Incubation Associate

Company Description

FoundersLab is dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation within educational institutions by creating platforms and resources for aspiring entrepreneurs. Through initiatives such as the Young Founders Lab, we empower young minds aged 12 to 22 to develop entrepreneurial skills and innovative thinking. The University Lab focuses on building sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystems in universities, transforming student projects into viable business models. Additionally, FoundersLab provides tailored support for startups, MSMEs, and businesses, offering services like go-to-market strategy, digital marketing, and investment guidance. Supported by a team of seasoned professionals deeply rooted in the startup ecosystem, FoundersLab is committed to enabling the success of entrepreneurs and businesses.

The Incubation Associate will support the development and execution of entrepreneurship, startup incubation, innovation, and student engagement activities within the college incubation ecosystem. The role involves working closely with startups, student innovators, faculty members, industry mentors, government agencies, and ecosystem partners to strengthen the institution's entrepreneurial culture and incubation outcomes.

This position is ideal for a proactive professional passionate about startups, innovation ecosystems, entrepreneurship development, and community engagement.

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Key Responsibilities

Startup & Incubation Support

* Coordinate startup incubation activities and support incubated startups throughout their journey.

* Assist startups in business model development, market research, pitch preparation, and investor readiness.

* Track startup progress, milestones, and reporting requirements.

* Support onboarding and evaluation of startup applications.

Program Management

* Plan and execute innovation programs, bootcamps, hackathons, ideathons, startup challenges, workshops, and entrepreneurship events.

* Coordinate accelerator and pre-incubation programs for students and early-stage founders.

* Manage day-to-day incubation centre operations and activity calendars.

Ecosystem & Partnership Development

* Build relationships with industry experts, mentors, investors, corporates, academic institutions, and government departments.

* Support collaborations with Startup India, MSME, AICTE, DST, MeitY, and other ecosystem stakeholders.

* Facilitate networking opportunities for startups and student entrepreneurs.

Student & Community Engagement

* Conduct awareness sessions on entrepreneurship and innovation.

* Mobilize student participation in startup and innovation activities.

* Support entrepreneurship clubs and innovation cells within the campus.

Documentation & Reporting

* Prepare reports, presentations, proposals, and impact documentation.

* Maintain startup databases, program records, MIS reports, and incubation documentation.

* Assist in preparing grant proposals, funding applications, and institutional reports.

Communication & Outreach

* Manage social media, newsletters, startup stories, and promotional content related to incubation activities.

* Coordinate external communication and branding initiatives for the incubation centre.

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Required Qualifications

* Bachelor's or Master's degree in Management, Entrepreneurship, Engineering, Commerce, Public Policy, or related fields.

* 1–3 years of experience in startups, incubation centres, accelerators, innovation ecosystems, entrepreneurship development, or project management preferred.

* Freshers with strong entrepreneurial exposure and event/program management experience may also apply.

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Required Skills

* Strong communication and coordination skills

* Program and stakeholder management

* Startup ecosystem understanding

* Proposal writing and documentation

* Presentation and reporting skills

* Networking and relationship-building abilities

* Social media and outreach coordination

* Ability to work independently in a dynamic environment

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Preferred Qualifications

* Experience working with startup incubators, accelerators, NGOs, or innovation programs.

* Familiarity with Startup India, AICTE Innovation Cell, MSME schemes, or incubation frameworks.

* Experience in organizing events, startup mentoring sessions, or innovation challenges.

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Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

* Number of startups incubated and supported

* Student engagement in entrepreneurship programs

* Partnerships and ecosystem collaborations developed

* Successful execution of events and innovation programs

* Grant/funding opportunities identified and supported

* Startup success stories and incubation outcomes

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Compensation

* Salary: As per institutional standards and candidate experience.

* Opportunity to work closely with startups, founders, investors, and innovation leaders.

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