Program Manager

Role Overview

We are seeking a results-driven Program Manager to lead the execution, stakeholder engagement, and outcome delivery of our innovation and startup incubation programs. This role is highly outcome-oriented, aligned with program KPIs including ecosystem engagement, student outreach, idea pipeline creation, and converting ideas into POCs, MVPs, and incubated ventures.

The role requires strong ecosystem-building ability, operational excellence, and experience in driving innovation programs at scale.

About the Program

This Idea to MVP Program is an innovation and industry-engagement program that connects engineering institutions, students, and MSMEs across Nagpur. The cohort focuses on identifying real business challenges from local industries and enabling student teams to solve them through design thinking, rapid prototyping, and structured mentorship. At the end of the cohort, a Demo Day is hosted where the best ideas are pitched to leading incubators in Nagpur, who then select promising teams for their incubation programs. The Program Manager plays a pivotal role in coordinating with institutions, managing industry partnerships, driving student engagement, tracking project progress, and ensuring the cohort delivers high-impact outcomes for the regions innovation ecosystem.

Key Responsibilities

1. MSME & Industry Engagement

Identify, engage, and onboard regional MSMEs aligned to the programs focus areas.

Source high-quality problem statements from the regional MSMEs.

Maintain relationships and ensure MSME participation throughout POC and MVP stages.

Expected Outcome: Strong pipeline of MSME partners contributing validated problem statements.

2. Institutional & Talent Outreach

Execute outreach campaigns across colleges, polytechnics, universities, and student communities.

Conduct awareness sessions, presentations, and promotional drives to maximize program reach.

Build and maintain partnerships with academic institutions and faculty coordinators.

Expected Outcome: Robust top-of-funnel student pipeline with high engagement and idea submissions.

3. Program Operations & Execution

Lead end-to-end execution of cohort phases such as scouting, idea submissions, ExO sprints, POC development, MVP refinement, and handovers.

Ensure structured progress tracking and milestone achievements for each cohort.

Manage program logistics, events, workshops, and demo days.

Expected Outcome: Smooth program execution with measurable conversions from ideas POCs MVPs.

4. Startup & Team Enablement

Provide hands-on mentorship and guidance to student teams and innovators.

Facilitate access to domain experts, mentors, technical resources, and tools.

Ensure teams have clarity on deliverables, timelines, and development expectations.

Expected Outcome: High-quality POCs and MVPs showcasing validated solutions.

5. Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting

Develop and enforce frameworks for tracking progress at every stage of the program.

Maintain detailed documentation: engagement trackers, team progress logs, milestone reports, and outcome summaries.

Generate periodic reports for internal leadership, partners, and stakeholders.

Expected Outcome: Clear visibility on program performance and progress.

6. Ecosystem & Stakeholder Management

Build a strong network of mentors, industry experts, ecosystem partners, and incubators.

Facilitate incubation opportunities and IP transfers between innovators and MSMEs.

Coordinate with government bodies, academic heads, and partner organizations.

Expected Outcome: Successful incubation/IP transfer of selected MVPs.

7. Program Sustainability & Growth

Identify funding avenues, grants, sponsorships, and strategic partners to support and scale the program.

Contribute to strengthening InUnitys innovation ecosystem and regional footprint.

Expected Outcome: Sustainable and scalable program model with external support.

Qualifications

• Bachelors or Masters in Business Administration, Entrepreneurship, Engineering, or related domains
• 2 years of experience in startup incubation, venture development, accelerator programs, entrepreneurship support, or MSME engagement.
• Strong understanding of the startup ecosystem and innovation-driven development.
• Excellent communication and relationship management skills.
• Ability to manage and deliver outcome-driven programs with multi-stakeholder coordination.
• Experience in scouting, mentoring, or venture development is a strong advantage.
• Experience in grant proposals or fundraising is a plus.