Technology, Innovation, and Leadership Initiatives (TILI)
Overview
For over two decades, the Technology, Innovation, and Leadership Initiatives (TILI) program has embodied IAEBM’s commitment to bridging business education with technological advancement. TILI is more than an advanced training program in business and management—it serves as a platform for building meaningful partnerships between higher education, academic research, and industry innovation.
To be eligible for the program, applicants must demonstrate proficiency in a specific field of science or engineering, possess foundational business knowledge, and present a clear vision for innovation and development within their area of expertise. Once admitted, each student is paired with academic mentors and/or industry leaders who work collaboratively to design a customized training plan. This plan supports the student in strengthening leadership capacity and developing the critical skills necessary to thrive at the intersection of business and technological innovation.
Benefits for Students
- Mark of Distinction in Leadership and Innovation: TILI serves as a strong credential that reflects your knowledge, skills, and commitment to leading innovation and driving transformation in today’s dynamic industries.
- Expanded Academic and Career Opportunities: While the program is primarily designed for professionals in industry, many TILI alumni have successfully pursued careers in academia, research institutions, and government agencies worldwide.
- Global Recognition and Professional Network: Gain the global recognition associated with TILI and IAEBM, and begin building an international network of peers, innovators, and entrepreneurs.
- Enhanced Professional Profile: Showcase your accomplishments with a respected and widely recognized credential—ideal for your CV, LinkedIn profile, and other professional platforms.
Career Prospects
Because of its selective admissions process and rigorous knowledge requirements, most students accepted into the TILI program are graduate students or advanced undergraduates with strong academic or professional preparation—though exceptional candidates from other backgrounds may also be considered.
Graduates of the TILI program can expect both promising and intellectually demanding career pathways. They are prepared to take on leadership roles within their disciplines, particularly in engineering, technology, and high-tech industries. TILI alumni are envisioned as future innovators and strategic thinkers—individuals who anticipate industry trends, drive transformative initiatives, and strengthen collaboration between academia and the private sector.
Curriculum and Assessment
The TILI curriculum is highly individualized, tailored to each participant’s academic background, professional experience, and future goals. In collaboration with the student and their assigned academic and industry mentors, IAEBM designs a comprehensive training plan to help each participant master or strengthen essential skills in the following areas:
- Financial and accounting fundamentals for startups
- Legal and regulatory frameworks for new ventures
- Risk management at both macro and micro levels
- Basic human resource considerations (as applicable)
- Strategic networking with industry collaborators and potential investors
The capstone requirement for the program is the development of a comprehensive business proposal that integrates innovation and technology as its central focus. Each student must present and defend their proposal before a judging panel composed of IAEBM advisors and external experts from industry and academia.
Eligibility and Expected Timeline for the Program
To be considered for admission to the TILI program, applicants must meet both of the following eligibility criteria:
1. Academic Background
Applicants must hold—or be expected to earn within two years—a Bachelor’s degree in a science or engineering discipline from a four-year accredited university. Degrees from community colleges or other two- or three-year institutions are not eligible.
2. Business Knowledge and Preparedness
Applicants must demonstrate a solid foundation in economics, finance, or related business fields. This requirement may be satisfied through one of the following:
- Completion of a university-level minor in a business-related field, or
- Current enrollment in a business-related graduate program (e.g., MBA), or
- Holding a recognized certificate or designation, including but not limited to:
- CFA Level I (completed)
- CPA (at least half of the exams passed)
- IAEBM’s CEFS certificate
- Other equivalent credentials deemed acceptable by IAEBM
Applicants must submit supporting documentation for both of the above eligibility criteria during the application process. IAEBM’s Admissions Committee reserves the right to make the final determination on applicant eligibility.
Fees & Financial Support
To be considered for admission to the TILI program, applicants must submit a non-refundable application and material review fee of USD $125. If admitted, the total enrollment and registration fee is USD $5,780, payable within thirty (30) calendar days of receiving the official admission letter.
As a professional-level training program, direct financial aid from IAEBM for the TILI program is limited. We strongly encourage applicants to explore funding opportunities through their employers, professional development grants, or external sponsorships to support their participation.
How to Register for the Program
The Call for Applications for the TILI program typically opens in early Fall and closes prior to the Thanksgiving holiday each academic year. The 2024–2025 application cycle has now concluded.
Please check back in early-Fall (around October 2025) for updates on the 2025–2026 application round, including deadlines, eligibility requirements, and submission guidelines.