Innovation & Operations Lead - RealAssetX Abu Dhabi

ADGM Academy; Abu Dhabi Emirate; On-site; AED 165,000 - 248,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible freelance engagement

In-person meetings in Abu Dhabi

Job summary

ADGM Academy in Abu Dhabi seeks an experienced Innovation & Operations Lead as a freelance contractor to drive day-to-day development and operation of a flagship centre focused on real assets, sustainable tech, and AI.

You will lead innovation programmes, hackathons, research collaborations, and startup engagement while building partnerships with universities, startups, and industry partners in the UAE ecosystem.

Qualifications

• 5-10 years of venture capital, accelerators, innovation hubs, or startup programmes experience.
• Proven ability to manage innovation programmes and academic-industry partnerships.
• Experience collaborating with universities and entrepreneurial communities.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute hackathons, innovation challenges, demo days, and ecosystem events.
• Develop partnerships with universities, faculty members, and students.
• Support research initiatives and startup programmes.
• Track programme KPIs and ensure successful delivery of outcomes.
• Oversee day-to-day operational activities and governance.
• Manage budgets, vendors, contracts, and reporting requirements.
• Provide regular programme and performance updates to stakeholders.
• Mentor early-stage ventures on business models, pitching, and investor readiness.
• Monitor AI, sustainability, and real assets trends to inform programme design.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

Relationship-building

Startup ecosystem experience

Innovation programmes

Job description

Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Engagement Type: Freelance Contract (Independent Contractor)

About the Role

RealAssetX Abu Dhabi is establishing itself as a leading innovation and research hub focused on real assets, sustainable technologies, and artificial intelligence. We are seeking an experienced and execution-oriented Innovation & Operations Lead to drive the day-to-day development and operation of the Centre.

The successful candidate will lead innovation programmes, hackathons, research collaborations, startup engagement activities, and ecosystem partnerships while ensuring the smooth operational management of the Centre.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute hackathons, innovation challenges, demo days, and ecosystem events.
• Develop partnerships with universities, faculty members, and students.
• Support research initiatives and startup programmes.
• Track programme KPIs and ensure successful delivery of outcomes.

Ecosystem Development

• Build relationships with universities, research centres, startups, investors, and innovation hubs.
• Engage with venture capital firms, accelerators, and industry partners.
• Contribute to the growth and visibility of the RealAssetX Abu Dhabi ecosystem.

Operations & Governance

• Oversee day-to-day operational activities.
• Manage budgets, vendors, contracts, and reporting requirements.
• Provide regular programme and performance updates to stakeholders.
• Support proof-of-concept development and commercialisation pathways.
• Mentor early-stage ventures on business models, pitching, and investor readiness.
• Monitor developments in AI, sustainability, and real assets to inform programme design.

Candidate Profile

Required Experience

• 5-10 years of experience in venture capital, accelerators, innovation hubs, startup programmes, or related ecosystems.
• Demonstrated experience managing innovation programmes, hackathons, startup cohorts, or academic-industry collaborations.
• Experience working with universities, research institutions, and entrepreneurial communities.
• Strong project management and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities.

Mandatory Eligibility Requirements

Currently residing in the United Arab Emirates

Legally authorized to work as an independent contractor in the UAE

Holds a valid Freelance Licence issued by:

• Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), or
• Department of Economic Development Abu Dhabi (DED)

Available to work on a contractual freelance basis

Available for regular in-person meetings and programme activities in Abu Dhabi

This position is not an employment role

No employment visa sponsorship will be provided

No work permit sponsorship will be provided

No healthcare or medical insurance benefits will be provided

No relocation assistance will be provided

Applicants requiring visa sponsorship should not apply

What We Offer

• Opportunity to shape a flagship innovation and research platform in Abu Dhabi.
• Direct engagement with leading universities, startups, investors, and industry partners.
• Exposure to cutting-edge developments in AI, sustainability, and real assets.
• Flexible freelance engagement with significant autonomy and impact.