Manager - Corporate Innovation Challenge

3X4 Genetics; India; On-site; INR 1,000,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

3X4 Genetics is seeking a Manager for Corporate Innovation Challenges in Amaravati, India. The role involves designing and executing innovation programs and hackathons by collaborating with corporates and stakeholders. An ideal candidate will have a degree in Engineering/Technology/Design and 6-8 years of relevant experience in managing such programs. The expected compensation ranges from 10.0 to 12.0 Lakhs per annum, with focus on strong design thinking and stakeholder management skills.

Qualifications

• 6–8 years of experience in innovation programs, hackathons, startup ecosystem, or consulting.
• Proven experience in managing hackathons or innovation challenges.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute corporate innovation challenges and hackathons.
• Engage and manage relationships with corporates and startups.
• Leverage emerging technologies for impactful challenges.

Skills

Design Thinking frameworks

Problem-solving

Stakeholder management

Program/project management

Education

Bachelor’s/Master’s degree in Engineering, Technology, Design, or related field

Job description

Manager - Corporate Innovation Challange

About RTIH

The Ratan Tata Innovation Hub (RTIH) is a Section 8 company established under the Government of Andhra Pradesh through the Andhra Pradesh Innovation Society (APIS). As the State’s principal platform for innovation, incubation, and entrepreneurship, RTIH leads a Hub-and-Spoke network connecting five regional innovation foundations across Andhra Pradesh. Its vision—under the AP Innovation & Startup Policy (2024–2029)—is to make Andhra Pradesh a lighthouse of inclusive innovation and entrepreneurship.

Position

Employment Type: Full-time| Contractual Role

Location: Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh

Reporting To: Joint Director - Ecosystems

Role Overview

The Manager – Corporate Innovation Challenge will be responsible for designing, managing, and executing innovation challenges and hackathons in collaboration with corporates, startups, academia, and government stakeholders. The role requires a strong foundation in design thinking, problem-solving, and technology, with the ability to translate real-world business challenges into actionable innovation programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Hackathon & Innovation Challenge Management
  • Conceptualize, design, and execute end-to-end corporate innovation challenges and hackathons
  • Collaborate with corporates to identify problem statements aligned with business needs
  • Plan timelines, formats (online/offline/hybrid), and execution strategies
• Design Thinking & Problem Structuring
  • Apply design thinking methodologies to frame problem statements and solution approaches
  • Facilitate workshops, ideation sessions, and innovation sprints
  • Ensure challenges are user-centric and outcome-driven
• Stakeholder Management
  • Engage with corporates, startups, academic institutions, mentors, and ecosystem partners
  • Coordinate with internal teams for seamless execution of programs
  • Build and maintain long-term relationships with innovation stakeholders
• Program Execution & Delivery
  • Oversee participant onboarding, communication, mentoring sessions, and final demos
  • Ensure high-quality participant experience and engagement
  • Monitor progress and drive timely execution of all program stages
• Technology & Innovation Enablement
  • Leverage emerging technologies to design relevant and impactful challenges
  • Evaluate solutions based on feasibility, scalability, and innovation
  • Stay updated with trends in technology, startups, and innovation ecosystems
• Evaluation & Impact Measurement
  • Design evaluation frameworks and judging criteria
  • Track outcomes such as prototypes, pilots, partnerships, and deployments
  • Prepare reports and insights for leadership and stakeholders

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s/Master’s degree in Engineering, Technology, Design, or related field
• 6–8 years of experience in innovation programs, hackathons, startup ecosystem, or consulting
• Proven experience in managing hackathons, innovation challenges, or similar programs

Core Competencies

• Strong understanding of Design Thinking frameworks
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills
• Solid technology background with awareness of emerging tech trends
• Experience in program/project management
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to facilitate workshops and ideation sessions
• High ownership and execution capability fast paced environments

Reporting & Coordination

• Report to the Head – Ecosystems on program progress, key milestones, and outcomes
• Coordinate closely with internal teams (Incubation, Partnerships, Communications) for seamless program execution
• Act as the single point of contact for corporates, partners, mentors, and participants throughout the lifecycle of the challenge
• Manage vendor and partner coordination for event execution, technology platforms, and logistics
• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration to ensure high-quality delivery of innovation programs

What We’re Looking For

• Exposure to startup ecosystem / incubation / acceleration programs
• Experience working with corporates on innovation initiatives
• Certification or formal training in Design Thinking

Budget

CTC – 10.0 L – 12.0 Lakhs per annum