Manager - Incubation @ Startup Kadapa

About Startup Kadapa

Startup Kadapa is an entrepreneurship initiative launched in Kadapa to encourage and support young entrepreneurs in the Rayalaseema region of Andhra Pradesh. The program aims to provide a professional platform for aspiring founders, helping them develop business ideas, access mentorship, build startups, and create employment opportunities in the region.

Key objectives of Startup Kadapa include:

● Promoting innovation and entrepreneurship among youth.

● Providing guidance, mentoring, and networking opportunities.

● Supporting startup creation and business growth.

● Strengthening the local startup ecosystem and regional economic development.

The initiative aligns with broader efforts by the Andhra Pradesh government to develop Kadapa as a technology and business hub, including plans for an IT cluster park designed to attract startups and IT companies.

Position Summary

The Incubation Manager will be responsible for supporting and managing the startup incubation lifecycle, from startup scouting and onboarding to mentoring, monitoring, and growth facilitation. The role will work closely with founders, mentors, investors, academic institutions, and ecosystem partners to ensure successful delivery of incubation programs and measurable startup outcomes.

Reporting Structure

● Reports to: Head of Incubation

● Works Closely With: Startups, mentors, investors, academic institutions, corporates, and ecosystem partners.

● May supervise: Program Associates, Incubation Associates, and interns, as applicable.

Tenure

● Initial appointment for a period of 01 year, extendable based on performance and organizational requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Startup Sourcing & Outreach

● Identify and attract promising startups, innovators, and aspiring entrepreneurs.

● Conduct outreach programs in colleges, universities, research institutions, and industry associations.

● Build a strong pipeline of startups aligned with Startup Kadapa's focus sectors.

Startup Incubation & Support

● Manage the onboarding and incubation process for selected startups.

● Support startups in business model development, product-market fit, customer acquisition, market access, and fundraising readiness.

● Conduct regular review meetings and monitor startup progress against predefined milestones.

Program Management

● Coordinate and execute incubation, acceleration, pre-incubation, and entrepreneurship development programs.

● Organize workshops, bootcamps, demo days, innovation challenges, and networking events.

● Ensure timely implementation and reporting of all incubation activities.

Mentor & Ecosystem Engagement

● Coordinate engagements between startups and mentors, domain experts, investors, and industry partners.

● Facilitate access to technical expertise, business advisory services, and market opportunities.

● Build and maintain relationships with ecosystem stakeholders.

Monitoring & Reporting

● Track startup performance metrics and incubation outcomes.

● Maintain accurate records and documentation related to incubated startups.

● Prepare periodic reports, success stories, impact assessments, and program updates.

Partnership Development

● Support the Head of Incubation in developing partnerships with corporates, academic institutions, government agencies, and startup ecosystem organizations.

● Assist in identifying opportunities for grants, innovation programs, and collaborative initiatives.

Qualifications & Experience

● Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Technology, Management, Entrepreneurship, Commerce, or a related field.

● Master's degree in Management, Entrepreneurship, Innovation, or a related discipline will be preferred.

● Minimum 6 years of experience in startup incubation, accelerator programs, innovation management, entrepreneurship development, consulting, business development, or related areas.

● Experience working directly with startups, founders, incubators, accelerators, or innovation ecosystems will be highly preferred.

Key Competencies

● Strong understanding of startup ecosystems and entrepreneurship.

● Program and project management skills.

● Startup mentoring and business advisory capabilities.

● Stakeholder and partnership management.

● Event and community-building experience.

● Excellent communication and presentation skills.

● Analytical and problem-solving abilities.

Compensation

● Competitive and commensurate with qualifications, experience, and industry standards.