchers

Muhammad offers clear guidance for researchers contemplating a similar journey: "I would encourage researchers to take the leap into entrepreneurship. Too often, research stays confined to academic papers instead of reaching people who could benefit from it."

Saeed emphasises the perspective shift: "Research is often about deep-diving into technical subjects, but entrepreneurship forces you to look at the bigger picture—how your work can have a real-world impact. The Helsinki Incubator programmes help researchers develop a broader perspective and learn practical skills they wouldn't gain otherwise."

Their journey through Helsinki Incubators has fundamentally changed how they view the purpose of their work—transforming it from theoretical exploration to practical solution that addresses real-world problems.

Kashif Muhammad and Irfan Saeed didn’t just sit around contemplating the possibilities; they took the decisive step toward creating a tangible impact – be like Kashif and Irfan. If you've been sitting on an idea that could transcend academic boundaries, the call for applications to the Helsinki Incubators' Journeys incubators is open until 10 August, 2025.