About Nanyang Technological University (NTU)
Nanyang Technological University is a leading global research university committed to advancing knowledge, nurturing innovation, and creating real-world impact. Through world-class research, strong industry partnerships, and a vibrant innovation & entrepreneurship ecosystem, NTU empowers people and ideas to shape a better future.
NTUitive — the University’s innovation and enterprise company — plays a pivotal role in translating research breakthroughs into solutions that benefit society. We support innovators, entrepreneurs, and industry partners in bringing deep technologies from lab to market.
About the Role
We are seeking a highly motivated Assistant Director, Venture Building to join NTUitive’s Venture Building team. This role is ideal for individuals who thrive at the intersection of science, business, and innovation — and who are excited about guiding research teams on the path to commercialization.
If you enjoy building ventures from ground up, partnering with founders, engaging investors, and creating impact through technology, this is an opportunity to shape Singapore’s next generation of deep-tech companies.
What You Will Do
Lead Venture Creation
Translate NTU’s intellectual property into successful innovation-based companies.
Drive projects from early discovery to spin-off formation, including team formation, market discovery, technology assessment, TRL advancement, and fundraising preparation.
Guide customer discovery to achieve strong problem–solution fit.
Facilitate the transition from proof-of-science to scalable MVPs.
Shape the business-model design leading to a business blueprint.
Develop a Pipeline of Venture Worthy Projects
Create a funnel for proof-of-concept (POC) grants and manage funded projects toward commercialization.
Evaluate Whitespace opportunities and prioritise areas aligned with NTU’s deep-tech strengths and market needs.
Support Venture Creation Programmes
Guide teams through national and NTUitive-led venture creation programmes.
Support key vertical tracks such as Climate Ventures and Compute Ventures.
Engage and Influence Stakeholders
Partner with Principal Investigators, founders, investors, and internal units to shape venture strategy.
Bridge differences in expectations across academic teams and market-facing stakeholders.
Contribute to NTU’s Innovation Ecosystem
Build theses around whitespace opportunities and emerging trends.
Collaborate with industry experts, venture capitalists, and design/manufacturing partners and support the development of consortiums/ incubators around key clusters.
Represent NTUitive in ecosystem engagements, industry collaborations, and deep-tech initiatives.
Why Join NTU?
Be Part of an Innovation Powerhouse
Work alongside breakthrough research, visionary founders, and cutting-edge technologies at one of the world’s top young universities.
Create High-Impact Ventures
Your work directly contributes to the creation of spin-off companies that generate societal impact, skilled jobs, and economic value.
Career Growth & Learning
Benefit from world-class exposure to venture building, global entrepreneurship programmes, investor networks, and talent development initiatives.
Supportive & Inclusive Work Environment
NTU is committed to fostering a collaborative, people-cantered workplace with staff wellness, flexible work options, and growth opportunities.
Qualifications
Must-Haves
Bachelor’s degree in science or engineering.
Minimum 7 years of experience in startups, venture building, venture capital, innovation, or commercialization.
Demonstrated understanding of deep-tech innovation and commercialization pathways.
Practical experience with:
Early-stage venture creation
Business model design
Pitch deck and fundraising preparation
Customer discovery methodologies
Evaluating intellectual property for commercial use
Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
Ability to work independently, think creatively, and solve problems in fast-paced environments.
Good-to-Have
Master’s degree or PhD in a relevant field.
Experience supporting or founding deep-tech or research-driven startups.
Familiarity with venture capital term sheets, shareholder agreements, and board governance.
Exposure to multicultural or international work environments.
Experience working with research teams, Principal Investigators, or public-sector innovation programmes.
If you’re excited about building companies from cutting-edge research and shaping the next generation of deep-tech ventures, we’d love to meet you.
Apply now and help bring NTU’s innovations to the world.
Appointment may vary and will be commensurate with the candidate’s experience. We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.
Hiring Institution: NTUitive