(February 7, 2025) At just 22, Akash Bobba isn’t supposed to be here. Not in the halls of Washington, D.C., where decisions shape the future of millions. Not in closed-door meetings where seasoned policymakers debate efficiency. And certainly not as a key player in Elon Musk’s newest venture—the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a bold initiative tasked with fixing the way the US government works.
Yet, here he is.
Most 22-year-olds fresh out of college are tweaking their LinkedIn profiles, hunting for jobs, or settling into entry-level roles. Akash, however, was plucked straight out of Silicon Valley and thrown into one of the most ambitious government projects in recent history, as the only Indian-origin on the team.
Akash Bobba, Member of DOGE
His job? To use AI, data analytics, and cutting-edge technology to streamline how the government operates—making bureaucracy faster, smarter, and, in Musk’s words, “less of a joke.”
In a world where Indian-origin leaders are driving change, Akash’s rise feels like part of something bigger. From tech giants like Sundar Pichai and Satya Nadella to policymakers and entrepreneurs shaping global strategies, Indian-Americans are making their mark — not just in Silicon Valley, but in the highest corridors of power. Now, Akash is joining that growing list of trailblazers.
From Silicon Valley to Washington—An Unusual Path
Growing up in California to Indian immigrant parents, Akash was the kind of kid who didn’t just use technology—he wanted to understand it. He built computers for fun, experimented with coding before most kids had smartphones, and was always drawn to how things worked beneath the surface.
That curiosity followed him to the University of California, Berkeley, where he earned a coveted spot in the elite Management, Entrepreneurship, and Technology (MET) program—an exclusive initiative designed for future leaders in business and engineering.
At Berkeley, he wasn’t just another bright student; he was the go-to guy for solving problems.
“During a project at Berkeley, I accidentally deleted our entire codebase,” says his classmate Charis Zhang. “Akash just shrugged and rewrote everything from scratch in one night—better than before. We submitted early and got top marks.”
By the time he graduated, Akash had already interned at Meta, Palantir, and Bridgewater Associates, gaining hands-on experience in AI, data science, and financial modeling. Most grads would have taken a high-paying tech job and called it a day.
But then came the unexpected call.
Enter Elon Musk—And an Offer Too Wild to Refuse
The second Trump administration had just launched DOGE — an experimental project aimed at fixing the inefficiencies of the US government. Elon Musk was appointed by President Donald Trump in November 2024 to co-lead the DOGE with biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy. Elon Musk was leading the charge and wanted a team of young, brilliant minds to shake things up.
Akash wasn’t just another bright engineer—he represented a new wave of young minds tackling big challenges with fresh ideas. And that’s exactly what DOGE needed. He was on the shortlist, along with a handful of others.
The DOGE Mission — Fixing a Broken System
DOGE is unlike any other government project. Its core team members are aged 19 to 24—handpicked for their ability to think differently. No political background, no bureaucratic baggage — just problem solvers.
Critics have been quick to dismiss them as too young, too inexperienced. But Musk, ever the provocateur, doubled down, and backed his team at DOGE.
Inside DOGE, Akash is working on making government systems more efficient, transparent, and digitally streamlined. His team is using AI to optimize processes, eliminate redundancy, and even enhance cybersecurity—one of the biggest challenges facing modern governance.
“We’re using technology to make governance more transparent and efficient,” the Global Indian explains. From designing smarter workflows to improving cybersecurity, his work is both challenging and rewarding.
“Innovation doesn’t come without challenges,” he says. “I’m here to solve problems, not get stuck in bureaucracy.” His leap from Silicon Valley to government tech shows his readiness to take on big tasks and make a difference.
Indians in Trump 2.0—The Rising Wave
Akash’s rise isn’t an isolated case. The second Trump administration has seen a growing number of Indian-Americans stepping into influential roles across government, policy, and tech.
From economic advisors to AI strategists, Indian-origin professionals are shaping decisions that impact millions. Akash is just one of many proving that age and experience aren’t the only factors that define capability.
Akash’s journey is just one example of a larger shift—a new generation of Indian-Americans breaking barriers and making their mark in both traditional and cutting-edge fields. Armed with education, adaptability, and a drive to innovate, they’re not just seizing opportunities—they’re creating them.
Akash Bobba, Indian-American Engineer
His story mirrors the larger success of the Indian-American community in the U.S.—a group that has grown to 4.5 million strong, leaving an undeniable mark on industries like tech, medicine, and public service.
And now? Governance.
What’s Next for Akash?
For him, it’s not just about personal success; it’s about making a real difference. “I’m excited to see where this journey takes me. It’s not just about me; it’s about creating systems that work better for everyone,” he says.
At 22, Akash Bobba represents a new generation of changemakers who aren’t afraid to tackle big challenges and make bold moves. Whether in technology, governance, or beyond, his journey reminds us that age is no barrier to making an impact.
Read a similar story of Nikhil Kashyap, Young Indian entrepreneur works on BCI projects.
