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Government of South Australia - Department of State Development

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the Innovation Leaders Network (ILN) Leadership Program?

    The Innovation Leaders Network (ILN) Leadership Program is an intensive, in‑person leadership development program designed for founders and senior decision‑makers of high‑growth, innovative startups in South Australia. The program focuses on practical leadership development, peer learning and real‑world application, rather than classroom‑style training.

    The program is designed for:

    • Startup founders or co‑founders
    • Senior decision‑makers in innovative, high‑growth businesses
    • Leaders navigating increasing complexity as their business scales
    • Participants may be at different stages of growth but must be able to commit fully and actively engage in the program.

    This is a leadership development program, not a traditional training course. Participants are expected to actively apply tools and frameworks to their own leadership and business between sessions and share learnings with the cohort.

    The program includes:

    • A two‑day, overnight opening retreat
    • Five in‑person workshops
    • One‑on‑one leadership coaching
    • Optional mentoring (participant‑led, with access to strong networks)
    • Access to ICC Learning Labs and startup community events
    • A graduation event to celebrate completion
    • All core sessions are designed to be highly interactive and practical.

    All core program sessions (retreat and workshops) are delivered in person and participants are expected to attend and commit fully to each session. One‑on‑one coaching sessions can be conducted online if required.

    Download program overview
    • The opening retreat is held in Hahndorf (two days, overnight).
    • All other in‑person sessions are hosted at the Innovation & Collaboration Centre (ICC) at the Enterprise Hub on Light Square, Adelaide.

    Participants should be prepared to:

    • Step away from day‑to‑day business operations during sessions
    • Complete occasional light pre‑work (reading or reflection)
    • Actively apply learnings between sessions
    • This program requires a genuine commitment to personal and leadership growth.

    To be eligible, applicants must:

    • Be based in South Australia
    • Be a founder, co‑founder, or senior decision‑maker
    • Be part of an Australian‑registered company with fewer than 200 employees
    • Be leading an innovative business with high‑growth and scalability potential
    • Be able to commit to all program dates.

    Startups at different stages are encouraged to apply from early validation through to post‑investment scaling. What matters most is that your business is entering (or already experiencing) increasing complexity and that you are ready to develop your leadership capability to match.

    The program is highly selective, with approximately 10 participants accepted into each annual cohort.

    • Applications are currently open
    • Applications close 31 March 2026
    • Shortlisting occurs in early April
    • Interviews take place mid‑to‑late April
    • Applicants are notified in early May
    • Final acceptance is required by mid‑May

    The selection process looks for applicants who:

    • Demonstrate self‑awareness and a willingness to grow as a leader
    • Are open, coachable and willing to apply new approaches
    • Can contribute to peer learning within the cohort
    • Show a desire to give back to the South Australian startup ecosystem.
    Expression of Interest

    Apply now

    Places in the Innovation Leaders Network Leadership Program are limited.

    If you are ready to strengthen your leadership capability and connect with other founders and innovators across South Australia, we encourage you to apply.

    Submit an Expression of Interest for the 2026 Innovation Leaders Network Leadership Program.