From alumni to entrepreneur and partner: Pankaj Kumar & Test2Deploy

Improving Software Quality Through Experience

Based in Helsinki, Test2Deploy helps organizations improve the quality, reliability, and efficiency of their software delivery through testing, test automation, and quality engineering services.

Pankaj’s extensive career has given him a unique perspective on software development and delivery. Over the years, he has worked across testing, software development, agile delivery, project management, leadership, and quality assurance, gaining a holistic understanding of how successful digital products are built. For Pankaj, quality is about far more than identifying defects.

– Quality is not only about finding bugs. It is about understanding the customer, the product, the risks, and how a team works together to deliver something valuable, Pankaj says.

Today, through Test2Deploy, he combines this experience to help organizations create better software and stronger delivery practices.

A Meaningful return to Haaga-Helia

Joining Haaga-Helia’s partner network was a natural step for Pankaj, both professionally and personally. As a Haaga-Helia MBA graduate, he sees the partnership as an opportunity to share practical industry knowledge with students before they enter the next stage of their careers.

– I have been a student myself, and now, after more than 20 years in the IT industry and running my own company, I see an opportunity to share practical experience with students before they enter the next stage of their careers.

His main motivation is to help students understand the realities of working life and prepare for the choices that await them after graduation. Some may pursue careers as employees, some may become entrepreneurs, and others may want to keep both paths open.

Whatever path they choose, Pankaj believes students benefit from understanding market expectations and developing their skills beyond academic studies.

Preparing students for a changing industry

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence is transforming the software industry at an unprecedented pace. While AI is changing how applications are developed and tested, Pankaj believes that strong fundamentals remain essential.

Future IT professionals need to understand the problems they are solving, the customers they serve, and the value they create. They must also learn how to collaborate effectively with others.

– Success in the IT industry is rarely about one person working alone. Developers, testers, product owners, project managers, and other professionals need to communicate and work together, Pankaj points out.

According to Pankaj, technical expertise alone is no longer enough. The most valuable professionals combine technical competence with communication skills, teamwork, problem-solving abilities, critical thinking, and a commitment to continuous learning.

His advice to students is straightforward:

– Prepare yourself beyond your degree. Understand the market, develop practical skills, build domain knowledge, and think carefully about the kind of professional you want to become.

Building stronger connections between education and industry

Looking ahead, Pankaj hopes that the partnership between Test2Deploy and Haaga-Helia will help students gain experiences that closely resemble real working life.

He sees opportunities for collaboration through workshops, mentoring, student projects, industry discussions, thesis topics, and other practical initiatives that connect students with business realities.

– I would like to help students understand what the market is looking for and what they can do in advance to prepare themselves.

For Pankaj, a successful partnership is ultimately about creating value for students.

If students graduate with stronger practical skills, greater confidence, and a clearer understanding of their future career options, the collaboration has achieved its purpose. At the same time, he gains the opportunity to share his experience and contribute to the development of future IT professionals.

Pankaj Kumar’s journey from Haaga-Helia student to alumnus, entrepreneur and business partner demonstrates the power of lifelong learning and industry collaboration. By bringing together education and practical experience, he hopes to help the next generation navigate an increasingly complex and rapidly evolving technology landscape.