Director / Senior Director : Technology, Innovation & AI Initiatives

Hi All,

We have an urgent requirement with one of our reputed client for the role of Director/Senior Director - Technology & Innovation. If interested Please share your updated CV at pooja@saplingshr.com. PFB the details:

Role Overview:

A visionary technology leader to spearhead its initiatives in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies. The role will anchor strategic efforts to:

1. Build national competency and awareness around frontier technologies.
2. Guide Indian industries and startups on global technology trends and competitiveness.
3. Advise the Government of India on suitable policies, frameworks and schemes to support innovation-driven growth.
4. Leverage international collaborations to position India as a leading global hub for innovation and advanced technologies.
5. Provide strategic guidance to the Presidium, Director General and Committee Chairs on technology-related policy and sectoral matters.

Key Responsibilities:

This role combines strategic foresight, policy advocacy and industry engagement- bridging industry, academia and government to drive India’s technological transformation.

1. Strategic Leadership & Ecosystem Development

• Lead national agenda on AI, Industry 4.0, digital transformation and next-generation technologies.
• Build multi-sectoral competency networks and thematic councils within focused on AI, robotics, quantum computing, biotechnology and sustainability technologies.
• Guide Indian enterprises and startups in understanding global technology shifts and adoption pathways.

2. Industry Empowerment

• Design and implement programs to help Indian companies- especially MSMEs- build capacity in AI and emerging tech.
• Facilitate partnerships between industry and academia to promote applied R&D, skill development proof of concept and technology incubation.
• Drive national initiatives and innovation challenges under the banner to showcase Indian technology capabilities.

3. Policy & Government Interface

• Engage with key ministries (Electronics & IT, Dept of Science & Technology, NITI Aayog, etc.) to provide evidence-based policy recommendations on technology strategy, data governance and innovation ecosystems.
• Support formulation of policy papers and position notes on technology, digital infrastructure and Responsibility in Science, Engineering and Technology including AI ethics.
• Represent in government advisory committees and working groups on AI and emerging technologies.

4. International Engagement & Collaboration

• Strengthen technology cooperation under existing

  bilateral and multilateral frameworks

  (e.g., India-EU, India-US, India-Japan, India-UK).
• Forge partnerships with global technology institutions, innovation councils and think tanks.
• Facilitate joint research, capacity-building and market access opportunities for Indian enterprises through these relationships.

5. Thought Leadership & Advocacy

• Conceptualize and publish white papers, policy briefs and technology foresight reports.
• Lead national and international conferences, summits and delegations on AI and innovation.
• Represent at global technology and policy forums to articulate India’s perspectives and potential.
• Create the Annual India Technology Status Report (is it an existing report?), benchmarking India’s progress and competitiveness.
• Design and deliver programs for leadership, staff and industry members to build internal and external capability.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Master’s degree or higher in Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science or related disciplines; Ph.D. or equivalent international exposure desirable.
• 15–20 years of experience in technology leadership, innovation management or public policy interface roles.
• Demonstrated expertise in Artificial Intelligence, digital transformation or emerging technologies.
• Strong understanding of India’s policy ecosystem, industrial landscape and innovation networks.
• Proven record of building partnerships between industry, academia and government.

Thanks & Regards,

Pooja V

Mobile:- 9116863306