Director - Startup & SME Ecosystem Development

Role Overview:

The Director is responsible for driving the Startup and SMB ecosystem development within their respective city. They will lead all ecosystem-related initiatives, manage key stakeholders, and ensure alignment with the national strategy. They will work closely with government bodies, incubators, accelerators, corporates, and investors to enhance the vibrancy of the startup ecosystem.

Key Responsibilities:

Ecosystem Strategy & Leadership

• Develop and execute a regional

  ecosystem development strategy

  , ensuring alignment with national objectives.
• Build a

  thriving startup and SMB ecosystem

  by fostering collaboration among key stakeholders.
• Lead ecosystem mapping efforts, identifying

  gaps and opportunities

  in the hub’s startup landscape.

Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships

• Develop and maintain relationships with

  incubators, accelerators, investors, SMB, government agencies, and corporates

  .
• Foster

  cross-hub collaboration

  , ensuring best practices and shared knowledge are leveraged across regions.
• Act as a liaison between

  state government startup missions

  and central policy initiatives.

Program Oversight & Execution

• Oversee the

  Startup and SMB Portfolio Sourcing & Management teams

  to ensure high-quality program delivery.
• Guide startups and SMBs through

  funding readiness programs, investor connects, and market access initiatives

  .
• Support the

  creation of tailored programs

  in high-impact sectors (deep tech, biotech, cleantech, etc.).

Impact Measurement & Reporting

• Track ecosystem performance through

  key metrics

  , including revenues, customers, pilots, startup funding, job creation, and collaboration.
• Publish periodic reports on

  ecosystem health and program effectiveness

  .
• Leverage data-driven insights to

  refine strategies and interventions

  .

Qualifications & Experience:

• 8–12 years

  in ecosystem development, startup incubation, venture building, or government-led entrepreneurship programs.
• Strong experience in

  stakeholder engagement, strategic partnerships, and program execution

  .
• Understanding of

  startup funding, innovation ecosystems, and government support structures

  .
• Excellent

  leadership, communication, and stakeholder management

  skills.

India’s key hubs