KLH University Hiring - Head Innovation & Incubation

KLH · India

KLH University is seeking an accomplished and dynamic Head – Innovation & Incubation to lead and scale the University’s innovation, entrepreneurship, incubation, and startup ecosystem.

The incumbent will be responsible for developing a strong culture of innovation, entrepreneurship, research-to-product translation, startup creation, industry collaboration, and technology commercialization across the University.

The role will focus on identifying and nurturing high-potential ideas, supporting student and faculty innovators, developing startups and deep-tech ventures, facilitating access to funding and mentorship, and establishing strategic partnerships with industry, investors, government bodies, incubators, accelerators, and the wider innovation ecosystem.

The ideal candidate should have strong experience in innovation management, startup incubation, entrepreneurship, technology commercialization, industry partnerships, and ecosystem development , with an understanding of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, DeepTech, IoT, Computer Vision, Generative AI and Autonomous Systems .

Key Responsibilities

1. Innovation & Entrepreneurship Strategy

• Develop and implement the University’s Innovation & Entrepreneurship Strategy and Roadmap .
• Build a strong culture of innovation and entrepreneurship among students, faculty, researchers, and alumni.
• Establish structured programmes for ideation, innovation challenges, hackathons, prototyping, validation and startup development .
• Identify emerging technology and market opportunities aligned with the University’s strategic priorities.

2. Incubation & Startup Development

• Lead the development and management of the University’s Incubation Centre / Innovation Hub .
• Design and implement structured incubation programmes for early-stage and deep-tech startups.
• Establish a robust pipeline for identifying, evaluating, selecting and mentoring promising startups.
• Support startups through the complete journey from idea → prototype → product → market → funding → scale-up .
• Develop mechanisms for startup acceleration, market access, customer discovery and commercialization.

3. Student & Faculty Innovation

• Encourage students and faculty members to transform research and innovative ideas into products, technologies and startups .
• Develop entrepreneurship programmes, innovation challenges, boot camps and accelerator initiatives.
• Facilitate interdisciplinary innovation involving AI, Robotics, Engineering, Sciences, Management and other domains .
• Establish mentorship and expert networks for innovators and entrepreneurs.

4. AI, Robotics & DeepTech Innovation

• Develop specialized innovation programmes around AI, Robotics, Generative AI, Computer Vision, IoT, Autonomous Systems, DeepTech and emerging technologies .
• Encourage development of technology-based startups and intellectual property.
• Promote AI and Robotics applications addressing real-world industry and societal challenges.
• Build partnerships with technology companies, R&D organizations, startups and research institutions.

5. Funding & Grants

• Identify and facilitate access to government grants, innovation funds, startup funding, CSR support, corporate partnerships and venture capital .
• Support innovators and startups in preparing proposals, pitch decks, business plans and funding applications.
• Develop relationships with investors, angel networks, venture capital firms and funding agencies.

6. Industry & Ecosystem Partnerships

• Build strategic partnerships with industry, corporates, startups, investors, accelerators, incubators, research organizations and government agencies .
• Develop industry-sponsored innovation and technology programmes.
• Facilitate industry problem statements and convert them into student/faculty innovation projects and startup opportunities.
• Represent KLH University at relevant innovation, entrepreneurship and technology forums.

7. Government & Innovation Ecosystem

• Develop strong engagement with national and state-level innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives.
• Explore collaborations with organizations and programmes associated with Atal Innovation Mission, Startup India, DPIIT, MSMEs, MeitY, DST, state innovation initiatives and other relevant agencies .
• Ensure effective participation in relevant innovation and entrepreneurship programmes, competitions and funding opportunities.

8. Intellectual Property & Technology Commercialization

• Promote patents, intellectual property, technology transfer and commercialization .
• Work closely with researchers and faculty to identify commercially viable technologies.
• Establish pathways for converting university research into products, licensing opportunities and startups .
• Support IP strategy, technology validation and industry adoption.

9. Innovation Infrastructure

• Develop and strengthen innovation infrastructure including:
• Innovation Labs
• AI & Robotics Labs
• Maker Spaces
• Prototyping Facilities
• Startup Co-working Spaces
• Testing & Validation Facilities
• Technology Demonstration Centres
• Ensure effective utilization of innovation infrastructure by students, faculty and startups.

10. Leadership, Operations & KPIs

• Lead a high-performing innovation and incubation team.
• Develop annual plans, budgets and programme objectives.
• Establish measurable KPIs for innovation and incubation activities.
• Track and report outcomes including:
• Startups incubated
• Startups launched
• Startups graduated
• Funding raised
• Patents and IP generated
• Prototypes developed
• Industry partnerships
• Investor engagements
• Revenue/commercialization
• Jobs created
• Student and faculty participation
• Prepare periodic reports and presentations for University leadership.

Key Deliverables

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Build a high-performing university innovation and incubation ecosystem .
• Establish a strong pipeline of student and faculty-led startups .
• Increase the number and quality of patents, prototypes and technology commercialization opportunities .
• Develop strategic partnerships with industry, investors, government and global innovation ecosystems .
• Attract external funding and grants for innovation and entrepreneurship.
• Position KLH University as a leading institution for AI, Robotics, DeepTech and technology-driven entrepreneurship .
• Create measurable impact through successful startups, funding, IP, industry collaborations and employment generation.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Engineering, Technology, Science, Management, Entrepreneurship, Innovation or a related discipline .
• Candidates with relevant professional experience in innovation, incubation, entrepreneurship, startup ecosystems, technology commercialization, research management or industry partnerships will be preferred.

Experience

• Typically 15+ years of relevant professional experience , with significant experience in innovation, entrepreneurship, incubation, startup development, technology commercialization or ecosystem building.
• Experience in leading innovation/incubation centres, accelerators, university entrepreneurship programmes, technology organizations, R&D institutions or startup ecosystems is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated experience in developing industry, investor, government and institutional partnerships .
• Experience in securing grants, sponsorships, CSR funding or other external funding will be an advantage.

Preferred Competencies

• Innovation & Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Development
• Startup Incubation & Acceleration
• Technology Commercialization
• AI & Robotics
• DeepTech & Emerging Technologies
• Intellectual Property & Patents
• Fundraising & Grant Management
• Industry–Academia Collaboration
• Investor & Startup Ecosystem Engagement
• Government Innovation Programmes
• Strategic Partnerships
• Programme & Team Leadership
• Business Development
• Mentoring & Entrepreneurial Coaching
• Excellent Communication & Presentation Skills

Desirable Network

Strong professional relationships with industry leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, venture capital firms, angel networks, incubators, accelerators, government agencies, research institutions and technology companies will be an added advantage.