Chief Executive Officer

Company Description AIC - Crescent Innovation and Incubation Council (AIC-CIIC) is an Atal Incubation Centre under the Atal Innovation Mission by NITI Aayog, Government of India, focused on smart mobility and clean tech. The center supports startups across automotive, smart mobility, electronics, sustainability, circular economy, and Industry 5.0. Its vision is to be India’s leading catalyst for sustainable, future-ready innovation that transforms industries and communities. AIC-CIIC offers a comprehensive incubation program with mentoring, business support, infrastructure, funding access, and industry partnerships, including pilot projects and market validation. Startups also benefit from advanced lab facilities, co-working spaces, and regular events, hackathons, and workshops to connect with experts and explore emerging trends.
Role Description The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) will provide strategic leadership to AIC-CIIC, aligning operations with its vision and mission in smart mobility and clean tech. This full-time, on-site role, based in Chennai, involves overseeing all aspects of the incubation programs, labs, and co-working spaces, ensuring high-quality support for startups. The CEO will drive strategic partnerships with industry, academia, and investors, manage funding initiatives, and expand networks to enable pilot projects and market access for incubated ventures. Daily responsibilities include supervising finance and operations, guiding business development activities, setting performance goals, and monitoring program outcomes. The CEO will represent AIC-CIIC in external forums, lead fundraising and stakeholder engagement, and build a strong team culture that encourages innovation, collaboration, and ethical practices.
Qualifications

• Candidates should possess strong Finance and Business Planning skills to manage budgets, funding, and long-term growth strategies.
• Candidates should possess Operations Management skills to oversee incubation programs, facilities, and cross-functional teams.
• Candidates should possess Strategic Planning skills to define vision, set organizational priorities, and drive sector-focused initiatives.
• Candidates should possess Sales and partnership development skills to secure sponsors, industry collaborations, and investor relationships.
• Proven leadership experience, ideally in startups, incubators, accelerators, or innovation ecosystems.
• Strong understanding of smart mobility, clean tech, or related technology domains is highly desirable.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and decision-making abilities.
• Advanced degree in business, engineering, technology management, or a related field is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to work with government bodies, corporate partners, and research institutions.