Dr Ajit Nigam, a Professor, School of Creative Practices and Entrepreneurship (SCoPE) and I/C Graduate Education Support Office (GESO), brings extensive experience across entrepreneurship, innovation, academic leadership and industry engagement.

At Anant, his teaching and research interests focus on entrepreneurship, innovation and global mobility, with a particular emphasis on mixed-methods and qualitative research methodologies. He is actively engaged in fostering an entrepreneurial mindset among students and stakeholders while collaborating with industry and government bodies to shape strategies that encourage innovation-led growth.

Dr Nigam holds a PhD in Management from the University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES), an MBA from IMT Ghaziabad and a degree in English Literature from Kirori Mal College, University of Delhi. In addition to being a member of the Project Management Institute, USA, he has earned multiple certifications in entrepreneurship and technology.

Prior to joining Anant, he held several leadership positions, including General Manager – Entrepreneurship at XLRI, CEO of the NIFT Foundation for Design Innovation (NFDI) and Associate Dean at the University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES). Across these roles, he played a significant part in strengthening innovation ecosystems, fostering entrepreneurship and building industry-academia collaborations.

During his tenure at XLRI, Dr Nigam mentored students through various stages of idea formulation and validation. At NFDI, he established four innovation centres that integrated emerging technologies with industry needs, creating platforms for young innovators to develop globally relevant skills. At UPES, he founded the UPES Incubation Centre and facilitated partnerships across sectors, embedding entrepreneurship within academic programmes while enabling students to gain international industry exposure and career opportunities.

He also brings valuable business development experience in the information technology sector, with work spanning the healthcare, telecom and power industries. His interdisciplinary approach combines academic research, entrepreneurial thinking and practical industry insight.

Beyond his professional and academic pursuits, Dr Nigam has a deep interest in promoting and preserving heritage and culture.