Startup Incubation Program Expert

Sofia Tech Park aims to create and develop an environment where all the facets of the research, technological development and innovation are established.

The main aim is to increase the wealth of its community by promoting the culture of innovation and the competitiveness of its associated businesses and knowledge-based institutions. To enable these goals to be met, a Science Park stimulates and manages the flow of knowledge and technology amongst universities, R&D institutions, companies, and markets; it facilitates the creation and growth of innovation-based companies through incubation and spin-off processes; and provides other value-added services together with high quality space and facilities.

For the start of the new SEE Innovators program of Sofia Tech Park we are searching for

INCUBATION PROGRAM EXPERT

Key Responsibilities:

● Actively support the work of the incubation manager in the day-to-day operations.

● Handle and review all inbound requests from startups and innovators, organize the activities of selection and monitoring processes

● Coordinate and evolve the lead pipeline funnel from innovators to incubation process

● Keep track of a Register of the incubated companies (information on company profile, duration of incubation period and other characteristics for monitoring)

● Manage and coordinate the platform of the SEE incubation program

● Define / manage internal communication plan for the members of the incubation program – weekly basis emails, monthly newsletters, and other activities

● Facilitate relationships between selected startups and the other companies of the Sofia Tech Park ecosystem

● Provide support for broader initiatives involving startups in collaboration with the laboratories for scientific R&D projects.

● Explore opportunities for continuous improvement of procedures, initiatives and activities, based on feedback from startups, investors and other stakeholders.

● Handle ongoing analytics of SEE innovation program status and outcomes.

● Participate in Reporting program status and insights to Management board and other stakeholders

● Organize and manage the application process for startups, handle communication with jury members, organize pitching events and admission activities.

Desired Skills & Experience:

● Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration or a similar relevant degree

● Knowledge and passion for entrepreneurship with demonstrated interest in emerging trends, markets, R&D activities, and technologies

● Analysis skills with exposure to creating business cases, cost benefit analysis

● Excellent interpersonal, networking and presentation skills

● Never ending curiosity about science, technologies, innovations, economy, business models and business development.

● Diverse industry & multiple industry experience will be considered as an advantage.

● Proactive personality generating ideas, despite their success, is also beneficial.

● Experience identifying, or sourcing ideas & opportunities, and developing business cases to pitch to decision makers will be strong advantage

● Ability to work independently as well as on a close, collaborative team

● Program and/or project experience with an incubators, startups, or entrepreneurial programs is an advantage