AI Innovation Manager

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Syensqo is all about chemistry. We’re not just referring to chemical reactions here, but also to the magic that occurs when the brightest minds get to work together. This is where our true strength lies. In you. In your future colleagues and in all your differences. And of course, in your ideas to improve lives while preserving our planet’s beauty for the generations to come.

Syensqo is undergoing a major transformation where digital and AI technologies are fundamental to creating differentiated value and enabling a more agile, knowledge-powered organization. Within this context, Syensqo.ai—our internal AI startup—is mandated to deliver fast, responsible, high-impact innovation that advances our competitive edge and supports all business units and functions.

We are looking for:

• As AI Innovation Manager, you will play a critical role in accelerating Syensqo’s AI innovation pipeline. Reporting directly to the Head of Syensqo.ai, you will focus on identifying emerging opportunities, cultivating partnerships (startups, academia, hyperscalers, ecosystem players), and working closely with R&I teams to turn cutting‑edge advances into scalable business value.
• You will explore and validate AI‑enabled business models, assess external technologies, support incubation initiatives, and coordinate innovation programs that feed into the broader Syensqo AI strategy. Your work will help shape the company’s future portfolio of AI‑driven growth engines.
• This role requires high curiosity, strong strategic thinking, a structured innovation mindset, and the ability to connect dots across internal experts, external innovators, business challenges, and emerging AI capabilities.

Innovation Scouting & Startup Mapping

• Continuously scan the external landscape for innovative AI technologies, startups, research centers, and emerging business models.
• Build and maintain a structured mapping of potential partners, categorized by maturity, relevance, technical differentiation, and strategic fit.
• Lead the evaluation, due diligence, and selection of innovation opportunities in collaboration with Syensqo.ai leadership and relevant business stakeholders.

Collaboration with R&I and Technical Communities

• Work closely with Research & Innovation teams to align on future technology needs and identify opportunities where AI can accelerate discovery, formulation, materials science, and lab productivity.
• Translate scientific or technical challenges into AI innovation opportunities in partnership with internal experts.
• Facilitate joint experimentation with R&I, including PoCs and feasibility studies.

Ecosystem Partnerships & Strategic Alliances

• Strengthen and coordinate relationships with core partners (e.g., cloud providers, AI labs, academic institutions, technology accelerators).
• Act as the innovation liaison for ongoing collaborations, ensuring continuous value generation and aligned roadmaps.
• Represent Syensqo.ai in external innovation forums and communities.

AI‑Enabled Business Models & Strategic Foresight

• Identify and assess potential AI‑enabled revenue models, service offerings, or operational breakthroughs relevant to Syensqo’s strategic goals.
• Conduct market and competitive analyses to support the creation of differentiated business value.
• Provide insights to the Product Managers and broader Syensqo.ai team to help guide product strategy and prioritization.

Incubation & Value Acceleration

• Support internal teams in designing and piloting new AI‑driven concepts, ensuring fast learning cycles and measurable outcomes.
• Coordinate cross‑functional squads where needed to accelerate testing of high‑potential innovation opportunities.
• Structure learnings and recommendations to guide scale‑up decisions.

Communication & Thought Leadership

• Support the internal and external communication of innovation outcomes, success stories, and technology insights.
• Contribute to fostering a culture of AI innovation across Syensqo through demos, workshops, learning sessions, and collaborations.

Key Stakeholder Interactions

• Close daily collaboration with the Head of Syensqo.ai and the Syensqo.ai leadership team.
• Frequent…