Head Incubation, RTIH Tirupati

Head Incubation

Ratan Tata Innovation Hub (RTIH) Tirupati

Location: Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh Type: Full-time | Senior Management Reports to: Chief Executive Officer, RTIH Tirupati

About RTIH

The Ratan Tata Innovation Hub (RTIH) Tirupati Foundation is a Section 8 not-for-profit company established under the Government of Andhra Pradesh through the APIS & part of the RTIH Network of Sec 8 Companies. As the State's principal platform for innovation, incubation, and entrepreneurship, RTIH leads a Hub-and-Spoke network connecting regional innovation foundations across Andhra Pradesh. RTIH aims to drive inclusive growth and create a vibrant innovation culture under the Andhra Pradesh Innovation & Startup Policy (4.0) 2024-2029, nurturing startups, institutions, and entrepreneurs across sectors.

Role Overview

1. The Head Incubation will lead the design, execution, and management of RTIHs incubation and acceleration programs across the Tirupati Spoke. This role will ensure that each startup supported by RTIH receives structured mentorship, access to networks, and pathways to market, funding, and growth.
2. The Head Incubation will work closely with the Tirupati Spoke CEO, and Group Head of Incubation (at RTIH Amaravati) to operationalize incubation processes, mentor engagement, startup selection, and performance tracking.
3. This role will interface with external stakeholders for incubation-specific collaborations, such as accelerator partners, CSR programs, and innovation challenges.

Key Responsibilities

A. Program Design & Execution

1. Develop and oversee incubation and acceleration frameworks across the RTIH Tirupati network.
2. Establish standard operating procedures for startup onboarding, evaluation, and graduation.
3. Curate sector-specific cohorts aligned with State priorities and RTIHs thematic focus areas.
4. Ensure incubation centres across Spokes maintain consistent standards of service delivery and impact measurement through close liaison with Hub (RTIH Amaravati Foundation).
5. Collaborate with mentors, experts, and academic partners to strengthen startup capability-building modules.

B. Startup Selection & Portfolio Management

1. Lead the call-for-applications and selection process for startups under RTIHs programs.
2. Guide Spoke teams in identifying, evaluating, and nurturing high-potential startups from across Andhra Pradesh.
3. Monitor the progress of incubated startups through structured review mechanisms and milestone tracking.
4. Design mechanisms for performance-based support, graduation, and post-incubation linkages.

C. Mentorship & Ecosystem Building

1. Expand and manage RTIHs mentor pool, ensuring startups have access to domain experts, investors, and industry leaders.
2. Facilitate regular mentoring clinics, review boards, and demo days.
3. Coordinate with the Head Partnerships for joint initiatives involving corporates, VCs, and academic institutions.
4. Build partnerships specifically focused on incubation programs such as accelerator tie-ups, research labs, and testbeds.

D. Monitoring, Impact & Reporting

1. Establish KPIs and impact measurement frameworks for all incubation activities.
2. Prepare periodic dashboards for the Group CEO and Board summarizing startup performance, outcomes, and learnings.
3. Ensure data-driven decision-making through systematic use of RTIHs digital platforms.

E. Strategic Input & Leadership

1. Contribute to policy formulation, funding models, and incubation strategy under the Tirupati Spokes CEOs guidance.
2. Provide inputs for new program proposals, MoUs, and grant applications related to incubation.
3. Represent RTIH at ecosystem events, conferences, and government platforms related to innovation and entrepreneurship.

Qualifications & Experience

1. MBA/PGDM (Innovation, Entrepreneurship, Management, or equivalent) or equivalent.
2. Minimum 7 years of experience in managing incubation, acceleration, or innovation programs.
3. Demonstrated track record of working with startups, incubators, or government innovation missions.
4. Strong understanding of startup lifecycle, fundraising, and business-model validation.
5. Familiarity with publicprivate partnerships, CSR-funded programs, and national startup ecosystem dynamics.
6. Excellent communication and team leadership skills with the ability to work across institutions.

Core Competencies

1. Strategic thinking and operational excellence in startup incubation.
2. Stakeholder management across academia, corporates, and government.
3. Data-driven decision-making and program evaluation.
4. Strong mentoring orientation and entrepreneurial mindset.
5. Integrity, ownership, and commitment to RTIHs mission of inclusive innovation.

Compensation: 10-15 lakhs per annum (CTC), based on experience and interview performance.