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Empowering Leaders to Drive Startup Success

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COHORT-01 HIGHLIGHTS

Sessions Icon 32

Sessions

Speakers Icon 40+

Speakers

Hours Icon 80+

Hours Sessions

Countries Icon 17

Countries
Speakers

Showcase Icon 1

Showcase
Day

Participants Icon 15

Participants

About Program

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

The Innovation Managers Executive Learning Program (IM) is a comprehensive, 6-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

13th
October 2025

Duration

6
Weeks

Application Closes

12th
September 2025

Program Fees


USD 1995

Format


Online

Focus Areas

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.

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
7th July 2025
Application
Closes
12th September 2025
Cohort
Announcement
6th October 2025
Program
Commencement
13th October 2025
Program
Ends
26th November 2025

MODULES

Module 1
Foundation

  • Introduction to Entrepreneurship Ecosystem
  • Ecosystem Mapping and Analysis
  • Program Design and Management
  • Creating and Promoting Culture of Innovation and Entrepreneurship
  • Building Entrepreneurial Communities

Module 2
Intermediate

  • Building Robust Partnerships: Partners, People, and Funders
  • Harnessing the Investability DNA of BDS Programs
  • Innovation Strategies
  • Building a Continental Network of Programs and Community of Entrepreneurs
  • Impact Measurement and Evaluation

Module 3
Capstone

  • Establishing a World-class Incubator
  • Growth Strategy Linked to Revenue Plans
  • Case Study
  • BDS Action Plan
  • Presentations for Showcase
  • Talent Showcase

COST & FINANCIAL AID

Early Bird Individual

USD 799
(Open Until 25th July 2025)

No. of Seats - 10

Early Bird Group Discount

USD 699
(Minimum 2)

No. of Seats - 10

Early Bird Scholarship

USD 599

No. of Seats - 05

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.

Alex Mkwizu

Alex Mkwizu

Co-Founder

Seede Group

What stood out for me , is the ability to map , learn , unlearn and relearn about innovation ecosystems especially in the African context , due to diversity of the cohort , I was able to compare innovation ecosystems from the matured ones like those in South Africa , Nigeria and Kenya to the nascent ones like ours in Tanzania. The facilitators are well equipped and have run successfully ESOs that have changed the Innovation ecosystem in the countries. Notable example is Abdullah Snobar from DMZ Ventures in Canada.

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.

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.

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.