Muhammad Nehal Akhtar is a multidisciplinary engineer whose journey at Sahara iO reflects a strong blend of technical expertise, startup mindset, and commercial leadership.
A Mechanical Engineer from the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Nehal further advanced his academic foundation by earning a Master’s degree in Nuclear Power Engineering from PIEAS. His education equipped him with a deep understanding of complex systems, safety-focused engineering, and analytical problem-solving — capabilities that are critical in designing reliable assistive mobility solutions.
Motivated by a strong belief in the power of local startups to drive meaningful change in Pakistan, Nehal joined Sahara Intelligent Orthoses (Sahara iO) during its early growth phase as a Mechanical Design Engineer. In this role, he contributed directly to the engineering and development of iO Alpha and worked on the mechanical design and prototyping of three locally developed electric wheelchairs. His work focused on structural integrity, ergonomics, manufacturability, and adaptation to local operating conditions.
As Sahara iO evolved, Nehal’s role expanded beyond pure engineering. His ability to translate technical detail into practical, market-ready solutions led to increased responsibilities across business development and customer engagement. In recognition of his growing leadership and strategic contribution, he was later promoted to Director.
Today, Nehal serves as Head of Sales, where he leverages his strong technical background to align customer needs with product capabilities. He plays a key role in building client relationships, guiding solution selection, and ensuring that Sahara iO’s offerings deliver real-world value to individuals, institutions, and rehabilitation partners.
Outside of work, Nehal enjoys traveling, exploring nature, and reading about sustainable infrastructure development. His interest in sustainability and resilient systems continues to shape his perspective on long-term mobility solutions and inclusive infrastructure.