Ana Bakshi Appointed New Executive Director of Martin Trust Center for MIT Entrepreneurship
Martin Trust Center for MIT Entrepreneurship welcomes Ana Bakshi as new executive director | MIT News
Ana Bakshi Appointed as Executive Director of the Martin Trust Center for MIT Entrepreneurship
The Martin Trust Center for MIT Entrepreneurship has announced the appointment of Ana Bakshi as its new executive director. Taking on her responsibilities at the commencement of the fall semester, Bakshi will work closely with Bill Aulet, the managing director and Ethernet Inventors Professor of the Practice, to enhance the center’s mission and impact in entrepreneurship education.
A Visionary Leader in Entrepreneurship Education
Bill Aulet expressed his enthusiasm for Bakshi’s appointment, highlighting her impressive qualifications and extensive experience in the field. “Ana is uniquely qualified for this role,” he stated. “Her deep commitment to creating high-quality centers for entrepreneurs, along with her impressive leadership skills, make her an excellent fit.” Before joining MIT, Bakshi served as the founding director of entrepreneurship programs at King’s College London and the University of Oxford.
Bakshi’s rich background in entrepreneurship includes leading high-growth companies, most recently as Chief Operating Officer of an award-winning artificial intelligence startup. Her unique combination of skills and experience is expected to significantly elevate the MIT entrepreneurship community.
The Urgency for Raising the Bar in Entrepreneurship Education
As the landscape of entrepreneurship shifts rapidly—largely fueled by advancements in artificial intelligence—the need for high-quality, innovation-driven entrepreneurship education has become more pressing. Bakshi will be stepping into her new role at MIT during a time when a transformative approach to problem-solving and entrepreneurship education is essential. This includes addressing challenges in climate, healthcare, manufacturing, education, and economic stratification, all of which require innovative entrepreneurial thinking.
“In an era defined by both extraordinary challenges and possibilities, the future will be built by those bold enough to try, and MIT will be at the forefront of this,” Bakshi commented upon her appointment.
Translating Academic Research into Real-World Impact
Ana Bakshi’s decade-long experience in establishing world-class entrepreneurship centers equips her to unlock new opportunities at MIT. During her tenure at Oxford, she implemented a data-driven approach to evaluating program outcomes, exemplified by her extensive 61-page study, “Universities: Drivers of Prosperity and Economic Recovery.”
At the Oxford Foundry—an entrepreneurship center that fosters ambition among founders—Bakshi led initiatives backed by influential global entrepreneurs, as well as partnerships with leading corporations. Under her guidance, startups associated with the Foundry and King’s College have collectively raised over $500 million, generating nearly 3,000 jobs across various sectors, including health tech, climate tech, and fintech.
In addition to her work in entrepreneurship centers, Bakshi developed Oxford’s first digital online learning platform, creating sustainable economic opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Experience in the Private Sector
Before joining MIT, Bakshi spent nearly two years as COO of Quench.ai, a rapidly-growing AI startup with offices in London and New York. Her involvement in the private sector further informs her perspective on entrepreneurship and innovation, allowing her to understand the nuances of taking research and academic learning into practical applications.
Entrepreneurship as MIT’s Core Identity
MIT has long been synonymous with entrepreneurship—a pillar of the institution’s identity since the establishment of the RadLab in the 1940s. “MIT has been a leader in entrepreneurship for decades. It’s now the third leg of the school, alongside teaching and research,” remarked Mark Gorenberg ’76, chair of the MIT Corporation. Gorenberg expressed excitement about Bakshi’s transformative potential and the impact she will have on students and the broader academic community.
The Future of Interdisciplinary Entrepreneurship Education
Richard M. Locke, Dean of the MIT Sloan School of Management, emphasized the growing importance of interdisciplinary entrepreneurship education. “To have such an experienced leader in academia and the startup world, particularly in AI, reinforces our commitment to being a global leader in this field,” he stated.
Frederic Kerrest, co-founder of Okta and MIT Corporation member, echoed this sentiment. He noted that Bakshi’s skills and experience are crucial for accelerating MIT’s global leadership in entrepreneurship education, especially in preparation for the next generation of innovation-driven startups.
A Diverse and Impactful Background
Ana Bakshi’s professional journey spans more than just academia. She has served her community as an elected councilor representing over 6,000 constituents. Her roles in international NGOs and her leadership in product execution at MAHI, an award-winning craft sauce startup, showcase her diverse skill set. Additionally, she contributes to conservation efforts as a member of the advisory council for Save the Elephants, utilizing AI-driven approaches to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts.
Her influential work has attracted attention from prominent media outlets, including Forbes and The Times, and has earned her recognition as one of the Top 50 Women in Tech in the U.K., with her most recent accolade coming in 2025.
A Forward-Thinking Approach to Education and Community
As artificial intelligence continues to revolutionize traditional paradigms, Bakshi’s vision is to extend the scope of MIT’s support for exceptional talent among students and faculty. “My focus will be on helping MIT expand its support for phenomenal talent—students and faculty—with the skills, ecosystem, and backing to turn knowledge into impact,” she affirmed.
35 Years of Impact: The Trust Center’s Legacy
The Martin Trust Center has been a significant player in shaping entrepreneurship education since its founding in 1990 by the late Professor Edward Roberts. Serving all MIT students across various disciplines, the center supports over 60 courses and provides extensive extracurricular programming, including the delta v academic accelerator.
Through the Disciplined Entrepreneurship methodology, the center empowers students to develop new ventures. More than a thousand educational institutions utilize these methodologies worldwide to teach entrepreneurship. Now, with AI-powered tools like Orbit and JetPack, the Trust Center is innovating the way entrepreneurship is taught and practiced.
Conclusion: A Collaborative Future
Ana Bakshi’s leadership at the Martin Trust Center comes at a critical juncture for both MIT and the broader entrepreneurship landscape. As she forges ahead with her vision, the center aims to produce the next generation of innovation-driven entrepreneurs equipped to tackle the world’s most pressing challenges. By combining rigorous training with emerging technologies and methodologies, MIT is once again poised to lead the charge in entrepreneurship education and create lasting global impact.
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