Chief Executive Officer

Call for Applications for Chief Executive Officer (CEO)– ANNAM.AI

Location: ANNAM.AI, Center of Excellence in AI for Agriculture, IIT Ropar
Type: Full -Time | Contractual | Renewable based on performance
Compensation: ₹50 - 100 Lakhs per annum (Negotiable based on qualifications and experience)
Performance Incentives: Additional incentives based on performance and outcomes, subject to Governing Board approval
Tenure: Initial appointment for 2 years, extendable up to 5 years
Age Limit: Preferably under 50 years; Minimum experience of 10+ years 

Role Summary

As the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ANNAM.AI, you will serve as the strategic and operational leader of one of India’s most ambitious deep -tech initiatives in agriculture. The CEO will be responsible for defining and driving the organization’s mission, expanding national and global partnerships, mobilizing resources, overseeing program execution, and enabling large -scale impact through innovation.

This is a high -stakes leadership role ideal for a mission -driven, execution -focused professional with demonstrated experience in managing innovation hubs, national programs, and cross -sector partnerships.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership & Vision Execution

• Define and lead the implementation of ANNAM.AI’s long -term strategy in alignment with national missions like CoE by MoE, Digital India, IndiaAI, Startup India, and Viksit Bharat@2047.
  
  
• Translate ANNAM’s vision into programs that integrate AI in core areas such as precision agriculture, natural resource optimization, agri -fintech, farmer enablement and into innovation ecosystem
  
  

2. Institution Building & Program Management

• Establish and oversee multi -tiered innovation programs, projects, technology driven initiatives,   and farmer -outreach platforms.
  
  
• Drive operational excellence and ensure delivery of time -bound, outcome -driven initiatives across ecosystems for agri -tech and AI domains.
  
  
• Promote scalable models for rural technology deployment and entrepreneurship.
  
  

3. Governance & Financial Sustainability

• Ensure compliance with all statutory requirements of a Section 8 company including MCA, audit, taxation, and CSR utilization norms.
  
  
• Build a robust governance structure in coordination with IIT Ropar and the Ministry of Education.
  
  
• Lead fundraising efforts from public, private, multilateral, and philanthropic sources, while designing sustainable revenue models.
  
  

4. Partnerships & Ecosystem Development

• Forge and nurture high -impact partnerships with ministries (MoE, MeitY, DST, ICAR), research organizations, donor agencies, incubators, and startups.
  
  
• Represent ANNAM.AI on national and international platforms, establishing its leadership in AI for Agriculture and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
  
  

5. Team Development & Leadership Culture

• Build and lead a multidisciplinary team of domain experts in technology, agriculture, innovation management, and public policy.
  
  
• Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and agility, ensuring alignment of individual and institutional goals.
  
  

Candidate Profile

Educational Qualifications & Skills

• Postgraduate degree in Science, Management, Engineering, Technology, Agriculture, or Public Policy from a reputed institution.
  
  
• A PhD is preferred, especially for alignment with research and innovation ecosystems.
  
  
• Minimum 10 years of professional experience with at least 5 years in senior leadership roles.
  
  

• Preference shall be given for having expertise in managing innovation ecosystems, Section 8 entities, startup accelerators, or government -backed CoEs.
  
  
• Prior experience working across technology, agriculture, deep -tech startups, or impact -driven enterprises shall be preferred. 
  
  

Performance -Based Incentives: The CEO will be eligible for performance -based incentives, subject to periodic reviews and Board approval. Incentives will be outcome -driven and aligned with the long -term vision of ANNAM.AI.

Separation Clause: One month’s notice in year one, two months in subsequent years or salary in lieu.

Application Process

• Submit your application through the Zoho Recruit portal
  
  
• Subject Line: Application for CEO – ANNAM.AI
  
  
• Deadline: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled