From Scientist to Startup Founder

How Dr. Khalid Masoodi transitioned from academic research to launching a purpose-driven biotech company in Kashmir.

Founder Story Jul 30, 2025 Add to Reading List

A Scientific Mind with a Mission

On paper, Dr. Khalid Zaffar Masoodi is a distinguished academic with a resume steeped in credentials. He holds an MSc and PhD in Biotechnology from Jammu University, completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh, and currently serves as Associate Professor at SKUAST-Kashmir. But behind the white coat and research publications is a passionate innovator on a mission: to make natural, affordable, science-backed healthcare solutions accessible across the globe.

What started as an academic pursuit has now become a full-fledged startup, Cashmir Biotech, transforming how people approach preventative health, especially in areas where traditional healthcare often falls short.

“Our flagship product, Magic Food TaxO, supports prostate health in men using patented plant-based formulations. It offers a side-effect-free alternative to synthetic drugs,” Dr. Masoodi explains. “We’re blending indigenous knowledge with cutting-edge biotechnology.”

In addition to promoting prostate health, Magic Food TaxO has shown effectiveness in relieving symptoms within 7 to 10 days. These symptoms include:

Frequent urination
Urgency
Difficulty starting urination
Weak or interrupted urine stream
Incomplete bladder emptying
Painful urination or ejaculation
Blood in the urine or semen
Pain in the pelvis, hips, back, or bones
Weakness or numbness in the legs or feet
Incontinence

This early relief provides significant comfort to users and reinforces the product’s credibility as a natural, effective solution.

The Spark Behind the Startup

While many founders trace their entrepreneurial journey to a moment of personal struggle or insight, Dr. Masoodi is quick to credit a mentor.

“Our Vice Chancellor, Prof. Nazir A. Ganaie, is the sole man behind all these patents and technologies. His constant encouragement and guidance is the only force that has resulted in my fruitful tenure at SKUAST-K,” Masoodi says with evident respect.

This unwavering support and a collaborative research ecosystem at SKUAST-K catalyzed Masoodi’s transformation from academic to entrepreneur. Over the years, he has led the development of:

15 technologies
Earned 9 patents
Launched 6 products (several now available in Indian and international markets)

Identifying the Gap: Costly Care and Unmet Needs

The inception of Cashmir Biotech wasn't driven solely by innovation. It was born out of empathy and insight into a systemic issue: the prohibitive cost of cancer therapy and the general inaccessibility of holistic health solutions.

“Cancer therapy is very costly,” Masoodi notes. “There’s a real gap in the market for affordable, natural treatments that are both preventative and scientifically validated.”

That’s where products like Magic Food TaxO come in. Designed for long-term wellness, these formulations prioritize:

Prevention over reaction
Safety over side-effects
Affordability over profit

Cashmir Biotech’s offerings stand out because they don’t just recycle old herbal remedies. They fuse ancient wisdom with modern biotechnology. Every product is:

Backed by research
Patented for innovation
Designed for real-world application

Scaling Science: Challenges in Turning Research into Revenue

Like any startup journey, Masoodi’s road was not without roadblocks. Transitioning from academia to entrepreneurship is no small feat, and the challenges came in waves.

“We faced lack of initial funding, market uncertainty, difficulties in building the right team, and hurdles with regulatory compliance,” he recounts.

Maintaining motivation and managing growth without burning out were constant balancing acts. But perseverance paid off. Significant breakthroughs included:

Health Canada’s approval (opening doors for international recognition)
Acknowledgement and support from Prime Minister Narendra Modi (boosting brand trust and morale)

More Than a Product: A Purpose-Driven Philosophy

At the heart of Cashmir Biotech is a philosophy that blends entrepreneurship with empowerment.

“Ultimately, we empower people to take control of their health—naturally, affordably, and effectively,” says Masoodi.

By focusing on side-effect-free alternatives, the company champions a preventative health culture that’s still gaining ground in India and many other parts of the world. Their products:

Fit seamlessly into daily routines
Offer sustainable solutions to commonly overlooked health issues

The Road Ahead: From Kashmir to the World

Masoodi isn’t shy about his ambition. When asked where he sees the company in five years, his answer is clear and confident:

“A multinational company with products reaching all over the world.”

With a foundation rooted in research excellence, a growing portfolio of approved products, and a leadership team driven by purpose, that vision seems well within reach. The groundwork is already laid:

International approvals
Academic collaborations
Market-ready products
Growing digital presence

Cashmir Biotech has set its sights on a future where natural, research-backed wellness solutions aren’t niche — they are mainstream.

Key Takeaways for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Dr. Masoodi’s story offers more than inspiration. It delivers real-world lessons for founders navigating the crossroads of science, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

Mentorship Matters
Sometimes, the spark doesn't come from within but from someone who sees your potential before you do. For Masoodi, that person was Prof. Ganaie.
Turn Challenges into Chapters
Whether it was regulatory red tape or lack of funding, every hurdle became a milestone. Persistence, Masoodi reminds us, is just as important as passion.
Science Plus Simplicity Wins
In a world flooded with information, consumers crave products they can trust. Marrying rigorous science with accessible use-cases helped Cashmir Biotech carve out a niche.
Think Global from Day One
Don’t wait to validate your idea locally before aiming internationally. With Health Canada’s approval, Masoodi positioned Cashmir Biotech as a global player early in the game.

Final Thoughts: Building More Than a Brand

In a world increasingly shaped by biotech, Dr. Khalid Masoodi is a reminder that innovation doesn’t have to come at the cost of tradition or vice versa. By tapping into the rich medicinal heritage of Kashmir and pairing it with modern research, he’s building something much larger than a startup. He’s leading a movement toward accessible, preventative, natural healthcare.

For aspiring entrepreneurs, his message is simple yet profound: