Job Description for Program Head – Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Quantum Technology under Wadhwani Innovation Network (WIN) About WIN:
The Wadhwani Innovation Network (WIN) is dedicated to driving innovation, translation and entrepreneurship with a prime objective of fast-tracking commercialization of academic research in cutting-edge areas such as biotechnology, bio engineering, synthetic biology, health-tech, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, space-tech, advanced computing, quantum technology, critical minerals and mining through partnerships with various Govt. agencies / academic institutions / incubators across the country. Under Wadhwani Innovation Network, consortia of Innovation Centers of Excellence (WIN – COE) have been established at top tier institutions / incubators to support translation of advanced research projects towards commercialization.
Summary of Job Description:
The Program Head – Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Quantum Technology will lead the strategic planning, implementation, and evaluation of innovative programs aimed at fostering entrepreneurship and driving innovation sustainable economic development with a focus on AI, ML, System Integration and Quantum Technology.
This role requires a visionary leader with a robust background in program management, strategic partnerships, and stakeholder engagement with inter-disciplinary knowledge. Key areas of working would include: Program and Performance Monitoring: Manage performance of each COE and ensure alignment with WIN goals. Ensures right project selection and funding requirements
Service Management: Provide centers with WIN resources such as mentors, consultants, investors and incubation support. Also leads WIN-platform management
Expansion Support: Drive program growth by identifying and onboarding new partners The role demands possession of strong technical, administrative, management, financial, and communication skills with an understanding of institutional norms as well as being well – acquainted with the overall innovation ecosystem.
The Position will report to the Managing Director -
WIN Roles & Responsibilities:
- Program Development and Management: ✓ Design, implement, and oversee high-impact programs aligned with WIN’s mission. ✓ Monitor program performance, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and objectives. ✓ Utilize data-driven insights to enhance program effectiveness and sustainability. ✓ Develop effective business processes towards efficient functioning of the program portfolios.
• Strategic Leadership: ✓ Develop and execute strategic initiatives to advance WIN’s vision and objectives. ✓ Collaborate with executive leadership to define program priorities and resource allocation. ✓ Lead cross-functional teams in program execution, ensuring alignment with organizational goals. • Technical Foresight and Due Diligence: ✓ Use technical foresight to build and fund programs aligned with WIN’s mission in AI and Quantum Technology. 1 ✓ Undertake due diligence of projects in AI and Quantum Technology. ✓ Identify and work in collaboration with domain experts in AI and Quantum Technology.
- Stakeholder Engagement: ✓ Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including entrepreneurs, investors, government entities, and educational institutions. ✓ Facilitate partnerships that leverage both knowledge and fiscal resources and expertise to amplify program impact. ✓ Represent WIN at conferences, workshops, and networking events to promote initiatives.
- Team Leadership and Development: ✓ Recruit, mentor, and manage program staff, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation. ✓ Provide training and professional development opportunities to enhance team capabilities.
- Financial Management: ✓ Develop and manage program budgets, ensuring financial accountability and sustainability. ✓ Identify funding opportunities and support grant writing efforts to secure resources.
- Evaluation and Reporting: ✓ Establish metrics for program evaluation and impact assessment. ✓ Prepare and present regular reports to stakeholders, showcasing program outcomes and insights.
Qualifications & Experience: - - - - - - - Post – graduate degree in relevant field such as quantum computing, artificial intelligence, computer science, engineering, physics, mathematics or data sciences from a reputed university / institution.
Minimum 14 years’ experience working in incubators, academic institutions, research organizations, investor firms, funding agencies or Govt. programs.
- Interdisciplinary knowledge: Given the convergence of AI and quantum technologies, expertise in both domains is crucial. Working knowledge of AI & machine learning, quantum technology, programming and data science & optimization. Certification and / or work experience in AI, ML & quantum technology in the innovation sector is preferable.
- Strong experience in technology management, stakeholder engagement, strategic partnerships, fund-raising, ecosystem development, startup incubation, venture building and entrepreneurship programs.
- Knowledge of intellectual property rights (IPR), commercialization process, financial procedures and administrative operations in Government institutions. Excellent leadership, communication, problem-solving and stakeholder management skills.
- Location: New Delhi
B. Tech / M. Tech/ PHD
