Innovation Ecosystem Support (non-staff contractors)

Expression of Interest:  

  • Innovation Ecosystem and Partnership Lead Asia  

  • Innovation Delivery Specialists 

About Us

The University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) has for over 35 years developed industry leadership, innovation, sector pathways and commercially viable solutions to global challenges.

We believe that innovation can be a catalyst for reshaping markets in ways that build the industries of the future in ways that are fair and respect planetary boundaries.  Over the past 5 years we have supported over 500 startups through our accelerators, with international innovation partnerships and programmes with global organisations like L’Oreal, BSI, UNICEF, JETRO and Full Vision Capital. Nearly 100 startups share our Canopy workspace, and we have an active network of investors and corporates supporting our work.

Read more in our innovation impact report: From Innovation to Impact: Scaling Climate Solutions to Transform Markets | Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL)

As we expand our international footprint (we have offices in Cambridge, Brussels and Cape Town – but see growing interest in Europe, Middle East and Asia) and due to the success of our approach, we urgently need to grow our international network of startup accelerator professionals, and in-country ecosystem activation representatives that can develop and maintaining partnerships with companies, governments, investors and local startup ecosystems.  We also need exceptional and experienced innovation managers to support the delivery of our corporate programmes, working with our existing teams out of Cambridge and South Africa.  

What you can bring

We want to expand our network of expert consultants in startup-led innovation, corporate open innovation which can help us deliver client and funder needs across specific sectors, technologies and markets/geographies.

We’d love to hear from you if you are a portfolio professional working in the innovation, accelerator or start up space and are interested in supporting our work.

In particular we are looking for

  • Innovation Ecosystem and Partnerships Lead – Asia (could be UK, Singapore or Hong Kong based) - to support engagement with start-ups, accelerators, VCs and others partners in Asia
  • UK based Innovation delivery specialist(s) - to support the design and execution of sustainability innovation programmes, accelerators and challenge-led initiatives in the UK (able to travel to Cambridge)

However we are excited to hear from any individual who may be interested in supporting our impact worldwide.

The contractor(s) will play a key part in outreach, relationship management, and the design and delivery of innovation and sustainability-focused programmes for leading global organisations and institutions. The successful candidates will work across a range of high-profile initiatives, including corporate sustainability accelerators, innovation challenges, startup engagement programmes and ecosystem partnerships. You will have existing network and deep and proven understanding of startup innovation process and ecosystem in the regions.

These contracts would suit people comfortable operating in a dynamic, fast-paced innovation environment and who enjoys managing multiple stakeholders, projects and workstreams simultaneously, and who can successfully dock into a successful team, whilst potentially working remotely/ in-country.

Skills and Experience

Innovation Ecosystem and Partnerships Lead

  • Ability to engage with startups, accelerators, universities, VCs and innovation ecosystem partners, to promote programmes, scout start-ups and convening activation activities. 
  • An in-country network of innovation eco-system operators (start-ups, Universities, VCs, other accelerator programmes)
  • Excellent communication skills to build and maintain positive relationships on behalf of CISL

Innovation delivery specialists

  • Strong skills and experience in shaping and facilitating engaging workshops and start-up engagement activities
  • Willingness to engage with end to end process, including coordination of events and preparation of materials in advance 
  • Ability to build relationships and engage with startups, accelerators, universities, VCs and innovation ecosystem partners globally  
  • Excellent client relationship management and communication skills

How to submit

To submit an EOI please send us your CV and any other information to support your interest. These can be emailed to sam.laakkonen@cisl.cam.ac.uk

Terms

This is a flexible, non-binding call for EOI and is not directly related to a specific project currently. We are keen to listen to your capabilities, interests and availability so that we can shape opportunities into defined professional services contracts, wherever appropriate.

We are not looking to engage individuals as employees. You will be an independent contractor working on behalf of CISL and will be required to complete supplier set up with the University of Cambridge.

Any resulting professional services contracts will specify an agreed scope of work, specific milestones and deliverables.  Contracts will be subject to CISL’s standard terms, a copy of which is available on request.