NOVA

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

Download Factsheet

Application & Program Timeline

Process	Date
Applications open	12th August 2025, 5pm
Information session	19th August 2025, 11am
Applications close	1st September 2025, 1pm
Shortlisted Applicants invited for an interview	5th September 2025
Shortlisted Applicants 15-minute interview	8th to 9th September 2025
Successful applicants notified and contracted	15th to 24th September 2025
Program Starts	13th October 2025
Program Concludes	19th 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.

Register your interest

Applications for the program are now closed.

Stay up to date with future intakes by joining our mailing list.

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Frequently Asked Questions

I’m based outside of VIC, can I still apply?

As outlined in the eligibility criteria, for this cohort we do require the program manager to be based in Victoria, with a Victorian address. You can sign up here for updates on future cohorts, so you’ll be among the first to know when they open or if future cohorts have different eligibility criteria.

Is this program for me or my organisation?

NOVA is designed as a professional development program for you as an individual. For the greatest impact, we do require participants to be actively working on a program they can influence, so you can put your learnings into practice straight away.

Can I bring my team?

This program is designed for individuals – and places are not transferable. The final Showcase event will provide an opportunity for the broader team and the public to attend. We’re also exploring opportunities to open select masterclasses to teams, though this isn’t guaranteed. Team members with an interest can request to join our Victorian Program Manager community and be invited to future events here.

Will there be future cohorts?

While future rounds aren’t guaranteed, we are aiming to run NOVA annually – or more frequently if demand allows.

I’m not ready for NOVA yet. How can I stay up to date?

You can sign up to the NOVA mailing list here or request to join our Victorian Program Manager community and be invited to future events here.

How many places are available?

Approximately 20 places will be available for the first cohort.

We are currently designing and yet to launch our program, am I eligible?

As long as you have a confirmed launch date and/or evidence of ability to fund and run the program, you are eligible for this cohort of NOVA.

Can we have two people from the same organisation apply/attend?

While we will be looking to ensure a diverse cohort mix, there is no limit on number of individuals from a single organisation who can apply or participate in NOVA. Consideration will be given as to whether all individuals are the best fit, and capacity of the organisation to support multiple team members participating fully.