Who is Akash Bobba — the Indian-origin engineer in Elon Musk’s DOGE?

Bobba’s academic achievements and industry experience set the stage for his transition into the high-pressure world of government technology. His remarkable coding abilities were evident even during his time at Berkeley, where he gained attention for a viral anecdote in which he rewrote an entire project from scratch overnight after a teammate accidentally deleted it just days before a major deadline.

A controversial appointment

Bobba’s appointment to DOGE, along with five other young engineers between the ages of 19 and 24, has raised eyebrows. While their tech credentials are impressive, critics argue that placing such young, relatively inexperienced individuals in key government roles could have serious national security implications. The engineers have been granted top-level security clearance, allowing them access to critical government systems—permissions typically reserved for high-ranking officials with extensive background checks.

The level of access granted to Bobba and his peers has sparked intense debate. While supporters argue that fresh perspectives and technological expertise are needed to modernise government systems, detractors caution that young engineers, with limited professional experience, may not be fully prepared for the weight of responsibility entrusted to them. The decision to grant such access has been described by some as a high-stakes gamble.

Despite the controversy surrounding his appointment, Bobba’s meteoric rise is undeniably extraordinary. His transition from a brilliant coder at UC Berkeley to a key player in government technology reform exemplifies the growing intersection of Silicon Valley and Washington. As part of DOGE, Bobba is poised to play a crucial role in shaping the future of government operations—and his career will likely be one to watch as he navigates the challenges and opportunities of his new role.