iF DESIGN ACADEMY: empowering the next generation of design leaders
A bold new step by iF Design aims to redefine global design leadership through education and connection.
In a significant expansion of its longstanding mission to support and elevate design excellence, iF Design has announced the launch of the iF DESIGN ACADEMY, a new educational platform dedicated to cultivating global design leadership. The Academy officially opens its doors in September 2025, offering a suite of international training programs designed to empower experienced designers with strategic, entrepreneurial, and personal growth capabilities.
A natural evolution for a design powerhouse
iF Design has been a central force in the design world for over seven decades, most notably through the globally renowned iF DESIGN AWARD. Building on this legacy, the creation of the iF DESIGN ACADEMY represents a strategic evolution—one that brings education and mentorship into the core of iF’s global offering.
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As Uwe Cremering, CEO of iF Design, notes: “The founding of the iF DESIGN ACADEMY is a logical next step in the further development of our brand. We are creating a space in which design leaders can network, pass on their knowledge, and exchange ideas.”
More than skills: a value-based, global approach
The iF DESIGN ACADEMY isn’t just about teaching tools and techniques. It embraces a holistic and value-based philosophy of design leadership, recognizing the increasingly complex role designers play in business, society, and innovation. The courses focus on three pillars:
- Business Understanding: Developing strategic and economic acumen within design contexts.
- Personal Growth: Enhancing emotional intelligence, leadership skills, and self-awareness.
- Future Literacy: Preparing leaders to navigate and influence global change responsibly and effectively.
These pillars reflect the Academy’s commitment to preparing design leaders for a world in flux, where agility, ethical awareness, and systemic thinking are paramount.
Programs for every stage of leadership
The Academy launches with five distinct courses, all conducted in English with interactive, live online formats:
- Design Leadership Studio 01 – Tailored for aspiring design managers.
- Design Leadership Studio 02 – Advanced training for seasoned design leaders.
- Leading Beyond Design – Exploring leadership’s broader impact within and beyond design.
- Expanding Organizational Influence – Empowering designers to create change across their organizations.
- Elevating Your Design Team – Focused on team development and leadership strategies.
Looking ahead, the Academy plans to introduce future-forward programs such as “Leading AI Strategy in Design” and “Leading Sustainable Design“, set to launch in 2026.
Global experts, local impact
Courses are led by an international cohort of experts from the worlds of design, business, and science. Participants can expect immersive, collaborative experiences designed to foster practical learning and global networking. While all 2025 courses are delivered online, in-person sessions are slated to debut in 2026, expanding opportunities for deeper engagement.
