Manager -AI Accelerator Program

Role & responsibilities

• Develop and execute the outreach and engagement strategy for the Odisha AI Mission to strengthen the State's AI ecosystem.
• Build and maintain relationships with AI startups, technology companies, incubators, accelerators, venture capital firms, angel investors, academic institutions, research organisations, and industry associations.
• Identify and onboard AI startups, innovators, and ecosystem partners for participation in programmes under the Odisha AI Mission.
• Design and organise AI-focused conferences, roadshows, hackathons, innovation challenges, workshops, startup showcases, and investor connect programmes.
• Coordinate industry delegations, government interactions, business missions, and strategic engagements to promote Odisha's AI ecosystem.
• Support investment promotion efforts by facilitating engagement with prospective investors, technology companies, and strategic partners.
• Develop partnerships with national and international organisations to promote innovation, knowledge exchange, and collaboration in AI.
• Coordinate branding, marketing, media outreach, digital communications, and public relations activities for the Odisha AI Mission.
• Oversee creation of promotional materials, presentations, concept notes, newsletters, reports, and communication collateral to enhance the visibility of Mission initiatives.
• Liaise with government departments, Startup Odisha, STPI, industry bodies, academic institutions, and ecosystem partners to ensure effective coordination of AI ecosystem initiatives.
• Maintain a repository of AI startups, ecosystem partners, investors, and innovation stakeholders relevant to Odisha.
• Monitor programme outcomes and prepare periodic reports on ecosystem engagement, partnerships, events, and outreach activities.
• Support the AI Cell in organising high-level visits, stakeholder meetings, MoU signings, conferences, and strategic engagements involving senior government leadership.

Undertake any other responsibilities assigned towards strengthening Odisha's AI ecosystem and advancing the objectives of the Odisha AI Mission

Preferred candidate profile

Essential

• Bachelors degree in business administration, Management, Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, Communications, Public Policy, Economics, or a related discipline.

Preferred

• Master’s degree in business administration (MBA), Public Policy, Marketing, Communications, Technology Management, or related disciplines.

Desirable Skills & Experience

• 6+ years of professional experience in ecosystem development, startup engagement, business development, industry outreach, programme management, innovation, or strategic partnerships.
• Experience working with startups, incubators, accelerators, industry associations, government programmes, or innovation ecosystems.
• Demonstrated experience in organising conferences, roadshows, investor connect programmes, startup events, workshops, and large-scale stakeholder engagements.
• Strong understanding of India's startup and AI ecosystem, including accelerators, venture capital, incubation programmes, and innovation support mechanisms.
• Experience in stakeholder management involving government agencies, industry leaders, academia, investors, and technology companies.
• Excellent communication, networking, presentation, and relationship management skills.
• Experience in branding, public relations, digital communications, and promotional campaigns is desirable.
• Strong programme management and coordination capabilities with the ability to manage multiple stakeholders and concurrent initiatives.
• Proficiency in preparing concept notes, reports, presentations, event briefs, and strategic communications for senior government leadership.