Innovation & Ecosystem Lead - Fintech Innovation Hub

Role Purpose

Build and run a world-class fintech innovation ecosystem, Startup Hub and accelerator at GIFT, fostering entrepreneurship, investment linkages, and tech-led financial innovation. This is the contractual position in the grade of Manager / Senior Manager.

Experience

• Minimum 8 years in startup ecosystem, innovation hubs, incubators/accelerators
• Preferably fintech innovation experience or BFSI/startup leadership exposure

Educational Qualification:

• Bachelors or Masters degree in Business, Technology, Finance, Entrepreneurship, Innovation Management, or related disciplines.
• Certifications in startup acceleration, venture development, digital innovation, or product management are desirable.
• Exposure to emerging technologies such as AI, Web3, and digital finance through academic coursework or industry programs is preferred.

Key Responsibilities:

Ecosystem Building

• Engage founders, investors, VCs, global accelerators, incubators, and policy stakeholders
• Build innovation networks with banks, fintechs, NBFCs, regulators, and technology partners

Startup Support & Cohort Management

• Lead cohort selection, mentoring, diagnostics, and founder enablement programs
• Design frameworks for founder office hours, investor connects, demo days, and sandbox access

Innovation & Research

• Identify emerging technology and fintech trends AI in finance, Web3, digital payments, reg-tech, insure-tech, wealth-tech
• Promote regulatory sandbox usage and responsible innovation

Partnerships & Global Linkages

• Build international collaborations with innovation hubs in Singapore, UK, UAE, US, Europe, etc.
• Coordinate with government agencies, chambers, and ecosystem bodies

Outcome & Impact Measurement

Track startup success metrics funding, market traction, sandbox usage, partnerships

Required Skills:

• Founder and investor network engagement
• Startup program design and accelerator experience
• Stakeholder management (regulators, VCs, founders, academia, industry)
• Strong execution, ecosystem storytelling, and community building capability

Job Location: GIFT City, Gandhinagar

Last date to submit application is 4th December 2025.