Deepak Bagla Appointed as Mission Director of Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog

In a significant development that underscores the Government of India’s commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, NITI Aayog has announced the appointment of Deepak Bagla as the new Mission Director of the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM). Bagla, a seasoned expert in investment promotion, economic policy, and global strategic partnerships, officially assumed charge with a vision to accelerate AIM’s transformative initiatives in India’s innovation ecosystem.

A Multifaceted Career Spanning Sectors

Deepak Bagla brings to AIM a rich and diverse professional background that spans over three decades across sectors including international finance, public policy, investment facilitation, and institutional leadership. His distinguished career trajectory includes leadership roles in both the private and public spheres, offering him a unique lens into the interplay of market dynamics and development strategies.

Most notably, Bagla served as the Managing Director & CEO of Invest India, the Government of India’s flagship national investment promotion and facilitation agency. Under his stewardship, Invest India became a globally recognized institution, earning numerous awards for its excellence in service delivery, innovation, and promotion of startups and entrepreneurship.

His tenure was marked by the rapid scaling of India’s visibility on the global investment map, and he played a pivotal role in positioning India as a preferred destination for foreign direct investment (FDI). His leadership also helped bridge critical gaps between government policy, investor expectations, and industry needs.

Global Diplomat and Innovation Strategist

Bagla's global footprint extends beyond India’s borders. He has represented India in prestigious international forums, including his tenure as President of the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA). In this role, he actively engaged with policymakers, innovators, and business leaders worldwide to advocate for inclusive economic development through sustainable investment and innovation.

He has also contributed to several high-level government panels and policy advisory committees, shaping national-level strategies on innovation, economic diplomacy, and trade.

Academic Pedigree

Deepak Bagla is an alumnus of St. Stephen’s College, University of Delhi, where he earned his Bachelor's degree in Economics. He pursued his postgraduate studies at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., securing dual Master’s degrees in International Diplomacy and International Trade & Finance, further strengthening his credentials as a global thinker and economic strategist.

Vision for AIM’s Future

Upon assuming office, Bagla stated:

“It is a privilege to join Atal Innovation Mission at this pivotal moment. As AIM enters a new phase with an expanded mandate, there is immense opportunity to further strengthen India’s innovation landscape. I look forward to working collaboratively with government, industry, academia, and civil society to nurture a robust ecosystem that drives inclusive growth and positions India at the forefront of global innovation and deliver on the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of a Viksit Bharat.”

This statement reflects his commitment to leveraging AIM as a cornerstone for India’s transition to a knowledge-driven, innovation-first economy, in line with the government’s long-term developmental vision.

AIM’s Renewed Mandate and the Road Ahead

Established under NITI Aayog, the Atal Innovation Mission has been central to nurturing India's entrepreneurial spirit, especially among youth, startups, and underrepresented regions. With its renewed mandate recently approved by the Union Cabinet, AIM is now poised to expand its reach and deepen its impact through focused, outcome-driven interventions.

These include programs such as:

• Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) in schools to promote STEM education

• Atal Incubation Centres (AICs) to support early-stage startups

• ARISE (Atal Research and Innovation for Small Enterprises) to foster industrial R&D

• Mentor India, a network of professionals guiding aspiring innovators

Under Bagla’s leadership, AIM is expected to further strengthen these pillars and explore new collaborative models across sectors, regions, and technologies. This will play a crucial role in achieving the government’s vision of "Viksit Bharat @2047", making India a global innovation powerhouse.

Deepak Bagla’s appointment marks a strategic inflection point for the Atal Innovation Mission. With his international exposure, policy acumen, and institutional leadership experience, AIM is expected to accelerate its mission of democratizing innovation and empowering the next generation of Indian entrepreneurs, scientists, and change-makers.