In the heart of Sydney, an inspiring journey is unfolding, one that showcases the power of vision, passion, and commitment. Dr Mohammad Riyadh, a Bangladeshi-Australian university lecturer, and his business partner and wife, Jannat Bahar CA, an Australian public service employee, have transformed their careers, savings, and lives by co-founding ExpertGate, a platform designed to connect world-class experts from both academia and industry. Their journey is not just about a business venture—it’s about creating a meaningful impact on education, research, and global innovation.
A Leap of Faith
Dr. Riyadh’s deep dive into academia revealed something profound: the gaps in collaboration between academia and industry. As he researched the challenges faced by higher education institutions during his PhD during his PhD, particularly in underprivileged communities, he realised that the lack of infrastructure, resources, and partnerships hindered progress. This discovery sparked a dream: to build a platform that would break down these barriers, connecting academia with the industries that could turn research into real-world solutions.
But this dream was not something he could pursue alone. Jannat, who had a successful career in the Department of Defence, shared his vision. Together, they decided to make a life-changing shift. Both of them chose to leave their full-time jobs, putting their careers on hold to dedicate their time and energy to building ExpertGate.
What is ExpertGate?
ExpertGate is a leading EdTech and top expert-driven services marketplace that connects mid-sized companies with top-vetted university professors, industry experts, and researchers for R&D, consulting, and corporate training. We provide automated management tools for research and development, corporate training, consultation, and payment processing with dispute resolution across sectors, ensuring businesses can efficiently collaborate with experts and achieve their goals. At ExpertGate, we are committed to bridging the gap between industry and academia. We empower businesses to innovate, grow, and stay competitive by providing them with the right expertise at the right time.
Finding the right academic expert has traditionally been a laborious process. You might search university databases, LinkedIn, Google Scholar, or ResearchGate, hoping to find a perfect match for your research needs. This typically means hours of searching, sending emails, and waiting for responses—only to discover the expert you sought is either unavailable or not aligned with your project.
But what if there was a faster, more efficient solution? Imagine having access to top-vetted academic and industry experts from around the world, with real-time availability right at your fingertips. With ExpertGate, you can quickly connect with the top experts you need for your project—no more wasting time on endless searches or waiting for replies.
Our platform hosts experts from prestigious institutions, providing fresh perspectives across industries like aerospace, energy, environmental sciences, and economics.
Empowering Underprivileged Communities
One of the core motivations behind Dr Riyadh and Jannat’s vision is to use ExpertGate as a means of empowering underprivileged communities. As they saw firsthand during their academic journey, many communities across the globe lack the resources and infrastructure to access world-class education and expertise. By reinvesting 50% of the platform’s profits into educational initiatives, ExpertGate is committed to creating opportunities for those who need it the most. This dedication focuses on educational programs, teacher courses, and scholarships, ensuring that their work benefits not only clients but also those in need.
By investing in education, they aim to empower individuals, bridge educational gaps, and foster long-term positive change. Every team member at ExpertGate contributes to this mission, knowing their efforts help create opportunities for those who might otherwise be left behind. Together, they are committed to building a more equitable and prosperous future for all.
Building a Global Community of Experts
When Dr Riyadh and Jannat began ExpertGate, they dreamed of creating a platform that would not only serve as a marketplace for expertise but also as a hub for global collaboration. They wanted to bring together the brightest minds from academia and industry to solve the world’s most pressing challenges.
And today, they are seeing that vision come to life. With experts from all corners of the globe—including many top professors and researchers—ExpertGate is transforming the way knowledge is shared and applied. It is no longer just a business venture for Dr Riyadh and Jannat; it’s a movement to advance innovation, drive positive change, and create opportunities for everyone involved.
Looking to the Future
As Dr. Riyadh and Jannat reflect on the journey so far, they are filled with gratitude and excitement. They know they have only just scratched the surface of what ExpertGate can achieve. The support they’ve received from experts, clients, and their families has been invaluable. Looking ahead, they are more committed than ever to creating a platform that fosters collaboration, drives innovation, and helps make the world a better place.
Throughout this journey, Dr. Riyadh has worn many hats—working closely with technical teams, security experts, UX/UI designers, marketing teams, content writers, legal teams, and stakeholders. Each role has taught him valuable lessons, expanding his understanding of the intricate relationship between business, technology, and strategy. These experiences have deepened his appreciation for the importance of collaboration across diverse disciplines. Learning that no journey is ever linear. Every challenge, every step, whether in business, technology, or strategy, provides invaluable insights that contribute to shaping the broader vision. This philosophy is what drives ExpertGate—to bring together diverse expertise, across disciplines, to solve complex, real-world problems.
Throughout this journey, our family, particularly our parents, have been our greatest supporters. Their unwavering belief in our vision has been our constant source of motivation, even during the toughest times. They have always supported the idea that what we’re building will not only benefit us but will create opportunities for the wider community. Their encouragement has been a cornerstone of our determination to push forward.
To learn more about how ExpertGate can benefit you or your organisation, visit www.expertgate.org.
Advice for Aspiring New Founders
Starting a business can feel like a huge leap, but it doesn’t have to be as overwhelming as it might seem. My advice? Start small. You don’t need to aim for a massive launch right away. Begin with a simple idea, and let it grow organically as you learn more along the way. Finding a mentor early on can be incredibly valuable—they’ve already been through the highs and lows and can offer insights that could save you time and a lot of stress.
A big mistake many new founders make is pouring all their money into development from the start. While it’s tempting to create the perfect product, it’s far more important to get real feedback from actual customers as soon as possible. From day one, think about your audience—what problems are you solving for them, and more importantly, are they willing to pay for it? This focus will help you make better decisions and prioritize what truly matters.
Starting small, testing your ideas, and concentrating on solving real problems for customers is key. The journey won’t always be smooth, but with patience, flexibility, and persistence, you’ll build something meaningful. Keep learning, keep refining, and remember—it’s the steady, small steps that make all the difference over time.
Lastly, as you navigate the challenges of building your business, don’t forget to prioritize family life. Building a business is a marathon, not a sprint, and maintaining a healthy balance between work and family is essential. My wife and I, as co-founders, have learned that supporting each other both in business and in life makes all the difference. Taking time for family and personal moments recharges you and strengthens your commitment to your vision. Remember, your loved ones are part of this journey too, and having them by your side can make the road ahead much more rewarding.
Keywords
Global experts, Innovation hub, Collaboration, EdTech platform, Expert-driven services, Research management, Higher education, Industry leaders, World-class experts, Consultation marketplace, Cross-disciplinary, Global impact, Empowerment, Sustainable education, Technology integration, Consulting services, Expert connections, Project management, Future of learning, Academic partnerships, Community outreach, Social responsibility, Education for all, Global community, Inclusive growth, Innovative platform, Reinvestment in education, Transformative change, Access to experts, Breaking barriers.
Author: Dr Mohammad Riyadh | Co-Founder & CEO | University lecturer & Jannat Bahar, CA| Co-Founder | Australian Public Service Employee