Business Connector

Job Purpose

SIT’s Innovation-as-a-Service (IaaS) is an open-innovation platform designed to connect industry players, particularly start-ups and SMEs, with the research and technological capabilities of the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT), local polytechnics, other IHLS and overseas university partners.

IaaS Centre of Digital Innovation focuses on assisting company’s to digitalize their operations or products and implementing AI solutions using ready AI tools to ensure a fast implementation to market.

IaaS Centre of Smart Urban Solutions and Security focuses on developing innovative technologies and applied solutions to address challenges in urban living, public safety, and security. The Centre brings together multidisciplinary expertise in areas such as sensing technologies, data analytics, artificial intelligence, and smart systems integration to support industry and government partners in translating research into practical, impactful applications.

The business connector works with industry partners to co-create commercially viable solutions and outcomes. They deliver on projects that help the industries and businesses to move up the innovation value chain. They accelerate growth by facilitating strategic introductions and partnerships. The success of these initiatives will bring about deeper collaboration with key industry stakeholders that will translate the industry engagement into more innovation projects with SIT.

The business connector will play a pivotal role in advancing Digital Innovation/Smart Urban Solutions applied research projects like Chatbots Digitalization, AI, Data Analytics, Machine learning, LLM, RAG, Dashboards, IoT, IIoT, Cloud computing, building management, cybersecurity and etc. Collaborating closely with faculty, industry partners, researchers, other IHLs and students, the business connector will co-create impactful, practical, and commercially viable solutions that helps in the company digitalisation.

Key Responsibilities

Lead Generation and Prospecting

• Identify and target potential clients through various channels, including cold calls, networking and digital marketing.
• Help identify and organize outreach events suitable for the Digital Innovation group.
• Relationship cultivator - To identify new business opportunities, building and maintaining relationships with potential clients and driving revenue and projects growth.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive business development strategy to drive digital innovation and revenue growth for the client.
• Technical professional who will work with local enterprises to frame projects, identify capabilities needed from the industry ecosystem, IHLs and centres.
• Involve in industry engagements, help to bring in higher value-added and impactful projects for the centres in SIT, IHLs, Polytechnics and ITE.
• Monitor relevant external grant calls that are suitable for the centre.

Market Research and Analysis

• Identify emerging trends and opportunities in Digitalisation/Smart Urban Solutions to position SIT as a key partner in Digital innovation/Smart Urban Solutions and Security.

Project Management

• Oversee the planning, execution, and delivery of projects, ensuring timely completion and high-quality outcomes.
• Help PI secure funding for research and innovation projects through grant applications and proposals.
• Monitor project progress and milestones, providing regular updates to stakeholders.

Client and Partners Relationship Management

• Foster partnerships with businesses, government agencies, IHLs and other stakeholders to develop impactful projects that enhance Digital Innovation outcomes.
• Assist the team to develop and manage a pipeline of potential clients and partners, ensuring consistent progress toward revenue targets.
• Connect people who should know each other and create win-win scenarios for both SIT and industry partner.

Professional Development and Expertise

• Stay updated with developments in digital innovation, AI technologies, Smart Urban Solutions & Security including new technologies, regulations, and industry practices.

Job Requirements

• A degree in Computer Science, Computer or Software Engineering, Business or a related field. An MBA is preferred but relevant business development experience will suffice.
• At least 5 years of relevant industry experience, with a proven track record in marketing and business development.
• Strong knowledge of digital/AI technologies, smart urban solutions, resource management and sustainable business practices.
• Strong analytical, project management, and communication skills.
• Experience in writing project proposals and grants will be an added advantage.
• Extensive experience and knowledge of industry practices to bring industry perspective to SIT.
• Keen interest in innovation projects, with demonstrated ability in proposing company solutions to technical problems.
• Strong interpersonal skills and enjoy working closely with colleagues and potential clients

Key Competencies

• Strong understanding of the sustainability challenges faced by industries and the market landscape in Singapore and the region.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to collaborate effectively with industry partners, students, and stakeholders.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a cross-functional and multidisciplinary environment.
• Proactive approach to continuous learning and professional development in the digital innovation field.
• Proficient in technical writing and presentation
• Possess good analytical and critical thinking skills
• Shows good initiative and takes ownership of work undertaken
• Some project management skills, including planning and monitoring of digital innovation projects.

Note: The incumbent will be appointed as Research Engineer/Research Fellow if successful.