Deputy Director Incubation

The Deputy Director – Incubation / Innovation will play a key role in fostering entrepreneurship, innovation, and startup culture within the institution. The position involves managing incubation activities, mentoring startups, building industry linkages, mobilizing resources, and ensuring the growth of innovation-driven initiatives. The incumbent will work closely with the Director / Head of Incubation to strengthen the ecosystem and position the center as a hub for entrepreneurial excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Incubation & Startup Support

Oversee incubation operations including startup onboarding, mentoring, and progress monitoring.

Guide startups on business model development, fundraising, product validation, and market strategies.

Facilitate access to industry experts, mentors, and investors.

Innovation & Ecosystem Development

Drive programs on design thinking, innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology commercialization.

Promote collaboration with academia, industry, government, and investors to strengthen the innovation ecosystem.

Facilitate patenting, licensing, and IPR awareness for incubated startups and faculty / student innovators.

Partnerships & Resource Mobilization

Build partnerships with corporates, funding agencies, venture capitalists, and government bodies.

Explore opportunities for grants, sponsorships, and CSR funding.

Represent the incubation center in networking events, conferences, and forums.

Administration & Reporting

Assist in strategic planning and execution of incubation policies and programs.

Ensure compliance with funding agency requirements and institutional policies.

Prepare periodic reports, presentations, and documentation for stakeholders.

Qualifications & Skills

Master’s degree in Management / Engineering / Entrepreneurship / Innovation (Ph.D. must).

5–10 years of relevant experience in innovation management, startup incubation, technology transfer, or related fields.

Strong understanding of startup ecosystems, venture funding, and government policies on entrepreneurship.

Excellent networking, communication, and leadership skills.

Ability to mentor entrepreneurs and foster innovation-driven growth.

Experience

Prior experience in managing incubation / innovation centers, entrepreneurship cells, or startup initiatives is highly desirable.

Proven track record of successful partnerships, fundraising, or startup mentoring will be an added advantage.