NOVA

Professional development
for innovation program managers

NOVA is LaunchVic’s new professional development program for those managing or planning innovation programs across Victoria.

You’ll get access to practical tools, expert guidance, and a network of peers — along with the chance to benchmark your program against best practice.

An image of a white splash
A logo for LaunchVic's NOVA program

About the program

The pilot program runs over seven months with approximately six days of contact designed to fit alongside busy schedules.

Valued at $10,000, the initial pilot is fully subsidised by LaunchVic.

Support for Program Managers

Connect & Collaborate: Kick off with a two-day offsite and join a community of peers and experts in similar roles. Build your network with access to LaunchVic’s professional connections.

Learn from Experts: Attend targeted monthly masterclasses and workshops (hybrid format) led by experienced facilitators and mentors.

Get Tailored Support: Receive over 10 hours of one-on-one coaching and practical support across all stages of program design and delivery.

Access Curated Resources: Benefit from peer coaching, expert facilitation, and a curated resource library tailored to innovation program managers.

Build Your Profile: Showcase your work in a final presentation to the cohort and broader ecosystem — and gain recognition as a LaunchVic-endorsed program leader.

Program Guidelines
Two girls sitting in a meeting room attending a LaunchVic startup program for tech entrepreneurs

Key Topics

  • Understanding of founder journey and experience
  • Program vision and design principles
  • Designing for inclusivity and founder support
  • Measuring and communicating program outcomes
  • Building a brand and recruitment
  • Events and facilitation
  • Partnerships and financial sustainability
  • Stakeholder and mentor management
  • Tools and streamlining operations
  • Deep tech and spinout support for startup support teams

Application & Program Timeline

ProcessDate
Applications open12th August 2025, 5pm
Information session19th August 2025, 11am
Applications close1st September 2025, 1pm
Shortlisted Applicants invited for an interview5th September 2025
Shortlisted Applicants 15-minute interview8th to 9th September 2025
Successful applicants notified and contracted15th to 24th September 2025
Program Starts13th October 2025
Program Concludes19th May 2026

More details can be found in the program guidelines.

Who can apply?

NOVA is designed for Victorian innovation program managers at universities, medical research institutes (MRIs), and startup support organisations like pre-accelerators and accelerators.

It is the only program of its kind offering a “train the trainer” experience delivered by experts from globally renowned entrepreneurship programs.

Not quite ready for NOVA?

If you are not ready to apply, you can still connect with peers and stay across future cohorts by joining LaunchVic’s professional network for startup support teams.

Register your Interest