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 Co. Es. 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