Additional Director / Director -Start-up and Innovation

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Location:

Experience:

Job Purpose

The role of Head Start-up and Innovation vertical at ASSOCHAM will head and drive the development of a vibrant start-up ecosystem in India by acting bridge between start-ups industry and government. This role would catalyse transformative government initiatives such as Start-up India, and Digital India by enabling start-ups and innovation to become key drivers of economic growth and employment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Start-ups and Innovation Council to foster a thriving start-up ecosystem by facilitating collaboration between start-ups, established corporations, investors, and government institutions.
• Drive policy advocacy efforts by engaging with government stakeholders to influence start-up-friendly policies that ease business operations and promote innovation-led growth.
• Involve funding ecosystem, develop incubation centres, mentorship programs, funding facilitation, and start-up launchpads to support early-stage ventures.
• Develop and implement programs for knowledge sharing, capacity building, and entrepreneurship promotion to convert job seekers into job creators.
• Facilitate investor engagement by identifying promising start-ups and creating platforms for investment opportunities.
• Lead the design and execution of events, workshops, and campaigns that promote indigenous technologies and innovation on national and global platforms.
• Manage cross-functional teams and partnerships to ensure effective delivery of Council objectives and initiatives.
• Represent ASSOCHAM in national and international forums related to start-ups and innovation, enhancing the organization's visibility and influence.
• Monitor and report on the impact of start-up and innovation initiatives, ensuring alignment with ASSOCHAM’s objectives and government expectations.

Education and Experience

• Master’s degree or higher in Business Administration, Public Policy Innovation, Entrepreneurship, or a related field.
• 17-20 years of progressive leadership experience in developing start-up ecosystems, entrepreneurship development, or related areas.
• Proven track record of working with government bodies, industry associations, start-ups, and investors.
• Experience in policy advocacy, ecosystem building, and managing incubation or accelerator programs is highly desirable.
• Experience in a senior leadership role within industry bodies, innovation hubs, or start-up councils will be an advantage.

Skills (Soft and Functional)

• Strategic Leadership:

  Ability to formulate and execute long-term strategies to build and sustain a robust start-up and innovation ecosystem.

• Stakeholder Management:

  Strong skills in engaging and influencing diverse stakeholders including government officials, industry leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs.

• Policy Advocacy:

  Expertise in analysing, developing, and advocating for policies that support start-up growth and ease of doing business.

• Communication:

  Excellent verbal and written communication skills to represent ASSOCHAM effectively and build networks.

• Program Management:

  Proficiency in designing, implementing, and monitoring start-up support programs such as incubation, mentorship, and funding initiatives.

• Financial Acumen:

  Understanding of funding mechanisms, investment processes, and financial management related to start-ups and innovation projects.

• Innovation Mindset:

  Deep understanding of innovation trends, technology commercialization, and entrepreneurship dynamics.

• Team Leadership:

  Proven ability to lead, motivate, and manage cross-functional teams in a dynamic environment.

• Networking:

  Strong ability to build partnerships and collaborations nationally and internationally.