As COO of IITM CDOT Samgnya Technologies Foundation, you will lead operational strategy, ensuring efficient execution of quantum technology programs aligned with national goals. You will oversee compliance, resource optimization, and partnership management across academia, industry, and government. This role demands visionary leadership to scale innovations and build a sustainable quantum ecosystem for India.

• Operational Strategy and Execution: Develop and implement comprehensive operational plans aligned with NQM objectives, including timelines for quantum network pilots, R&D milestones, and ecosystem development; conduct regular reviews to adapt strategies based on progress and external factors like technological advancements or policy changes.

• Financial Management and Budgeting: Oversee annual and multi-year budgets (potentially exceeding Rs. 50 crore for hub activities), including allocation of DST grants, tracking expenditures, budgeting and ensuring cost-effective use of resources; prepare detailed financial reports for DST audits and board reviews, incorporating forecasting models for R&D investments.

• Compliance and Governance: Ensure full adherence to DST guidelines, NQM protocols, and relevant laws (e.g., Companies Act for nonprofits (Section 8), data protection regulations under DPDP Act); manage risk assessments for quantum projects, including ethical considerations in technology deployment and IP protection.

• Human Resources and Team Leadership: Recruit, mentor, and lead a multidisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, administrators, and support staff;

foster a collaborative culture emphasizing diversity, inclusion, and professional development through training in quantum technologies and project management. 

• Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain strategic alliances with IIT Madras, C-DoT, DST, telecom operators (e.g., BSNL, Reliance Jio), international quantum consortia (e.g., EU Quantum Flagship), and startups; negotiate MoUs, joint ventures, and funding agreements to expand the quantum communication ecosystem.

• Project Management and Monitoring: Supervise end-to-end project lifecycle for initiatives like QKD network deployments and quantum-secure satellite

communications; utilize tools like KPIs, Gantt charts, and agile methodologies to track progress, mitigate delays, and report outcomes to the CEO and DST.

• Fundraising and Resource Mobilization: Lead efforts to secure additional funding beyond DST allocations, including grants from international bodies (e.g., Horizon Europe), corporate sponsorships, and philanthropic sources; develop proposals highlighting impact metrics such as patents filed or startups incubated.

• Infrastructure and Facilities Oversight: Manage operations at IITMRP facilities, including quantum labs, cleanrooms, and computational resources; coordinate procurement of specialized equipment (e.g., photon detectors, cryogenic systems) while ensuring safety protocols and sustainability practices.

• Capacity Building and Outreach: Organize workshops, seminars, and certification programs on quantum cryptography for students, professionals, and policymakers; promote knowledge dissemination through publications, conferences, and public awareness campaigns.

• Performance Evaluation and Reporting: Establish metrics for operational efficiency (e.g., project completion rates, budget variance); prepare quarterly and annual reports for the CEO, board, and DST, incorporating data analytics for evidence-based decision-making.

🎓 Required Qualifications

• Master’s in Business/Public Administration, Engineering, or related field; PhD or premier MBA preferred.
• 10–15 years in senior operations with 5+ years in leadership at research or government-funded organizations.
• Proven experience managing large-scale R&D projects in quantum, AI, or cybersecurity domains.
• Familiar with quantum communication concepts (QKD, BB84, quantum repeaters) and DST/SERB programs.
• Strong track record in scaling operations, leading 20+ member teams, and achieving measurable results.
• Knowledge of nonprofit governance, DST compliance, and regulatory frameworks.
• Skilled in strategy, analytics, and project management tools (MS Project, Asana, ERP systems).
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement abilities.
• High integrity, adaptability, and commitment to national science and technology missions.High integrity, adaptability, and commitment to national science and technology missions.
• Proficient in English and Hindi; Tamil knowledge preferred.