Ratan Tata Innovation Hub

The Ratan Tata Innovation Hub is a Section 8 company established under the Government of Andhra Pradesh through the Andhra Pradesh Innovation Society (APIS). As the States principal platform for innovation, incubation, and entrepreneurship, RTIH leads a Hub-and-Spoke network connecting five regional innovation foundations across Andhra Pradesh. Its visionunder the AP Innovation & Startup Policy (20242029)is to make Andhra Pradesh a lighthouse of inclusive innovation and entrepreneurship.

Position

Head Advanced Prototype Innovation Centre (APIC)

Employment Type: Full-time Contractual Role

Location: Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh

Reporting To: CEO/Designated Authority in RTIH Amaravati Foundation

Role Overview

The Head Advanced Prototype Innovation Centre (APIC) will lead the establishment, operationalisation, and strategic management of the Advanced Prototype Innovation Centre under the Ratan Tata Innovation Hub. The role focuses on creating a world-class prototyping and innovation ecosystem that supports startups, innovators, students, researchers, MSMEs, and industry partners through advanced fabrication, rapid prototyping, product development, testing, and innovation support services.

The position requires strong leadership in innovation infrastructure, prototyping technologies, fabrication labs, research collaboration, and ecosystem development.

Key Responsibilities

(a) Strategic Leadership & Centre Development

Lead the planning, establishment, and operational management of the Advanced Prototype Innovation Centre.

Develop the APIC roadmap aligned with RTIHs innovation and entrepreneurship objectives.

Build strategic partnerships with industries, academic institutions, research organizations, startups, and government agencies.

Drive innovation-led programs, product development initiatives, and technology commercialization activities.

(b) Prototype Labs & Innovation Infrastructure

Oversee setup and management of advanced prototyping labs including:

Rapid Prototyping Labs

Fab Labs

Electronics & IoT Labs

Robotics & Automation Labs

AI/ML-enabled prototype systems

Product Testing & Validation facilities

Ensure procurement, installation, commissioning, and maintenance of advanced equipment and machinery.

Monitor utilization, operational readiness, safety standards, and performance of all lab facilities.

(c) Innovation & Product Development Support

Support startups, innovators, researchers, and students in prototype design, product development, testing, and validation.

Enable proof-of-concept (PoC), MVP development, industrial design, and commercialization support.

Facilitate mentorship, technical guidance, and access to domain experts.

Promote interdisciplinary innovation and industry-driven product solutions.

(d) Ecosystem & Industry Collaboration

Establish collaborations with technology companies, manufacturing industries, incubators, accelerators, and research institutions.

Coordinate innovation challenges, hackathons, product showcases, and technology demonstrations.

Identify funding opportunities, CSR partnerships, and innovation grants for infrastructure and programs.

Represent RTIH and APIC in innovation forums, conferences, and stakeholder meetings.

(e) Operations & Team Management

Lead multidisciplinary technical and operational teams within APIC.

Develop SOPs, operational guidelines, and quality standards for labs and innovation services.

Manage budgets, vendor coordination, annual planning, reporting, and compliance activities.

Ensure efficient scheduling and access management for innovators and partner institutions.

(f) Research, Technology & Emerging Innovations

Track emerging technologies and advanced manufacturing trends relevant to innovation ecosystems.

Promote adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies, AI-driven prototyping, digital fabrication, and smart manufacturing systems.

Encourage applied research, collaborative innovation, and technology transfer initiatives.

Qualification & Experience

Bachelors Degree in Engineering / Technology / Product Design / Manufacturing / Electronics / Mechanical / Mechatronics or related disciplines.

Masters Degree / MBA / PGDM in Innovation Management, Technology Management, Manufacturing, or related fields preferred.

Minimum 1215 years of relevant experience in prototyping, innovation infrastructure, R&D centres, fabrication labs, product development, engineering innovation, or technology management.

Experience in managing innovation centres, incubation ecosystems, prototype labs, or advanced manufacturing facilities is preferred.

Exposure to startup ecosystems, research collaborations, and government innovation programs will be an added advantage.

Required Skills & Competencies

Strong leadership and strategic planning abilities

Expertise in prototyping technologies and innovation ecosystems

Knowledge of fabrication systems, advanced manufacturing, and product development processes

Vendor management and infrastructure coordination skills

Industry networking and stakeholder engagement capabilities

Project management and operational excellence

Strong communication, presentation, and team management skills

Understanding of emerging technologies and Industry 4.0 trends

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Operationalisation and utilization of APIC facilities

Number of prototypes/products developed and supported

Industry and institutional collaborations established

Startup and innovator engagement metrics

Infrastructure uptime and operational efficiency

Innovation programs, workshops, and outreach activities conducted

Revenue generation / sustainability initiatives for APIC

Compensation

CTC: 1518 LPA per annum

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