Director - Entrepreneurship & Incubation

Company Description

Universal Ai University, India’s first AI-focused institution, is located in a 40-acre campus in Karjat and is promoted by the country’s first Green B-School. Guided by the values of Professionalism, Passion, and Purpose, the university is dedicated to developing future-ready leaders through its innovative CMAPS (Collaborative Multidisciplinary Approach to Problem Solving) framework. With world-class infrastructure, a diverse range of degree programs, and endorsements from 60 global CEOs, the university emphasizes experiential and multidisciplinary learning. Universal Ai University integrates sustainability and entrepreneurship into its curriculum, empowering students to excel globally while driving positive economic, environmental, and social change.

Role Description

This is a full-time, on-site role for a Director - Entrepreneurship & Incubation based at our Karjat campus. The Director will be responsible for designing and executing incubation programs, fostering an entrepreneurial ecosystem, and connecting with startups, industry experts, and investors. Key responsibilities include mentoring entrepreneurs, establishing strategic industry partnerships, organizing workshops and events, and ensuring the seamless operation of the incubation Center. The role involves working collaboratively with university stakeholders to support innovation-driven ventures and aligning activities with the institution’s goals for impact and sustainability.

Qualifications

Strong expertise in Entrepreneurship, Business Development, and Startup Ecosystem Management

Demonstrated experience in Strategic Planning, Partnership Development, and Stakeholder Engagement

Proficiency in Project Management, Event Planning, and Workshop Facilitation

An understanding of Sustainability Practices, Innovation Strategies, and Technology-Based Solutions

Excellent communication, leadership, and mentoring skills

Ability to work collaboratively and promote a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship

Prior experience in managing incubation centers or entrepreneurial initiatives is highly desirable

Master’s degree in Business Administration, Entrepreneurship; Ph.D. is a plus

Key Objectives

The main target is to set up a fully functional Incubation Centre with legal support, admin support and model of funding.

Try and achieve the first 5 start-ups from campus (students) in the next 2 years.

Create a network of start-up funding organisations and have an annual pitch fest at campus and invite students from other universities as well.

To secure funding for 2 Start-ups from campus from Venture Capital / Y Combinator, Angel Networks etc. in the next 2 years.

To secure funding from Atal Incubation Centre – For setting up Incubation Centre

Ensure the Incubator is sustainable by getting funding from external donors.

Main Activities :

Organizing periodic workshops, seminars and interactive meetings with entrepreneurs, investors, fund-raisers and professionals to inculcate and promote innovation.

Develop and execute a 2-credit course in the curriculum on entrepreneurship and IPR for UG students.

Organizing Idea competition, Hackathons and other related activities with the involvement of industries and Atal Incubation Centre - AIC ( an annual pitch fest at campus and invite students from other universities as well.

Create a Innovation Hub Centre of Excellence

to nurture the ideas and also to support on taking up the family business.

Timely updating of Institution’s Innovation portal to highlight the activities of IEC and information regarding innovative projects carried out in the Institute.