Smitesh Jain is a Senior Innovation Specialist and Project Strategy Manager at the EGI Foundation, where he operates at the intersection of innovation, strategy, and large-scale European research collaborations. He leads innovation management across a multitude of ambitious Horizon Europe Research Infrastructure projects, helping consortia translate cutting-edge science into sustainable services and products with clear business models, IP strategies, and exploitation pathways. As Project Strategy Manager, he also governs how EGI Project Portfolio evolves, evaluating potential collaboration opportunities and supporting the Executive Board in making informed strategic decisions about where EGI participates and why. He holds an MSc in Management of Technology from Technische Universiteit Delft, and brings corporate innovation experience from his previous roles.
What sets Smitesh apart is a rare ability to bridge technical communities and strategic thinking. A certified Design Thinking trainer and Lego Serious Play facilitator, he brings structured creativity to the complex, multi-stakeholder environments. If you are curious about innovation management in Horizon Europe projects, building sustainability into project outcomes, or how EGI shapes its project portfolio – Smitesh is the person to talk to.
