Head - Partnerships (Vijayawada)

About RTIH

The Ratan Tata Innovation Hub (RTIH) is a Section 8 company established under the Government of Andhra Pradesh through the Andhra Pradesh Innovation Society (APIS). As the State’s principal platform for innovation, incubation, and entrepreneurship, RTIH leads a Hub-and-Spoke network connecting five regional innovation foundations across Andhra Pradesh. Its vision—under the AP Innovation & Startup Policy (2024–2029)—is to make Andhra Pradesh a lighthouse of inclusive innovation and entrepreneurship.

Position

Head – Partnership

Role Overview

The Head – Partnerships will lead the strategic development and executive management of high-impact alliances for RTIH, Vijayawada. This role is pivotal in driving collaborations across corporates, startups, academic institutions, investors, government departments, and industry bodies to accelerate the regional innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem.

Key Responsibilities

· Develop and execute RTIH Vijayawada multi-stakeholder partnership strategy aligned with core organizational goals.

· Build strategic alliances with corporates, incubators, accelerators, universities, angel investors, VCs, CSR organizations, government bodies, international agencies and other ecosystem partners.

· Lead corporate innovation programs, startup engagement initiatives, innovation challenges, and market-access pathways.

· Facilitate formal institutional collaborations through Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), sponsorships, and agreements.

· Establish pipeline linkages with investors, venture networks, and funding agencies to support portfolio startups.

· Represent RTIH Vijayawada at regional/national innovation forums, startup summits, and high-level networking platforms.

· Monitor partnership outcomes, prepare performance dashboards, reports and deliver data-driven impact assessments for leadership.

Qualifications & Experience

· Master's degree in Management/Business Administration, Engineering, Public Policy, Entrepreneurship or related fields.

· 8–10 years of progressive experience in strategic partnerships, business development, startup incubators, or corporate innovation.

· Proven track record in structuring MoUs, securing program sponsorships, and managing high-value multi-stakeholder deals.

· Deep understanding of India’s startup ecosystem, government innovation mandates, and venture funding landscape.

· Willingness to travel extensively to strengthen strategic partnerships, engage with stakeholders, and attend official meetings, as required.

Core Competencies