🚀 IIT Mandi Catalyst Recruitment 2026 – Apply for Chief Executive Officer (CEO) / Chief Operating Officer (COO)

📢 IIT Mandi Catalyst, one of India’s leading deep‑tech incubators, has announced an exciting opportunity for visionary professionals to lead its fast‑growing innovation ecosystem. The organization is inviting applications for the post of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) / Chief Operating Officer (COO) to drive strategic growth, strengthen partnerships, and scale its impact across India. The last date to apply is 1st July 2026.

🏢 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 supported over 500 startups nationwide. The incubator receives support from MeitY, BIRAC (DBT), Startup India (DPIIT), and the Department of Industries, Government of Himachal Pradesh under the Startup Himachal initiative. Its mission is to nurture deep‑tech and engineering‑driven startups, strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Himalayan region.

📋 Position Overview

Job TitleChief Executive Officer (CEO) / Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Number of Positions01
LocationMandi, Himachal Pradesh
CompanyIIT Mandi Catalyst
Reporting AuthorityDirector‑Incubation, IIT Mandi Catalyst
Age LimitPreferably below 55 years as on 1 July 2026
Employment TypeContractual for 2 years, extendable for another 2 years based on performance
RemunerationNegotiable based on professional competence and experience
Application Emailhr@iitmandicatalyst.in

👤 Candidate Profile

The CEO/COO will serve as the senior‑most executive of IIT Mandi Catalyst, reporting to the Director‑Incubation and working under the guidance of the Board of Directors. The role demands a dynamic leader with entrepreneurial vision, strategic thinking, and a passion for innovation. The CEO will be the external face of the organization, responsible for executing programs, building partnerships, and ensuring long‑term sustainability.

🎯 Key Responsibilities

🌟 Strategic Leadership

  • Lead the strategic direction of IIT Mandi Catalyst in alignment with its vision and mission.
  • Develop long‑term plans and programs that align with national innovation missions and regional development goals.
  • Strengthen Catalyst’s position as a leading technology business incubator at national and international levels.

⚙️ Administrative & Operational Management

  • Oversee day‑to‑day operations including program delivery, budgeting, compliance, and team coordination.
  • Build and lead a motivated team across incubation, finance, outreach, and operations.
  • Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and accountability within the organization.

💡 Incubation & Startup Support

  • Design and implement startup support programs for ideation, validation, and growth stages.
  • Facilitate access to mentorship, funding, infrastructure, legal and IPR support.
  • Enhance value‑added services to improve startup success and scalability.

🤝 Partnership & Ecosystem Development

  • Build strategic relationships with industry, academia, government bodies, CSR partners, and investors.
  • Represent Catalyst in national and international forums and policy discussions.
  • Promote collaborations through formal agreements and joint initiatives.

💰 Fundraising & Financial Sustainability

  • Lead fundraising efforts through government grants, CSR contributions, and private investments.
  • Develop financially sustainable models through services and capacity‑building programs.
  • Ensure financial transparency, statutory compliance, and timely audits.

📜 Governance & Compliance

  • Ensure operations adhere to IIT Mandi’s governance framework and legal regulations.
  • Maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for effective and compliant management.

🎓 Qualifications & Experience

  • 🎓 Bachelor’s degree in Science or Engineering is mandatory; Master’s/Ph.D./MBA preferred.
  • 💼 Minimum 15 years of industry/corporate experience with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
  • 🚀 Experience in startup incubation, corporate innovation, venture building, or entrepreneurship development.
  • 🏢 Exposure to academic institutions, government bodies, and innovation ecosystems is highly desirable.
  • 💸 Knowledge of venture funding, equity structures, and startup investment mechanisms is an advantage.
  • 📑 Familiarity with Section 8 company operations and regulatory frameworks preferred.
  • 🗣️ Excellent leadership, communication, negotiation, and networking skills are essential.

🧠 Key Competencies

  • 🌟 Visionary leadership with strategic thinking and execution capability.
  • 🤝 Strong stakeholder engagement and partnership‑building skills across industry and academia.
  • 💼 Deep understanding of startup incubation, venture funding, and innovation ecosystems.
  • ⚙️ Hands‑on approach with problem‑solving and resource mobilization skills.
  • 💪 High ethical standards and commitment to innovation‑driven organizational goals.
  • 🚀 Ability to mobilize resources, build alliances, and drive growth with a solution‑oriented mindset.

🖥️ Instructions to Apply Online

  1. 📧 Eligible candidates must submit their application via email to hr@iitmandicatalyst.in.
  2. 🌐 Additionally, applications should be submitted through the official website of IIT Mandi Catalyst – www.iitmandicatalyst.in.
  3. 📅 Last Date for Submission: 1 July 2026.
  4. 📞 Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted via email by the HR team.
  5. 💬 For queries related to application submission, write to hr@iitmandicatalyst.in.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

📍 What is the position available under this recruitment?
The position available is for Chief Executive Officer (CEO) / Chief Operating Officer (COO) at IIT Mandi Catalyst.
🗓️ What is the last date to apply?
The last date to submit applications is 1 July 2026.
🎓 What are the educational qualifications required?
Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Science or Engineering. A Master’s, Ph.D., or MBA is preferred for this leadership role.
💼 What experience is required for this position?
Applicants should have at least 15 years of progressive industry experience and 5 years in a senior leadership role in startup incubation, corporate innovation, or entrepreneurship development.
💰 What is the salary for the CEO/COO post?
Remuneration is negotiable and will be based on the candidate’s professional competence and experience.
📍 Where is the job location?
The position is based at IIT Mandi Catalyst, Kamand Campus, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh – 175005.
⚖️ What is the age limit for applying?
Applicants should preferably be below 55 years of age as on 1 July 2026.
🧠 What are the key skills required for this role?
Visionary leadership, strategic thinking, stakeholder management, fundraising expertise, and deep understanding of startup ecosystems are essential.
📧 How can I apply for the position?
Applications must be submitted via email to hr@iitmandicatalyst.in and through the official website www.iitmandicatalyst.in.
🏢 What is IIT Mandi Catalyst?
IIT Mandi Catalyst is a Section 8 non‑profit Technology Business Incubator that supports deep‑tech and engineering‑driven startups across India and the Himalayan region.
📞 Whom should I contact for more information?
For queries, contact the HR team at hr@iitmandicatalyst.in or call 01905‑267146 during office hours.

🌐 Official Contact Information

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

🎯 Conclusion

✨ The IIT Mandi Catalyst CEO/COO Recruitment 2026 is a prestigious opportunity for experienced leaders to shape India’s innovation landscape. As the head of one of the country’s most prominent deep‑tech incubators, the CEO will drive strategic growth, build partnerships, and empower hundreds of startups to scale globally. Eligible professionals with a vision for entrepreneurship and ecosystem development should apply before 1 July 2026.

🚀 Join IIT Mandi Catalyst and lead the next phase of India’s deep‑tech innovation journey from the heart of the Himalayas!