Innovation Manager

The Innovation Manager will be responsible for identifying, developing, and translating high-impact deeptech opportunities from IIT Madras and other universities into commercially viable solutions for ZEISS. The role exists to bridge academic research, startups, and ZEISS business units, ensuring the successful incubation and transfer of new technologies. The position contributes to ZEISS's global innovation strategy by driving collaboration and fostering an entrepreneurial culture within the ZEISS Innovation Hub Chennai.

Primary duties and responsibilities:

• 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.
• 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.
• Conduct innovation and market research: Lead studies on emerging technologies and market trends. Identify customer needs and define solution concepts with interdisciplinary teams.
• 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.
• 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.
• Screen and evaluate startups: Identify startups relevant to the Innovation Hub's focus areas. Propose collaboration or investment opportunities aligned with ZEISS strategy.
• 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 (PhDs/M Techs) in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)

MBA, PhD, or equivalent experience preferred

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

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.