About Technovator
Technovator is building Moldova’s DeepTech Ecosystem, bridging academic research and market-ready ventures. We create structured pathways for researchers and technical innovators to translate IP into fundable startups, with partnerships across the innovation helix.
Role Overview
The DeepTech Program Manager supports the integration of high-quality technical content across Technovator’s key initiatives. This is a contract/part-time role focused on sourcing DeepTech challenges, coordinating with technical stakeholders, and managing specific program deliverables — particularly for the DeepTech GigaHack, Business Innovation Summit, and Open Innovation Platform.
This role is ideal for someone with a technical background and ecosystem connections who can work flexibly across event cycles and project phases.
Key Responsibilities
Technical Challenge Sourcing & Management
- Serve as liaison between challenge providers and the event team
- Source 10 technical challenges for DeepTech GigaHack (Sep 2026) from corporate partners, public sector, and research institutions
- Work with challenge providers to define scope, datasets, and success criteria
- Coordinate technical requirements and infrastructure setup for the hackathon
Stakeholder Coordination
- Build relationships with potential challenge providers
- Recruit technical mentors and subject matter experts for events and programs
- Coordinate with corporate innovation departments and public sector innovation programs
- Support partnership development for the Open Innovation Platform
Event Support & Program Delivery
- DeepTech GigaHack (Sep 2026): Manage challenge provider logistics, coordinate datasets, support technical Q&A during the event
- Business Innovation Summit (Dec 2026): Support DeepTech Showcase curation and Roundtable coordination
- Open Innovation Platform (Aug 2026 launch): Assist with onboarding corporate challenges and matching researcher capabilities
- Other Technovator initiatives as needed
Documentation & Reporting
- Track challenge pipeline: outreach, commitments, deliverables
- Document technical requirements and partnership discussions
- Support quarterly reporting on DeepTech initiatives
- Capture lessons learned and best practices
Required Qualifications
Must-Have:
Self-Starter: Comfortable working independently on a contract basis with clear deliverables
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Sciences, or a related technical field
Technical Understanding: Familiarity with at least one DeepTech area (AI/ML, EnergyTech, HealthTech, CleanTech), with the ability to assess technical feasibility
Ecosystem Exposure: 1–2+ years working with or within innovation ecosystems (startups, accelerators, university tech transfer, corporate innovation, or research institutions)
Communication Skills: Able to engage effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders
Languages: Fluent in Romanian and English
Highly Desired:
- Technical background (engineering degree, research experience, or technical role in a startup/corporate environment)
- Network in Moldova’s tech/research ecosystem (UTM, corporate R&D, innovation community)
- Experience organizing hackathons, tech events, or innovation challenges
- Familiarity with corporate open innovation or tech transfer processes
- Understanding of European innovation programs (Horizon, EIC)
Time Commitment & Engagement Model
Contract/part-time role with flexible hours based on project phases:
- April–August 2026 (10–15 hrs/week): Challenge sourcing, stakeholder outreach, platform onboarding
- September 2026 — GigaHack (20–25 hrs/week): Intensive event coordination
- October–November 2026 (8–12 hrs/week): Post-event follow-up, Summit prep
- December 2026 — Summit (15–20 hrs/week): Showcase & roundtable coordination
Remote work with occasional in-person meetings in Chișinău. Flexibility to manage your own schedule around deliverables.
Additional Benefits:
- Flexible remote work arrangement
- Access to Technovator’s ecosystem network
- Opportunity to shape Moldova’s DeepTech ecosystem from its early stages
- Potential for extended engagement or transition to full-time based on performance and organizational needs
How to Apply
Send your application to mary@technovator.world with the subject line: DeepTech Program Manager Application – [Your Name]
Deadline: April 15, 2026
Required documents:
- CV/Resume (max 2 pages)
- Cover Letter (max 1 page): Why this role + relevant experience + your availability/preferred hours per week
- LinkedIn Profile (link)