U-M Automotive Engineering Graduate Akshat Gattani Drives Innovation and the Future of Mobility
Akshat Gattani is a force of nature in the world of mobility innovation.
A master’s graduate in Automotive Engineering from the University of Michigan (2015), Gattani is shaping the future of autonomous vehicles, bridging the gap between cutting-edge research and real-world implementation. Currently at Applied Intuition—a global leader in autonomy development—he is at the forefront of revolutionizing how autonomous technology scales from concept to deployment.
The Relentless Pursuit of Innovation
Gattani’s career is a testament to his ability to merge technical excellence with strategic execution. His journey spans emissions technology, complex vehicle systems, and self-driving fleets, with a track record of delivering impactful solutions at scale.
His career began at Cummins Emission Solutions, where he rapidly progressed from Product Engineer to Technical Program Leader. Tasked with designing next-generation aftertreatment systems, he helped global OEMs navigate stringent emissions regulations across India and China. Along the way, he secured two patents and redefined industry standards.
His philosophy on innovation is clear: “Innovation thrives when we challenge assumptions. Historical precedents should inform but never constrain problem-solving. The key is balancing technical ingenuity with practical execution—because a breakthrough that cannot scale is not a breakthrough at all.”
At Cummins, Gattani built a reputation for identifying inefficiencies and transforming them into opportunities. His work not only helped meet emissions targets but also optimized product performance, setting new industry benchmarks.
Shifting Gears: The Leap into Autonomy
In 2021, Gattani made a bold move into autonomous vehicle development at Cruise LLC, where he played a pivotal role in scaling the company’s self-driving fleet from 100 to 1,200 vehicles in just 12 months.
“The shift from emissions to autonomy was driven by intellectual curiosity and the intersection of clean and intelligent mobility,” he said. “The future isn’t just electric—it’s automated.”
Gattani’s fascination with autonomous technology was first sparked at the University of Michigan, where he collaborated with Dr. Huei Peng, a leading researcher in vehicle automation and controls. Under Dr. Peng’s guidance, Gattani worked on projects at M-City, the university’s cutting-edge testbed for connected and automated vehicles. This early exposure laid the foundation for his deep technical expertise and strategic outlook on autonomy.
At Cruise, he led the integration of the company’s autonomy stack onto GM’s platform, ensuring seamless vehicle deployment. Later, he transitioned into a strategic role, shaping Cruise’s long-term roadmap for multi-city AV deployment. His ability to synthesize complex technical challenges into executable strategies became his defining strength.
Mastering Complexity: Leading at Scale
Gattani thrives where complexity meets execution. At Cruise, he demonstrated an unparalleled ability to navigate the intricate relationship between hardware and software in autonomous vehicles. His experience in scaling RoboTaxi fleets offers a masterclass in cross-functional leadership.
“Autonomous vehicles integrate advanced sensors, compute platforms, and intricate control systems,” he said. “Scaling from prototype to operational fleet required not only technical depth but seamless coordination across engineering, supply chain, and manufacturing.”
He excels at balancing the big picture with deep technical engagement, applying agile methodologies, risk assessment frameworks, and KPIs to track execution while ensuring alignment between engineering and leadership teams..
Gattani’s approach to leading cross-functional teams is rooted in structured goal-setting and data-driven execution:
- Define a Clear, Measurable End Goal – Establishing a well-defined program objective with measurable success criteria ensures every team member is aligned on what success looks like.
- Leverage Data-Driven Decision Making – Tracking key metrics provides visibility into progress, facilitates informed discussions, and helps identify roadblocks early.
- Empower Teams for Decentralized Decision-Making – Rather than being a bottleneck, he enables team members to make independent decisions within their domain, fostering ownership and accelerating execution.
- Prioritize Agile Communication – Encouraging real-time, ad-hoc problem-solving instead of deferring decisions to formal meetings allows for faster issue resolution.
- Establish Team Norms & Cultural Expectations – Setting clear expectations around collaboration norms and team culture streamlines interactions and minimizes friction.
His leadership philosophy centers on empowerment and decentralized decision-making, ensuring agility without sacrificing precision. He believes that fostering a culture of ownership and accountability is key to overcoming engineering and operational challenges at scale
A Global Perspective on Mobility
Having worked across North America, Europe, and Asia, Gattani understands that technological advancement is deeply intertwined with cultural and regulatory nuances.
“Success in global markets requires more than technical expertise,” he said. “It demands adaptability—understanding hierarchical decision-making in Asia, collaborative structures in the West, and the regulatory landscapes that shape each region.”
His approach ensures innovation isn’t just technologically viable but also globally scalable. Whether it was aligning product strategies with regional emissions standards at Cummins or navigating city-by-city AV deployment regulations at Cruise, his ability to balance global perspectives with local execution has been a defining factor in his success.
Beyond Autonomous Vehicles: Technology’s Broader Impact
Gattani’s curiosity extends beyond mobility. He sees clear parallels between autonomy and advancements in healthcare technology, particularly in medical imaging.
“Sensor integration, machine learning, and data processing—core to AV development—are also transforming healthcare,” he said. “AI-driven diagnostics are revolutionizing early disease detection, much like perception systems enable self-driving cars to ‘see’ the world.”
His personal experiences have fueled his interest in proactive healthcare solutions, reinforcing his belief that technology must serve a greater societal purpose.
Embracing the Roads Less Traveled
Gattani’s journey is a masterclass in career agility, proof that technical expertise combined with strategic vision can drive meaningful impact across industries. His advice for aspiring innovators; “Seek out intersections between technology and societal needs. Your foundational skills are more versatile than you think. Cross-disciplinary expertise fuels innovation—don’t be afraid to apply your knowledge in new ways.”
As he continues shaping the future of autonomy, Gattani remains driven by a singular mission: leveraging technology to create smarter, cleaner, and more inclusive mobility solutions for all.
The future of mobility isn’t just autonomous. It’s being built—by leaders like Akshat Gattani.