Deep Tech Venture Associate (18-month contract), IIE

Singapore Management University; Singapore; On-site; SGD 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Singapore Management University invites an experienced leader to head the Institute of Innovation & Entrepreneurship's acceleration programmes. You will design workshops, mentor sessions, and investor pitches, while providing hands-on guidance on technology validation and fundraising strategies.

You will source startups regionally and globally, oversee cohesive cohorts, and build partnerships with industry leaders, research institutions, and VCs across the U.S., Europe, Asia, and the Middle

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in STEM, Business, or related disciplines; PhD and/or MBA preferred.
• 8–10 years in venture capital, startup acceleration, or innovation program management.
• Strong knowledge of deep tech sectors and commercialization pathways.

Responsibilities

• Design and deliver tailored acceleration programmes, including workshops, mentorship sessions, and investor pitch events.
• Source and recruit promising startups regionally and globally; oversee cohort selection.
• Establish partnerships with industry leaders, research institutions, corporates, and VCs across key markets.
• Design and sustain a deep-tech mentor engagement programme with pro-bono experts.
• Manage programme logistics, evaluate startups for admission, and track KPI progress.
• Contribute to marketing strategy to raise accelerator profile and global awareness.

Skills

Venture capital

Startup acceleration

Project management

Stakeholder management

Communication

Ownership & accountability

Education

Advanced degree in STEM/Business (PhD/MBA preferred)

Job description

About Us

Singapore Management University is a place where high-level professionalism blends together with a healthy informality. The 'family-like' atmosphere among the SMU community fosters a culture where employees work, plan, organise and play together - building a strong collegiality and morale within the university.

Our commitment to attract and retain talent is ongoing. We offer attractive benefits and welfare, competitive compensation packages, and generous professional development opportunities - all to meet the work-life needs of our staff. No wonder, then, that SMU continues to be given numerous awards and recognition for its human resource excellence.

Job Description

• This position is for Institute of Innovation & Entrepreneurship (IIE).
• Programme Leadership and Delivery
  • Design and execute tailored acceleration programmes, including workshops, mentorship sessions, and investor pitch events.
  • Provide hands-on guidance to startups on technical validation, market fit, and fundraising strategies.
• Startup Scouting and Ecosystem Insights
  • Work with the Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition (LKYGBPC), to actively source and recruit promising startups regionally and globally.
  • Oversee the selection process of startups, ensuring a diverse and high-potential cohort.
  • Conduct in-depth research on emerging technologies, funding trends, and ecosystem developments globally
• Ecosystem Engagement
  • Establish partnerships with industry leaders, research institutions, corporates, and VCs in key markets, including the U.S., Europe, Asia and the Middle East
  • Serve as a liaison between startups and key stakeholders to drive collaborations and growth opportunities.
• Mentors Engagement Programme
  • Design, nurture and sustain an effective deep-tech mentor engagement programme, ensuring a continuous pool of pro-bono industry expertise, creating impact for startup growth and success.
• Operational Support and Monitoring
  • Manage programme logistics, evaluate startups for admission, and track progress against KPIs.
  • Use data-driven approaches to continuously refine program offerings and enhance outcomes.
  • Oversee the development of marketing strategies to elevate the accelerator's profile and awareness within the global ecosystem, including the U.S, Europe and Middle East.
  • Undertake budget and financial management of the accelerator.
  • Support other IIE activities from time to time.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in STEM, Business, or related disciplines (PhD and/or MBA preferred) with strong passion for deep tech and a desire to make a tangible impact.
• 8 to 10 years of experience in venture capital, startup acceleration, or innovation program management, preferably in a deep tech startup environment.
• Deep understanding of IP management, regulatory landscapes, emerging technology trends and commercialisation pathways in the U.S and Middle East.
• Strong knowledge of deep tech sectors, or the ability to quickly acquire knowledge in unfamiliar areas.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication, presentation and stakeholder management skills.
• Detail-oriented and team-oriented with a strong desire to be successful.
• Comfortable with minimal amount of direction, thrive in high pressure and high expectation situations.
• A keen sense of ownership and accountability and act with a sense of urgency to meet tight deadlines.
• Creative problem solver and outcome driven.

Other Information

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Candidates who do not possess the stipulated qualifications but have relevant work experience may still apply. Remuneration and appointment terms shall commensurate with qualifications and experience. SMU reserves the right to modify the appointment terms where necessary.