Business Development Associate

About the Role

ViscoTrack is a deep-tech startup founded on patented technology from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc). We have developed a novel method to simultaneously measure viscosity, density, and surface tension of liquids. This role is for the first business development hire, working directly with the founder to convert customer interest into commitments.

Key Responsibilities

• Prospecting: Identify target companies and key contacts (lab heads, QC managers, plant and reliability engineers, R&D leaders), and reach them via LinkedIn, email, phone, and visits.
• Customer Qualification: In customer meetings, understand their current measurement methods, costs, decision-making processes, and payment structures.
• CRM Management: Log all customer interactions in the company's CRM.
• Pilot Program Management: Coordinate with engineers for sample preparation, demos, and site visits. Keep customers informed and ensure pilots remain on schedule.
• Deal Closure: Assist the founder in drafting pilot proposals, MoUs, and paid proof-of-concept terms. Secure letters of intent from customers.
• Market & Competitor Analysis: Maintain CRM data, competitor analysis, and a plan tracker for reporting.

Work Plan Milestones

• By December: Select a customer segment and a champion customer, and finalize product specifications.
• By January: Secure a signed pilot MoU or paid proof of concept, and identify two additional interested customers.
• February–March: Execute customer site pilots, gather results and letters of intent, and develop the initial sales roadmap.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Proficiency in using a CRM.
• Comfort with spreadsheets.

Qualifications

• A degree in engineering or science (B.E./B.Tech in Chemical, Mechanical, Instrumentation, Electronics or similar; or M.Sc./PhD in Chemistry, Physics, Materials or similar).
• An MBA (completed, or completing in 2026).
• 0 to 3 years of experience in technical product sales.
• Demonstrated interest in building a career in sales of technical products.
• Ability to engage with customers and explain technical products clearly.
• Strong writing skills and disciplined follow-up.
• Willingness to travel to customer labs and plants.
• Resilience and ability to handle rejection.

Nice to Have

• Experience in technical sales, application support, or sales internships, particularly with lab instruments or process sensors.
• Contacts or experience in the oil and lubricants, pharma, chemicals, or consumer goods sectors.
• Experience in preparing proposals or quotations.
• Experience with market sizing.

Terms

• Monthly Salary: ₹35,000–45,000.
• Employment Type: Consulting contract through ARTPARK, IISc.
• Funding: Funded through March 2027, with expected continuation by February 2027.
• Work Schedule: Six days a week in the office at ARTgarage, IISc, Bengaluru.
• Travel: Required to customer labs and plants as needed.
• Restrictions: No side projects allowed.
• Confidentiality: NDA required before starting.
• Start Date: Immediate or by 1 December 2026.