Kick-off for the iF DESIGN ACADEMY

With the newly founded iF DESIGN ACADEMY, iF Design is launching a forward-looking training program for Design Leaders. The Academy's course offering starts in September and is aimed at experienced designers who want to further develop their strategic, entrepreneurial and personal skills - with the goal of leading design effectively, responsibly and sustainably.

Thinking out of the iF Design brand
With the iF DESIGN AWARD as one of the most prestigious design prizes worldwide, iF Design has established itself as a central platform for the visibility and development of design for more than 70 years.

"The founding of the iF DESIGN ACADEMY is a logical next step in the further development of our brand. It complements the iF Design portfolio with a global learning and further education offering that is specifically tailored to the needs of the next generation of design leaders. We are thus creating a space in which design leaders can network, pass on their knowledge and exchange ideas," says Uwe Cremering, CEO of iF Design.

Value-based and practical
The iF DESIGN ACADEMY understands design leadership as an active, responsible role in the changing times. The programs are designed to strengthen leaders in design - to equip them with concrete skills, but also with attitude. The courses all focus on three central areas of expertise:

• Business Understanding: economic thinking and strategic action in the context of design

• Personal Growth: Personal development, emotional intelligence and leadership skills

• Future Literacy: Future competence and the conscious handling of global change processes

International network, top-class lecturers
A special feature of the Academy is the combination of depth of content, international perspective and access to a global network. The courses are led by globally recognized experts from design, business and science - with formats that enable collaborative, application-oriented learning.

Overview of courses:

• Design Leadership Studio 01 – for prospective managers

• Design Leadership Studio 02 – for experienced Design Leaders

• Leading Beyond Design

• Expanding Organizational Influence

• Elevating Your Design Team

Future topics such as “Leading AI Strategy in Design” or “Leading Sustainable Design” are already being planned and will be available from 2026.

Formats and participation:
The Academy offers live-online courses with interactive modules in English (with subtitles). Face-to-face formats are also planned for the upcoming year.

Further information, course overviews and registration options can be found at: ifdesign-academy.com.