Innovation Manager

In this role you will:

Primary duties and responsibilities are

1. Identify and evaluate deeptech opportunities:

• Scout and assess innovation topics emerging from IIT Madras and partner universities. Evaluate ideas based on desirability, feasibility, and viability for ZEISS.

2. Build and maintain innovation partnerships:

• Develop and manage relationships with academic institutions, startups, and ZEISS departments globally. Act as a key point of contact for the Innovation Hub Chennai.

3. Conduct innovation and market research:

• Lead studies on emerging technologies and market trends. Identify customer needs and define solution concepts with interdisciplinary teams.

4. Initiate and manage projects:

• Drive the development of proof-of-concept demonstrators and prototypes. Manage internal and external partners to ensure knowledge transfer to ZEISS business units.

5. Support technology and business transfer:

• Facilitate the transition of innovative concepts into ZEISS business operations. Support internal venturing and incubation through structured proposals and business plans.

6. Screen and evaluate startups:

• Identify startups relevant to the Innovation Hub’s focus areas. Propose collaboration or investment opportunities aligned with ZEISS strategy.

7. Foster innovation culture:

• Promote a 'together we go far' and 'just do it' mindset within teams. Encourage creativity, agile collaboration, and cross-border innovation practices.

Education requirements / Experience / Job Specifications

1. Education / Professional Certification

- University degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)

- MBA, PhD, M Tech or equivalent experience mandatory

2. Experience

- 3–4 years of professional experience in consulting, innovation management, or venturing after academic education, 8 to 10 years of experience overall

- Experience in coordinating cross-functional and external teams

3. Knowledge / Skills / Other characteristics

- Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills

- Familiarity with tools like CRM software, Miro, Power BI, SharpCloud

- Excellent communication and problem-solving abilities

- Hands-on, collaborative mindset with perseverance in idea development

- Fluent in English

4. Working conditions & Other Attributes.

- Based at IIT Madras Research Park, Chennai (on-site)

- Local candidates preferred, hybrid work to be discussed for exceptionally suitable outstation candidates.

- Dynamic, interdisciplinary, and entrepreneurial environment.

- Occasional domestic and international travel.