Incubation Manager – Knowledge Transfer Office (KTO)

About the TU/e Knowledge Transfer Office (KTO)
The TU/e Knowledge Transfer Office (KTO) is the universitys hub for transforming scientific breakthroughs into real-world impact. As part of itsstrategy KTO is evolving into astrategic ecosystem orchestrator building integrated value chains and enabling high-impact deeptech ventures.
A core pillar of this strategy is the creation of aTU/e early-stage incubator and venture-building capability bridging the gap from ideation to venture formation and connecting to leading external deeptech venture builders.

Role: Incubation Manager (deeptech venture building)
We are looking for anexperienced venture builder in deeptechwho will design launch and manage TU/esearly-stage incubatorand orchestrate venture-building activities across internal and external partners.
This new position is pivotal to achieving TU/es ambition to become a European deeptech powerhouse capable of producing 1520 high-quality spin-offs annually and building a strong pipeline of scale-ups while also serving as a central driver of KTOs ambition to bridge the TRL gap professionalize the spin-off funnel and establish a high-throughput venture creation engine.
You will operate at the intersection of science entrepreneurship and investment working closely with researchers business developers TU/e Participations and leading European venture-building organizations.

Key Responsibilities

1. Design & manage TU/es early-stage incubator

• Lead theset-up development and daily managementof the TU/e incubator (from ideation to venture formation).
• Define and implementselection criteria stage-gating and program structurealigned with our KTOs portfolio approach.
• Build astructured incubation journeyincluding validation team formation business modelling and readiness for venture-building programs.
• Ensure alignment with TU/e priority domains (energy health digital/semiconductors advanced materials).

2. Venture building & external partnerships

• Orchestrate collaboration with leadingDutch and European venture-building partners.
• Prepare and position selected teams forexternal venture-building and acceleration programs.
• Co-developjoint programs pipelines and handover mechanismswith partners.
• Manage relationships with ecosystem partners including corporates investors and EU networks.

3. TRL bridging & venture development

• Translate early-stage research intovalidated venture opportunitiesby guiding teams through TRL progression in close collaboration with our business developers.
• Supportproof-of-concept validation and early market engagement activities.
• Ensure ventures are investment-ready with clear value propositions teams IP positioning and funding strategies.
• Connect teams to funding instruments (pre-seed seed EU programs).

4. Spin-off funnel & portfolio management

• Manage theearly-stage spin-off funnel (deal flow) ensuring structured progression and quality control.
• Work with KTO colleagues to implementdata-driven funnel management and selection mechanisms.
• Contribute to achieving KTO KPIs such as spin-off creation venture-building participation and capital attraction.
• Maintain clear handover to investment teams.

5. Entrepreneurial ecosystem & culture building

• Actively stimulate anentrepreneurial culture among researchers and students in close collaboration with KTOs student incubator manager.
• Develop and deliverincubation programs workshops and venture-building support activities.
• Engage with faculties institutes and the Innovation Space to ensurestrong deal flow and participation.
• Contribute to building incubation hubs close to research environments.

Profile & requirements
Education & experience

• Masters or PhD degree in engineering science or a related field.
• 712 years of experienceinventure building startup creation or deeptech investment.
• Proven track record inbuilding and scaling deeptech startups(founder venture builder or investor role).
• Experience with incubators accelerators or venture studios is strongly preferred.

Expertise
Strong affinity with:

• Deeptech venture creation andTRL bridging
• Startup validation methodologies (lean startup customer discovery etc.)
• Venture-building models andco-creation with external partners
• Early-stage financing (pre-seed/seed public and private funding)
• Ecosystem orchestration and stakeholder management

Skills

• Entrepreneurial mindset with strongexecution power
• Ability to translatescientific innovation into business opportunities
• Excellent stakeholder management and partnership-building skills
• Strong coaching and mentoring capabilities for early-stage teams
• Structured data-driven and able to manage complex pipelines
• Fluent in English (Dutch is a plus)

If you are concerned that you dont meet all the requirements sufficiently but the job does excite you then be sure to respond we would love to look at your profile.

An exciting position within an international yet personal university. You are right in the middle of the students on a green campus within walking distance of the central station. Besides beautiful architecture you will find varied workplaces and excellent sports facilities. We also offer you:

• A monthly salary of minimum 6764 to maximum 8199 gross for full-time employment depending on your knowledge and experience (scale 13 Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities).
• In addition to vacation pay a structural end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.
• A favorable arrangement for more holidays or a sabbatical.
• A selection model for additional fringe benefits.
• Working hours in consultation for an optimal work-life balance.
• Scope for your talent with advancement prospects and excellent development opportunities such as mentoring workshops and coaching.
• Partially paid parental leave and reimbursement for commuting expenses working from home and the internet.
• A generous employer contribution to the favorable ABP pension plan.
• Unlimited access to the modern oncampus TU/e Student Sports Center at an exceptionally affordable rate.

Here you can discover even more information about our conditions of employment. Build on your career at TU/e!

We are a leading international university where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13000 students and more than 7000 staff forming a diverse and vibrant academic community.

Our university is located in Brainport Eindhoven a worldleading tech region with more than 7000 hightech companies and strong R&D activity. Known for breakthroughs in AI photonics semiconductors and advanced manufacturing Brainport is a place where technology serves people and society. Learn more about the Brainport region here.

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to have more information about the position please contact the hiring manager Renato Calzone .

Visit our website for more information about the application process. You can also contact HR Services via or.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e Please visit our career page.

If you are interested please use the apply button to send us your CV and letter of application with your motivation and a description of your that you submit all the requested application documents. We give priority to complete applications.

Screening of candidates begins as soon as applications are received and continues until the position is filled. Where applicable internal candidates will be given priority over external candidates where they are equally suitable.

We look forward to receiving your application!

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines.
• Important for non-EU applicants: Please be aware that for this position specific residence permit requirements apply. If you are a non-EU national you may not be eligible to legally work in this role under current Dutch immigration regulations. We strongly advise you to contact our Staff Immigration Team () before applying to check your eligibility and to receive further guidance.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.