Program Associate- Mobility Startups Incubation

Position:

Reporting Manager -

Who we are

The NS Raghavan Centre for Entrepreneurial Learning (NSRCEL) is IIM Bangalore's startup hub and incubation centre. The centre is structured as a section-8 not-for-profit entity.

NSRCEL's mission is to support ventures in the start-up ecosystem that demonstrate potential to create significant economic and societal impact. This financial year alone NSRCEL has engaged with 1106 ventures through 13 unique program tracks across 82 towns in the country.

NSRCEL is supported by Department of Science and Technology and Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. NSRCEL has partners with corporates like Alstom, Capgemini, Goldman Sachs, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Maruti Suzuki, Pernod Ricard India Foundation and SBI Foundation, among others to support idea stage and early-revenue stage entrepreneurs and startups in focussed themes of climate-tech, women entrepreneurship, and social impact.

What you will be doing

As a Program Associate, you'll support the execution and delivery of NSRCEL's mobility startup incubation program in collaboration with Maruti Suzuki. You'll work hands-on with early-stage founders, coordinate program activities, and help curate resources that enable innovation in smart mobility, logistics, automotive, EV infrastructure, and beyond. This role is ideal for someone who is curious, organized, and excited by the opportunity to work with founders building the Future of Mobility.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the full lifecycle of the incubation program startup onboarding, session planning, cohort activities, and event coordination.
  
• Build and manage a high-performing portfolio of early-stage mobility startups. Track individual startup progress, surface portfolio-wide trends, and plan targeted interventions.
  
• Stay updated on innovation/ emerging tech in mobility to help identify, source & evaluate startups working at the cutting edge.
  
• Use analytical and structured approaches to improve program workflows, respond to founder challenges, and identify areas for improvement.
  
• Liaise with internal teams, industry experts, mentors, and the Maruti Suzuki team to ensure a seamless experience for all stakeholders.
  
• Represent NSRCEL at startup events, mobility forums, and ecosystem meetups to grow our visibility, build partnerships and founder pipeline.
  
• Assist in preparing program reports, success stories, and updates for partners and internal leadership.
  

We're looking for someone who brings curiosity, initiative, and passion for entrepreneurship. You will ideally have:

• A bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Economics, or any related field. (Master's or MBA is a plus but not mandatory.)
  
• 13 years of experience in startup programs, corporate innovation, or any role involving execution-heavy, dynamic environments.
  
• Familiarity with productivity tools such ass Notion, JIRA etc...
• A first-principles thinker who can break down complex problems and build structured, creative solutions.
  
• Strong organizational and project coordination skills with a focus on execution and responsiveness.
  
• Excellent communication skills and confidence in engaging with founders, experts, and corporate stakeholders.
  
• Familiarity with productivity tools (Excel, PowerPoint, Google Workspace) and comfort with data handling and reporting.
  
• Exposure to or experience with AI/ML applications, mobility innovations, or startup ecosystems is a plus.