🧬 IIT Mandi Catalyst Recruitment 2026 – Apply for Manager / Senior Manager (BIRAC BioNest)

📢 IIT Mandi Catalyst has announced an exciting opportunity for professionals passionate about biotechnology, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The organization is inviting applications for the post of Manager / Senior Manager (BIRAC BioNest) to lead incubation and innovation programs under the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and BIRAC BioNEST initiatives. The last date to apply is 31st May 2026 or until the position is filled.

🏢 About IIT Mandi Catalyst

IIT Mandi Catalyst is the first Technology Business Incubator (TBI) in Himachal Pradesh, established under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India. It operates as a Section 8 non-profit company at the Indian Institute of Technology Mandi and has received support from MeitY, BIRAC (DBT), Startup India (DPIIT), and the Department of Industries, Government of Himachal Pradesh. Catalyst focuses on nurturing deep-tech and engineering-driven startups and has been recognized as an Established Incubation Centre (EIC) by the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog.

📋 Position Overview

Job TitleManager / Senior Manager (BIRAC BioNest)
LocationMandi, Himachal Pradesh
CompanyIIT Mandi Catalyst
Employment TypeFull-Time
RemunerationAs per industry norms and candidate experience
Application ModeThrough the application link provided in the advertisement

🎯 Key Responsibilities

📈 Program Management & Strategic Execution

  • Lead and manage incubation, innovation, and entrepreneurship programs supported by government bodies, private organizations, and CSR partners.
  • Plan, execute, and monitor programs under BIRAC BioNEST, DBT, DST, and other biotechnology schemes.
  • Prepare proposals, grant applications, concept notes, and documentation for funding opportunities.
  • Oversee startup evaluation, due diligence, and onboarding processes for incubation and acceleration programs.
  • Support startups in intellectual property protection, patent filing, and commercialization of innovations.
  • Ensure smooth implementation of incubation programs, accelerator cohorts, and innovation challenges.
  • Monitor milestones, KPIs, compliance reports, and impact assessments for submission to funding agencies.
  • Identify new funding opportunities and strategic collaborations for ecosystem development.

🚀 Startup Incubation & Ecosystem Development

  • Manage incubated startups and provide strategic and operational support throughout their lifecycle.
  • Coordinate mentoring sessions, investor connects, demo days, and startup showcase events.
  • Guide startups in identifying grants, funding opportunities, and commercialization pathways.
  • Facilitate collaboration between startups, corporates, academic institutions, and investors.
  • Support startups in fundraising readiness, regulatory pathways, and market access programs.

🤝 Stakeholder & Partnership Management

  • Act as the primary contact for startups, mentors, investors, and government agencies.
  • Build and strengthen partnerships, MoUs, and cross-sector innovation programs.
  • Represent IIT Mandi Catalyst in conferences, networking events, and ecosystem engagements.

📊 Operations, Reporting & Documentation

  • Oversee operational management of incubation activities and reporting systems.
  • Prepare reports, presentations, and grant utilization documents for stakeholders.
  • Coordinate budget planning, vendor management, and administrative workflows.
  • Maintain compliance records and startup data aligned with funding agency requirements.

👥 Team Management & Leadership

  • Lead and mentor team members, interns, and program associates.
  • Ensure timely execution of tasks and achievement of program deliverables.
  • Provide training and guidance in proposal development, reporting, and stakeholder communication.
  • Assist senior leadership in strategic planning and resource allocation.

🎓 Eligibility Criteria

  • Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Biotechnology, Life Sciences, Healthcare, or related fields.
  • Minimum 4+ years of experience in incubation centers, startup ecosystems, or innovation management.
  • Experience in handling startups, stakeholder engagement, and program execution.
  • Strong communication, coordination, and documentation skills.

💡 Preferred Skills

  • Knowledge of biotechnology, healthcare, medtech, agritech, or life sciences startup ecosystem.
  • Familiarity with government innovation schemes like BIRAC, BioNEST, DBT, DST, Startup India, AIM.
  • Experience in ecosystem building, startup mentoring, and partnership development.
  • Proficiency in MS Office, reporting tools, and presentation preparation.

🧠 Key Competencies

  • Program Management
  • Startup Incubation
  • Stakeholder Coordination
  • Government Scheme Management
  • Reporting & Documentation
  • Ecosystem Development
  • Communication & Networking
  • Event & Operations Management
  • Problem Solving & Execution Skills

⚖️ Terms & Instructions

  • Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted via email or phone.
  • IIT Mandi Catalyst reserves the right to fill or cancel the post without assigning reasons.
  • Documentary evidence of qualifications must be produced when specified.
  • Any false information or fake documents will lead to termination of candidature.
  • Applications will be considered until the position is filled.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

📍 What is the position available under this recruitment?
The recruitment is for the post of Manager / Senior Manager (BIRAC BioNest) at IIT Mandi Catalyst.
🗓️ What is the last date to apply?
The last date to apply is 31st May 2026 or until the position is filled.
🎓 What qualifications are required?
Candidates must hold a Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Biotechnology, Life Sciences, Healthcare, or related fields.
💼 What experience is required?
Applicants should have at least 4 years of experience in incubation centers, startup ecosystems, or innovation management.
💰 What is the salary for this position?
Remuneration will be as per industry norms and based on candidate experience.
📍 Where is the job location?
The position is based at IIT Mandi Catalyst, Kamand Campus, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh.
📧 How can I apply?
Applications must be submitted through the link provided in the advertisement. For queries, contact iitmandicatalyst@gmail.com.
🏢 What is IIT Mandi Catalyst?
IIT Mandi Catalyst is a Section 8 non-profit Technology Business Incubator supporting deep-tech and engineering-driven startups across India.

🌐 Official Contact Information

🏢 IIT Mandi Catalyst
📍 IIT Mandi Kamand Campus, Himachal Pradesh – 175005, India
📧 Email: iitmandicatalyst@gmail.com | Phone: 01905‑267146
🌐 Website: www.iitmandicatalyst.in

🎯 Conclusion

✨ The IIT Mandi Catalyst Manager/Sr. Manager (BIRAC BioNest) Recruitment 2026 is a prestigious career opportunity for professionals in biotechnology and innovation management. This role offers a chance to lead high‑impact programs under the BIRAC BioNEST initiative and contribute to India’s growing startup ecosystem. Candidates with a strong background in biotech, life sciences, and entrepreneurship development should apply before 31 May 2026 to be part of IIT Mandi Catalyst’s mission to empower innovation in the Himalayan region and beyond.

🚀 Join IIT Mandi Catalyst and be a driving force behind India’s biotech innovation journey with the BIRAC BioNest program!