Innovation Program Manager

Start2 Group is a global innovation leader taking your startup journey to the next level. As a premier startup ecosystem platform, Start2 Group serves as the ultimate destination for growth-oriented startups, corporations, investors, and governments to shape and scale ventures with growth potential.
Founded in 2008, Start2 Group has consistently played a pivotal role in the success stories of thousands of startups, guiding them seamlessly from initial fundraising to global expansion. We operate in key markets across Europe, the Americas, Asia, and the Middle East, shaping the future of innovation on a global scale.
We are looking for an
Innovation Program Manager
to support the planning, coordination, and execution of corporate innovation and startup-corporate partnership programs. In this role, you will help deliver innovation initiatives, manage client and partner relationships, and ensure
smooth program operations across our regional corporate innovation activities.
This is an ideal role for someone with strong project management experience, experience in open innovation, corporate venture clienting and corporate accelerator, and a desire to work at the intersection of startups and enterprise.
Key Responsibilities:
1.
Innovation Strategy Development and Program Design & Implementation
Support the development of open innovation frameworks tailored to client needs.
Identify key trends, technologies, and disruptive business models that impact the client’s industry.
Support the design, execution, and delivery of corporate innovation programs, ensuring alignment with client and startups’ objectives and Start2’s strategy.
Facilitate knowledge-sharing workshops with clients, meetings and demo days
Track timelines, deliverables, and KPIs to ensure successful implementation and reporting.
2.
Client Engagement
Source and evaluate startups and technology providers for collaboration with clients.
Help manage relationships with corporate clients, innovation partners, and startup stakeholders.
Assist in startup scouting and screening activities to identify high-potential collaborators.
Support communications with clients and partners throughout the program lifecycle.
Support the business development team in closing of sales process.
Work with Marketing team to implement marketing and sales strategies to promote programs to potential clients.
Engage with multiple stakeholders including corporate innovation teams,
Business Units and startups.
3.
Project Management
Execute and manage proof-of-concept and pilot projects between startups and corporates.
Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the impact of innovation initiatives clients.
Provide actionable insights and reports to senior leadership and decision-makers.
4.
Ecosystem engagement & Outreach
Work with the marketing team to promote programs and calls for startups.
Coordinate outreach efforts and ecosystem engagement activities across markets.
Key Qualifications & Skills:
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business, Engineering, Innovation Management, or related fields.
3 to 5 years of experience working for large corporations in innovation consulting or corporate innovation.
Strong organizational and project management skills with attention to detail.
Familiarity with startup ecosystems and interest in emerging technologies.
Strong knowledge of open innovation principles, emerging technologies, and startup ecosystems.
Excellent communication, facilitation, and stakeholder management skills.
Ability to work in a fast-paced, multi-industry consulting environment.
Comfortable using tools like Notion, Airtable, or CRM/project management systems.
Able to manage diverse relationships
Exposure to international or cross-border projects in Asia.
Preferred Experience:
Familiarity with design thinking, lean startup methodologies, and agile innovation frameworks.
Strong global network within the innovation ecosystem.
Be comfortable to work in and able to thrive in a fast-paced startup environment
Great team player and always willing to support the teams when required.
Display leadership and strong communication skills.
Strategic thinker with a results-oriented approach.
Excellent command of written and spoken English in a business context.
We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.
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