Amit Kothawade

Operations Associate

Mumbai, Maharashtra, India11 yrs 8 mos experience

Most Likely To SwitchHighly Stable

Key Highlights

Expert in fostering innovation within startup ecosystems.
Led significant environmental initiatives in Maharashtra.
Represented India in international entrepreneurship programs.

Stackforce AI infers this person is a leader in public policy and innovation management within startup ecosystems.

Contact

Skills

Core Skills

Innovation ManagementPublic-private PartnershipsInternational RelationsEcosystem BuildingPublic PolicySustainabilityLeadershipProject ManagementClient Relations

Other Skills

Client liaisonCollaborative LeadershipCollaborative discussionCollaborative discussion around policiesCost optimizationCross culture communicationCustomer ServiceDocumentation managementDriving initiatives to foster innovationElectoral strategy analysisEnhancing entrepreneurship and startup ecosystemEntrepreneurship developmentEnvironmental advocacyEvent ManagementEvent Planning

About

I believe meaningful innovation happens when bold ideas meet real-world challenges - with the right support, partnerships, and timing. Over the past decade, I’ve worked across public systems and entrepreneurial ecosystems, enabling startups to collaborate with government, co-design solutions, and scale impact. At Maharashtra State Innovation Society, I am helping shape programs that support early-stage innovation and foster collaboration between policymakers, founders, and institutions. Co-founded a spiritual startup which was a one stop solution for all the spiritual needs. Whether it’s driving innovation for high-scale events like the Kumbh Mela or supporting pilots that make public systems more responsive, I remain committed to ideas that create lasting, inclusive change.

Experience

Maharashtra state innovation society

2 roles

Manager - Innovation & Startup

Promoted

Apr 2024 – Present · 2 yrs · Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

Driving initiatives to foster innovation and nurture the startup ecosystem.
Policy Advocacy: Advocating for policies favorable to innovation and entrepreneurship.
Innovation in Governance: Leading efforts to innovate government practices and enhance efficiency.
Strategic Planning: Developing plans aligned with Innovation Society guidelines for innovation and startup growth.
Mission Management: Overseeing mission schedules, tasks, and administrative aspects.
Stakeholder Management : Efficiently coordinating activities and communication with key stakeholders.
Program Implementation: Ensuring effective execution of innovation and startup programs.
Partnership Building: Establishing strong Public-Private Partnerships to fortify the ecosystem.
Support for Incubators/Startups: Assisting incubators and startups.

Driving initiatives to foster innovationPolicy AdvocacyInnovation in GovernanceStrategic PlanningStakeholder ManagementProgram Implementation+3

Assistant Manager - Innovation & Startup

Aug 2018 – Mar 2024 · 5 yrs 7 mos · Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

Japan international cooperation agency (jica)

Country Representative

Sep 2023 – Sep 2023 · 0 mo · Japan · On-site

Represented India at a special capacity-building program in Japan, organised by Japan International Cooperative Agency (JICA), Government of Japan for Enhancement of Entrepreneurship and Startup Ecosystem”
The first of its kind initiative was the special Knowledge Co-Creation Program on enhancement of Entrepreneurship & Start-up Ecosystem, aimed at Asian and African countries. It allowed for a collaborative discussion around policies, entrepreneurship, and creating a sustainable startup environment.
This experience not only signified a proud moment for Maharashtra but also acknowledged the significant progress India has made in this domain. India is now amongst the fastest-growing startup ecosystems in the world.

Representing IndiaCollaborative discussion around policiesEnhancing entrepreneurship and startup ecosystemInternational RelationsEcosystem Building

Government of maharashtra (gom)

Chief Minister's Fellow

Sep 2017 – Aug 2018 · 11 mos · Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

Dynamic and influential role allowed me to actively contribute to the state's development and governance.
50 Cr Tree Plantation Drive Leadership: Effective planning, coordination, and implementation of the Maharashtra Forest Department's ambitious 50 Crore Tree Plantation Drive. My contribution ensured the successful execution of this flagship environmental program, reflecting a deep commitment to sustainability.
Electoral Excellence Strategist: In collaboration with the core team, the Election Commission of India (ECI), and the State Election Commission (SEC) of Maharashtra, I played a key role in the study, analysis, and implementation strategies for conducting simultaneous elections.
Innovative Governance Pioneer: I compiled and documented the best and most innovative governance practices followed by bureaucrats in Maharashtra. This led to the creation of the 'CM Good Governance Awards,' a pioneering recognition program.
Transport Efficiency Analyst: My responsibilities extended to enhancing the productivity and efficiency of the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC). I conducted extensive research to identify successful transport systems, both within and outside the state, providing valuable recommendations for their implementation.
Sustainable Tourism Advocate: My role included in suggesting the development of eco-tourism in Maharashtra, following a community-centric approach.
Women Empowerment Advocate: I played a pivotal role in policy drafting and the effective implementation of the "Hirkani Maharashtrachi" program, dedicated to empowering women. This initiative aimed to uplift and empower women across the state, promoting inclusivity and gender equality.

Leadership in tree plantation driveElectoral strategy analysisInnovative governance practicesTransport efficiency analysisSustainable tourism advocacyWomen empowerment policy drafting+2

Hcl technologies

Project Manager

Jun 2014 – Aug 2017 · 3 yrs 2 mos · Mumbai, Maharashtra, India · On-site

Client Liaison: Served as the primary point of contact for our valued clients, ensuring seamless communication and satisfaction throughout the project lifecycle.
Financial Expertise: Successfully vetted RFPs/POs, securing finance and delivery approvals based on meticulous cost and time & effort estimations.
Project Initiation: Orchestrated project kick-off meetings, both internally and externally, while expertly assigning roles and responsibilities for optimal project execution.
Cost Optimization: Strategically planned taxation and legal processes, resulting in minimized project costs and streamlined cycles.
Stakeholders Management: Oversaw project deliverables ordering and effectively managed stakeholders relationships to guarantee project success.
Progress Monitoring: Vigilantly tracked project progress, providing regular updates to all stakeholders and ensuring transparency in reporting.
Executive Reporting: Prepared and delivered concise reports, highlighting key project metrics and insights to senior management.
Documentation Management and Excellence: Maintained critical project records, including Risk Register, Issue Register, Daily Log, and Lessons Log, ensuring comprehensive documentation of project activities.
Scope Control: Monitored and controlled project activities in alignment with the Statement of Work (SOW), ensuring project scope remained on track.
Milestone Achievement: Tracked and achieved milestone objectives, facilitating phase-wise closures and ensuring project milestones were met.
Delivery Excellence: Managed the delivery process of proposed solutions, culminating in successful sign-offs from clients.
Financial Oversight: Oversaw invoicing, bills receivable, and revenue recognition processes, contributing to sound financial management.