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Empowering Leaders to Drive Startup Success

3rd Edition

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Program Impact at a Glance

Sessions Icon 56

Sessions

Speakers Icon 60+

Speakers

Hours Icon 120+

Hours Sessions

Countries Icon 22

Countries
Speakers

Showcase Icon 2

Showcase
Days

Participants Icon 30

Participants

Participating countries

About Program

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

The Innovation Managers Executive Learning Program (IM) is a comprehensive, 8-Weeks, module-based program designed to empower aspiring innovation managers and existing innovation leaders with the necessary skills, knowledge, network and resources to drive success.

Program Commences

7th
September 2026

Duration

8
Weeks

Application Closes

31st
July 2026

Program Fees

USD 2000

Format

Online

Strategic Capabilities You Will Master

The program delves into key areas critical for ESO effectiveness, including:


Ecosystem Mapping
& Analysis

Understand the dynamics, stakeholders, and opportunities within the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Program Design & Management

Develop expertise in designing and managing impactful accelerator and incubator programs tailored to startup needs.

Startup Selection
& Support

Learn to identify high-potential startups, provide tailored support, and offer strategic guidance to help startups achieve their growth objectives.

Corporate Innovation Strategies

Explore strategies for promoting collaboration between startups and established corporations, fostering a culture of innovation within both entities.

Impact Measurement & Evaluation

Gain frameworks and tools to measure the program's impact on startups, the ESO, and the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Building Entrepreneurial Communities

Gain hands-on experience with frameworks and tools to analyze startup performance, enhance ESO effectiveness and assess the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Structure & Delivery

The program utilizes a blended learning approach, combining:


Interactive Workshops

Engage in interactive workshops led by industry experts, covering key focus areas and providing practical insights and strategies.

Real-World Case Studies

Explore real-world case studies and examples to understand how successful ESOs navigate challenges and achieve results.

Group Exercises & Discussions

Participate in group exercises, discussions, and peer-to-peer learning opportunities to solidify your understanding and build a network of like-minded professionals.

Access to Pre-Recorded Content Library

Enjoy unlimited access to a comprehensive collection of webinars, tutorials, and lectures, enabling you to learn and revisit valuable information at your convenience.

Business Impact for Employers

How organizations use this program to accelerate structured innovation, improve program execution, and build internal innovation leadership.

Before & After Results

Metric Typical Before After Program
Program Design to Implementation 6-12 months 60-90 days
Monitoring / Evaluation Disorganised Introduction to tools and calculated resources
Decision Ownership Diffuse Nominated Innovation Lead
Cost per Implemented Program Uncontrolled Capped & Budgeted
Time-to-Implementation
60-90%
Faster Program Rollouts
Program Execution Velocity
3-5x
More Structured Evaluations per Quarter
Cost Efficiency
Controlled & Predictable Program Spend
Leadership Ownership
Dedicated Innovation Leads Driving Programs

ROI Illustration

If delays in program execution cost $50,000 in lost opportunity:

40% Faster Implementation → $20,000 Value Gained

Program Cost per Manager = $2,000

Indicative ROI: 10x Return

Benefits

Skill Development

Gain comprehensive skill sets essential for innovation management, program design, startup support, and more.

Career Advancement

Unlock opportunities to advance your career within the innovation ecosystem.

Real-World Experience

Learn from real-world case studies and apply your knowledge through group exercises and discussions.

Expert Insights

Benefit from expert-led sessions by industry leaders and practitioners, gaining valuable insights and best practices.

Post-Program Internship (Optional)

Gain practical experience through an optional internship with a local/global startup hub (details provided upon program completion).

Network & Resources

Build valuable connections with industry peers, faculty, and experts while accessing exclusive tools and resources to support your ESO and startup ventures.

Who Should Attend

Who Should Attend

Aspiring Innovation Managers

University Students or Graduates seeking to launch careers in accelerators, incubators, or advisory roles for startups.

 

Entrepreneur Support Organization(ESO) Professionals

Individuals looking to enhance their skills and knowledge for effective ESO leadership and management.

 

Career Changers

Professionals seeking to transition into the innovation ecosystem and make a positive impact on startups.

 

Corporate Innovation Team

Innovation Team members in a large corporate looking to build capacity and build right network.

Program Details

TIMELINES

Application
Opens
4th May 2026
Application
Closes
31st July 2026
Cohort
Announcement
15th July 2026
Program
Commencement
7th September 2026
Program
Ends
31st October 2026

Modules

Our Innovation Managers program covers six key modules over the course of 12 weeks, providing hands-on skills and insights into the innovation ecosystem.

Introduction to Innovation & Tech Ecosystems

Gain an overview of innovation ecosystems, accelerators & ESOs

Startup Support Essentials

Understand key support mechanisms for startups including mentorship, funding, and market access

Program Design & Management

Learn to design and manage innovation programs including cohort selection, curriculum planning, and evaluation

Demo Days & Events

Organize and run demo days, pitch events, and workshops effectively

Monitoring, Reporting & Impact Assessment

Learn to effectively monitor, report, and assess impact of innovation initiatives

Cost & Financial Aid

Select the plan that's right for you.

Early Bird Individual

USD 799
  • Standard individual enrollment into the program
  • Full access to:
    - 8-week curriculum
    - Live sessions, workshops and case studies
  • Includes all core program benefits (learning, certification, networking)
  • Early bird Applications open till 5th June

Best for: Solo applicants looking for full program access at a discounted early price

Early Bird Group Discount

USD 699 (per person)
  • Discounted pricing for group applications (minimum 2 participants)
  • Same inclusions as individual tier:
    - Full curriculum access
    - Live sessions & workshops
    - Certification & networking
  • Minimum 2 participants as a group

Best for: Teams, organizations or friends applying together

Early Bird Scholarship

USD 599
  • Subsidized pricing for selected candidates
  • Based on:
    - Merit / application strength
    - Potential impact
  • Includes:
    - Full access to core program (same as paid tiers)
  • Highly limited seats

Best for: High-potential candidates needing financial support

Meet Our Alumni

Philip O.Mogire

South Eastern Kenya University

Alfeo Raymond

Médecins Sans Frontières

Olufunmilayo Ajetomobi

Startup Lawyer

Alphonce Oduor

Extern

Lenah Kitenge

World Vision

Omamuzo Udiomuno

Alpha Mead Group

Nebiyou Yirga

EASE

Alex Mkwizu

Caribou Digital

Lebohang Likhojane

Tshimologong

Hangwi Liphadzi

Tshimologong

Longnus Mgaza

National Enterprise Chamber

Jona Katembo

University of Namibia

Carol Kagezi

National ICT HUB

Tumelo Sejo

Debswana Diamond

Adedamola Oloko

NIA Innovation Lab

Farhan Yusuf

Centre for AI & Digital Agency

Francis Okwara

Kenya National Innovation Agency

Mary Nampijja

CARE International

Ewintim Misikir

Ethiopian Investment Holdings

Ian Nyasha Mutamiri

POTRAZ

Lailah Nalukwago

National ICT HUB

Berna Nakasujja

World Food Programme

Nanteza Shakirah

World Food Programme

Fossie Adhiambo

Britam

Moureen Mollel

Tanzania Startup Association

Tam Sul

ALX ETHIOPIA

Alena Kay

Stanbic Biashara Incubator

Alumni Organisations

Our Program Partners

Our Speakers

Nominate an Innovation
Leader Today!

Do you know someone who thrives on creativity, drives impactful change, and excels at supporting and guiding innovation? Nominate them for our Innovation Managers Executive Learning Program and help them become a catalyst for change within their organization and beyond. Your nomination could be the first step in unlocking their full potential.

Who Should Attend

TESTIMONIALS

Nebiyou Yirga

Nebiyou Yirga

General Manager

Ethiopian Association of Startup Ecosystem

This experience has been truly eye-opening. I gained a deeper understanding of various business models, frameworks, and tools. What made it even more impactful was the opportunity to connect with diverse ecosystem actors from globe, each bringing unique perspectives and expertise.

Dr. Philip Mogire

Dr. Philip Mogire

Lecturer & Ag. Chair, Building and Civil Engineering Department

Murang’a University of Technology

Attending the first Innovation Managers Executive Learning Program was an eye-opening and enriching experience. The program provided a comprehensive understanding of how to transform innovative ideas into viable market solutions. Through expert-led sessions,case studies, and interactive group work, I gained practical skills in market validation, intellectual property, funding strategies, and pitching.

Longnus Gilbert

Longnus Gilbert

Innovation and Scientific Program Committee Member

Tanzania Digital Health and Innovation Forum

This is exactly what we need in Africa: practical knowledge, meaningful conversations, and a real sense of community around innovation.’As someone passionate about health-tech, the program gave me the clarity, confidence, and tools to take bold action.

Program FAQ

You will hear back from us within 3-5 days of applying for the program.

From our cohort size of 20 participants, we are reserving 25% of seats (5 nos.) for deserving scholarships.

Participants applying for a Scholarship need to submit a brief essay outlining their objectives of pursuing a career in the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem, along with a supporting letter from an industry peer supporting this fellowship request.

We’d recommend budgeting 6-8 hours per week for “LIVE” and recorded sessions, in addition to self-pacing yourself for completion of exercises.

The program fees only include your participation costs. We do not foresee additional costs incurred at your end for completing the program. However, you need to manage your own laptop and internet connection for attending the program.

It is a virtual program to bring global speakers and organisations to participate and have a global cohort of fellows.

Yes, if you are accepted to the program we will offer flexible payment options. But the entire payment should be made during the program itself.