Manager of EU Public Funding – R&D and Innovation :
- Part-time, unpaid during the early phase
- Hybrid work model (remote and/or on-site in Milan, Doha – Qatar, or Boston)
- Travel and meeting expenses will be reimbursed upon approval
- An NDA must be signed
This position may evolve into a full-time Director of Public Funding & Partnerships role based on performance and funding success.
About Institute Itech :
Institute Itech is an early-stage multinational company committed to building a new model of society grounded in education, advanced technology, and social development.
We are launching several innovation projects, including :
- Memoria – AI-powered MedTech platform for cognitive health and neuro-assistive support
- Oxyleaf – Synthetic plant systems for urban energy and environmental regeneration
- Terra – Underground sensor networks for environmental and agricultural data infrastructure
- Whiteboard – Digital-native smart desks and education tools for adaptive learning
- Polaris by IFE – AI platform for economic, geopolitical, and statistical intelligence
The company is legally incorporated (USA, Italy) and is building a strategic leadership team to secure major funding and scale operations.
About the Role :
We are seeking an experienced European Public Funding Lead to identify, apply for, and secure public R&D investments at EU, national, and regional levels.
The selected candidate will lead activities related to grant writing, project structuring, and funding acquisition for Institute Itech’s innovation portfolio.
Responsibilities :
- Monitor EU funding opportunities (Horizon Europe, LIFE, Innovation Fund, Erasmus+, CEF, etc.)
- Lead the preparation and submission of grant proposals for R&D and innovation projects
- Coordinate multi-partner applications with research institutions, municipalities, and industrial partners
- Develop and manage budgets, business plans, and financial projections for funding applications
- Write technical and strategic documentation for funding bodies and evaluation committees
- Manage relationships with EU agencies, national contact points, and consortium partners
- Ensure compliance with funding guidelines, deadlines, and reporting obligations
- Support the COO and leadership team in funding strategy and partnership development
Requirements :
- Minimum 5+ years of experience in EU public funding and grant management
- Proven track record of successful grant applications for R&D and innovation
- Strong understanding of Horizon Europe, LIFE, and other EU programmes
- Excellent skills in budget design, business plan drafting, and economic reporting
- Ability to manage complex timelines, multi-partner communications, and high-stakes submissions
- Exceptional written and spoken communication skills in English (Italian is a strong plus)
Preferred Qualifications :
- Background in technology, sustainability, or research administration
- Network of institutional contacts in EU funding environments
- Experience in financial management and funding audits
- Previous work with startups, research centres, or innovation ecosystems
Benefits Provided :
- Reimbursement of travel and mobility expenses for project-related meetings
- Access to collaboration tools, official email, and funding intelligence platforms
- Strategic role in securing the financial foundation of Institute Itech’s projects
- Potential to evolve into a Director-level role with full-time contract and equity options
How to Apply : Please send :
- Your CV
- A short letter (max 1 page), in English or Italian, describing :
- Your track record in securing EU or public funds
- Your approach to developing competitive funding proposals
- How you would structure Institute Itech’s funding strategy in the next 12 months
E-mail : Subject :
WE2025 Job - (Job Name) LinkedIn Application - (Name Surname)
Time Commitment :
This is a non-paid position during the startup phase, with a minimum commitment of 4–6 hours per week.
We are looking for a results-oriented professional with deep knowledge of public funding, a strategic mindset, and the ability to turn opportunities into secured capital.