Job Summary
About A*STAR
The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) drives mission-oriented research that advances scientific discovery and technological innovation. Through its research institutes, A*STAR develops deep tech capabilities and translates them into economic and societal impact for Singapore.The Institute for Infocomm Research (I²R) is a leading ICT research institute focused on Artificial Intelligence, Data, Communications, and digital technologies. Under the Data, AI & Compute (DAC) Sector, I²R drives cutting-edge R&D and its translation into industry adoption, startups, and national capabilities.
About the Role
We are seeking a dynamic and experienced leader to take on the role of Deputy Director, Venture Creation and Sector Development. This role will drive the identification, incubation, and formation of new ventures from I²R’s DAC research portfolio, while strengthening sector-level partnerships and ecosystem engagement to accelerate commercialization outcomes.The candidate will work at the intersection of research, commercialization, venture building, and industry development, translating advanced technologies into venture-ready opportunities and enabling stronger market pathways for impact.
Key Responsibilities
Venture Creation
- Identify and evaluate venture opportunities from I²R’s DAC technologies and intellectual property.
- Develop compelling venture theses, including customer problem definition, value proposition, market opportunity, and competitive positioning.
- Lead front-end venture creation activities such as market validation, customer discovery, and business model design.
- Drive venture formation processes, including spin-off readiness, team formation, and commercialization pathway development.
- Prepare and present venture cases for internal review and approval.
Sector Development & Ecosystem Engagement
- Develop and execute strategies to strengthen I²R’s positioning within the Data-AI-Compute sector.
- Build and manage relationships with corporates, ecosystem partners, government agencies, and innovation platforms.Identify sector trends, market needs, and whitespace opportunities to inform venture creation and research translation.
- Facilitate co-innovation, partnership development, and pathways for market adoption of DAC technologies.
Market & Opportunity Development
- Conduct market sensing, industry engagement, and opportunity mapping across priority DAC domains.
- Translate market insights into actionable venture opportunities and commercialization strategies.
- Support prioritization of opportunities based on market attractiveness, strategic alignment, and impact potential.
Internal Collaboration
- Work closely with research teams, commercialization units, and IP/legal teams to align venture creation with sector priorities.
- Bridge internal stakeholders to ensure effective translation of research into market-ready opportunities.
- Support the development of structured processes for venture evaluation, incubation, and sector engagement.
Performance & Reporting
- Build and manage a pipeline of venture opportunities and sector initiatives.
- Track and report key metrics, including:Venture opportunities identified and developed
- Venture cases validated and prepared for spin-offSector partnerships established
- Commercial and strategic outcomes achieved
- Prepare management updates, strategy papers, and decision materials.
Requirements
Education
- Advanced degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or a related discipline.
- MBA or equivalent experience in business, strategy, or commercialization is an advantage.
Experience
- At least 10–15 years of relevant experience in areas such as:
- Venture creation, startup incubation, or venture building
- Deep tech commercialization or technology transfer
- Industry or sector development
- Innovation strategy or corporate innovation
- Demonstrated experience in translating technology or research into commercial opportunities.
- Track record of working across technical, business, and ecosystem stakeholders.
Technical & Domain Knowledge
- Strong understanding of one or more of the following:
- Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning
- Generative AI and data platforms
- Cloud, edge, or distributed computing
- Enterprise software and digital infrastructure
- Ability to engage effectively with both technical and business stakeholders.
Competencies
- Strong venture opportunity assessment and commercialization skills
- Experience in market validation, customer discovery, and business model development
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and partnership-building capabilities
- Strategic thinking with strong execution discipline
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
Preferred Attributes
- Experience in a venture studio, accelerator, tech transfer office, or innovation agency
- Strong network within the startup, investor, and industry ecosystem
- Familiarity with Singapore’s research and innovation ecosystem
- Ability to operate effectively in a dynamic and evolving environment
What We Offer
- Opportunity to shape and build ventures from frontier AI, data, and compute technologies
- Exposure to a vibrant innovation ecosystem spanning research, industry, and startups
- A collaborative environment with leading scientists, engineers, and industry partners
- The chance to contribute to Singapore’s deep tech and digital economy growth