Archive · 23 Jul 2025
IAS Officer Transitions from NITI Aayog to Launch AI Startup
Imagine a smart person who used to work in the government, helping make big plans.
This person, Kashish Mittal, then decided to switch things up!
First, he worked for a big tech company, learning about computers that can do clever things.
After that, he started his own company that teaches people about those same clever computers, called AI.
People online were very surprised, because it's like a superhero changing their secret identity!
Kashish Mittal, an IAS officer who worked at NITI Aayog, left his civil service career to launch an AI startup.
Mittal's career began in 2011 as an IAS probationer and included roles in Chandigarh, Tawang, and as Private Secretary.
In 2016, he joined NITI Aayog, and then in 2020, he moved to Microsoft as a Principal Researcher focusing on AI.
After five years at Microsoft, Mittal resigned to launch Disha AI, his AI startup in Bengaluru.
Social media users reacted with surprise and varying opinions on Mittal's career pivot.
- Who
- Kashish Mittal, an IAS officer.
- What
- An IAS officer launched an AI startup after working for NITI Aayog and Microsoft.
- When
- Mittal launched his startup after resigning from Microsoft in January 2020.
- Where
- The AI startup, Disha AI, is based in Bengaluru.
- Why
- Mittal transitioned from government and tech roles to found his own AI startup to help individuals with AI skills.
Surprised Reactions
Understanding the Shift
Public opinion
Surprised Reactions
Many expressed surprise and disbelief over the career change.
Understanding the Shift
Others understand and support the transition because of the potential for AI's societal impact.
- IAS Officer
- Kashish Mittal
- Education
- BTech in Computer Science from IIT Delhi
- Former Roles
- Additional Deputy Commissioner, Private Secretary to Minister, NITI Aayog, Microsoft Principal Researcher
- Startup Name
- Disha AI
- Startup Location
- Bengaluru
- Startup Focus
- AI skill development
- Backed by
- South Park Commons