From Vision to Mission: Deepak Bagla Takes the Atal Innovation Wheel

Deepak Bagla has been appointed by the Government of India as the new Mission Director of the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), beginning a new era to take innovation and entrepreneurship to scale across the country. AIM is housed in NITI Aayog and works towards the development of an ecosystem to promote innovation, problem-solving, and startup development in India.

 

Key Highlights: Leadership and Vision

 

Deepak Bagla took over in July 2025, coming with rich experience in investment promotion, policy advisory, and institutional leadership, having served earlier as Managing Director and CEO of Invest India.

 

His experience cuts across multilateral organizations, government, and the private sector, including high-profile positions as President of the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA).

 

Having studied at St. Stephen's College (Economics) and Georgetown University (International Diplomacy and Trade), Bagla brings together strategic vision with operational acumen.

 

Bagla highlights joint initiatives with government, industry, academia, and civil society to foster a strong ecosystem for innovation that promotes inclusive growth and places India as a leader in innovation globally.

 

With him at the helm, AIM will look to expand its reach with targeted, result-oriented programs in sync with national development priorities such as Atal Tinkering Labs, Atal Incubation Centres, and sectoral innovation challenges.

 

The appointment coincides with AIM’s renewed mandate endorsed by the Union Cabinet, reflecting India’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and talent utilisation as critical drivers for the country’s progress.

 

This change in leadership is broadly perceived as critical in reinforcing AIM's function in driving India's innovation ecosystem to realize the Prime Minister's vision of a developed, innovation-led India.

 

Sources: Current Affairs Adda247, Economic Times