About WIN - COE:
The Wadhwani Innovation Network (WIN) is dedicated to driving innovation, translation and entrepreneurship with a prime objective of fast-tracking commercialization of academic research in cutting-edge areas such as biotechnology, bioengineering, synthetic biology, healthtech, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, spacetech, advanced computing, quantum technology, critical minerals and mining through partnerships with various Govt. agencies / academic institutions / incubators across the country. Under Wadhwani Innovation Network, consortia of Innovation Centers of Excellence (WIN - COE) have been established at top-tier institutions / incubators to support translation of advanced research projects towards commercialization.

Role Summary:
The WIN - COE CEO / Director is responsible for driving the establishment and growth of WIN COE within the ecosystem of the host institution. He / She will lead all WIN COE-related initiatives, manage key stakeholders, and ensure alignment with the deliverables & outcomes under the partnership. He / She will serve as the primary liaison between the host institution and the Wadhwani Foundation to ensure the efficient functioning of the WIN COE. The role demands possession of strong technical, administrative, management, financial, and communication skills with an understanding of institutional norms as well as being well - acquainted with overall innovation ecosystem.

Number of positions: One (1)

Duration: 1 Year (Initially for 1 year and will be extended based on the performance and fund availability)

Age Limit: 45 years

Roles & Responsibilities:

1. Strategy & Leadership

Strategy & Vision: Build and execute an ecosystem development strategy, ensuring alignment with WIN - COE objectives & deliverables.
Lead efforts for WIN COE technology portfolio sourcing & management to ensure high-quality programme delivery and identify opportunities for promoting the WIN - COE.

2. Operational Oversight & Execution

Operational Management: Manage day-to-day administrative operations of the WIN - COE ensuring smooth coordination across WIN - COE PI, team members, innovators and partners for successful execution
Oversight & Execution: Develop, update, and ensure adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs) and institutional policies.

3. Financial Management

Budget Management: Assist in budget preparation, manage expenditures, ensure financial compliance, and support audits.
Fundraising: Manage capital to ensure financial sustainability of the WIN COE and assist grantees to raise funding from other sources.

4. Stakeholder Engagement

Build Relationships: Develop and strengthen relationships with prospective innovators, other entities within the host institution, government agencies, academia, incubators, industries and other stakeholders.
Investor Relations & Industry Partnerships: Maintain strong relationships with investors, venture capitalists and other funding agencies to assist the innovators to raise additional funding from other sources. Facilitating industry partnerships & collaborations with WIN - COE and connecting grantees with relevant industries for co-development or transfer of technologies.

5. Innovator Support and Mentorship

Provide Guidance: Mentor and guide innovators - applicants and grantees through proposal writing process, help in IP filing, manage grant received through WIN - COE, achieving milestones under the WIN - COE grant, helping them refine business & market strategies and connect with potential customers, investors and ecosystem partners.
Facilitate Capacity Building: Organize training sessions in areas such as proposal - writing, IPR, technology transfer, regulatory compliance, marketing strategies, etc. for the benefit of WIN COE grantees.

6. Ecosystem Building

Foster Ecosystem: Promote a culture of innovation, helping startups convert ideas into products and commercialization. Nurture a vibrant and supportive innovator community within host institution as well as nearby institutions in the region, encouraging collaboration, incubation, commercialization and entrepreneurship.
Undertake Outreach: Build awareness of WIN - COE within the campus or outside, establishing partnerships with regional institutions and universities as a hub and spoke model.

7. Data Management, Compliance and Reporting

Ensure Compliance: Oversee all administrative tasks and account management for grantees, ensuring adherence to legal and regulatory requirements. Ensure activities align with all relevant government rules, regulations, and policies.
Resource Allocation: Ensure grantees have access to necessary tools, equipment, and facilities to support their growth.
Data Management and Report Progress: Coordinate compilation of data and documentation, reporting progress, conducting meetings and preparing reports for submission to funding agency.

Qualifications & Experience:

Post - graduate degree in science, technology, management or medicine from a reputed university / institution. Desirable qualification- PhD with background in biomedical translational research. Experiences in regulatory affairs, technology readiness knowledge, translational research, project evaluation experiences, AI in health care, etc will be desirable.
Minimum 8-12 years' experience working in incubators, academic institutions, research organizations, investor firms, funding agencies or Govt. programmes.
Strong experience in technology management, stakeholder engagement, strategic partnerships, fund-raising, ecosystem development, startup incubation, venture building and entrepreneurship programs
Excellent leadership, communication, problem-solving and stakeholder management skills.
Knowledge of intellectual property rights (IPR), commercialization process, financial procedures and administrative operations in Government institutions.
Proficiency in computer applications such as MS Office, database management, and project management tools.

Consolidated Remuneration: Rs 1,50,000-10,000-2,50,000/- (consolidated Rs. 1,50,000/- per month based on suitability and experience of the candidate).

Application on plain paper, along with the complete biodata may be send to the undersigned by post or email (head.wincoeiitk@gmail.com; akbiolabs2004@gmail.com) latest by 22-04-2026.

Dr. Ashok Kumar
Professor-in-charge
Wadhwani Innovation Network- Centre of Excellence
Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur-208016, UP, INDIA
Email: akbiolabs2004@gmail.com

INDIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY KANPUR