ICT Business Incubation Lead

Our client is seeking an ICT Business Start-Up Lead to join the Port Elizabeth team on a contract basis, · Design and implement customized pre-incubation, incubation, and acceleration journeys for ICT ventures. · Develop structured startup support frameworks including ideation, MVP development, product-market fit, and scaling phases. · Manage intake, onboarding, and graduation processes for digital startups. · Guide ICT entrepreneurs in business model development, customer validation, technical road mapping, and investor readiness. · Facilitate access to software development tools, cloud services, and technical mentorship. · Identify key barriers to growth and develop solutions using our internal and external resources. · Build and maintain partnerships with universities, corporates, funders, and government programs to support ICT innovation. · Engage with local and national digital economy initiatives to align program offerings with sector trends. · Represent the company at ICT innovation forums, pitch events, and strategic convenings. · Track incubator progress using KPIs and report on incubation outcomes. · Prepare monitoring and evaluation (M&E) reports, success stories, and impact narratives. · Maintain comprehensive documentation for each incubated ICT venture. · Prepare funding proposals, concept notes, and strategic plans for ICT incubation initiatives and the company. · Identify grant, sponsorship, and partnership opportunities to enhance ICT support offerings. Requirements · Grade 12 · Bachelor’s degree in information systems, Business Development, Computer Science or related ICT/technology field. · At least 5 years’ experience in entrepreneurship development, technology incubation, or innovation program management. · Strong knowledge of the ICT and 4IR landscape, including AI, IoT, cloud computing, mobile platforms, and SaaS. · Proven experience in business development, product-market fit strategies, and commercialization for digital ventures. · Ability to manage multiple projects and work with diverse startup teams. · Effective communicator and facilitator with strong stakeholder engagement skills. · Postgraduate qualification in Business, Innovation Management, or Incubation Management is advantageous. · Familiarity with funding and support mechanisms for tech-based enterprises. · Experience in grant writing or managing donor-funded programs preferred · Knowledge of the South African digital and innovation policy environment preferred