🧠 Certified Innovation Associate (CInA®)

📘 Introduction

The Certified Innovation Associate (CInA®) certification from the Global Innovation Institute (GInI) is an international credential that recognizes university students, entrepreneurs, and new employees who demonstrate a clear understanding of core innovation concepts in business and their role as contributing innovators within organizations.

This certification covers essential innovation principles and modern practices such as Design Thinking, Breakthrough Innovation, business planning, and entrepreneurial project development.

It is an ideal pathway for young professionals and graduates to showcase their innovation capabilities and make a real impact in their professional environments.

🎯 Program Objectives

The CInA® program aims to equip participants with fundamental knowledge and skills to work effectively in innovation and innovation management across industries and sectors. The key objectives include:

• Understanding the creative process: Gaining a comprehensive understanding of innovation fundamentals and how to apply them in various work environments.

• Developing innovation skills: Enhancing essential abilities such as creative thinking, problem-solving, and risk management.

• Using modern tools and techniques: Learning to apply innovation tools, design methods, and project management techniques.

• Understanding the innovation environment: Identifying organizational factors that support innovation.

• Applying theory to practice: Translating concepts and theories into real-world applications.

• Fostering collaboration: Promoting teamwork and collective creativity.

• Encouraging innovation: Instilling an entrepreneurial mindset and inspiring new creative initiatives.

🧩 Training Modules

1. Fundamentals – Core Concepts of Innovation

• What is innovation and why does it matter?

• Renewal and reinvention for agility and resilience.

• Building a comprehensive framework for applied innovation.

• Foundations of value, diffusion, and innovation pathways.

• Innovation methods and approaches.

• The role of design, research, and intellectual property in innovation.

• Needfinding and contributions from different management disciplines.

2. Leading Innovation Projects

• The Innovation Professional.

• Managing projects through the Front-End, Mid-Zone, and Back-End of Innovation.

• Applying the Breakthrough Innovation Method.

3. Applied Design Thinking

• Introduction to design thinking and its methods.

• The design thinking process and prototyping.

4. Innovation in the External Environment – Leading New Ventures

• Innovation in business and entrepreneurship.

• Mechanisms for funding new ventures.

• Developing business plans and delivering investor presentations.

🌟 Key Benefits

• Become an Innovative Thinker: Learn how to turn creative ideas into real outcomes.

• See the World with New Eyes: Approach challenges from new perspectives and reshape existing practices.

• Drive Market Connection: Deliver innovative, market-oriented solutions that enhance your organization’s success.

• Be a Catalyst for What’s Next: Discover new ways to create value and design the next generation of impactful innovations.

🧾 Certification Requirements

To be eligible for the CInA® Exam, candidates must:

• Be enrolled in the final or pre-final year of an accredited undergraduate program.

• Possess the GInI Certified Innovation Associate Reference Book.

• Pass a 90-minute exam consisting of 90 multiple-choice questions with a minimum passing score of 60%.

💰 HRDF Support (Saudi Arabia)

• The CInA® certification is approved and supported by the Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF).

• Training and exam fees can be reimbursed upon successful completion.

• Maximum reimbursement amount: SAR 6,500

• Certification approval date: June 2025

👥 Target Audience

• University students in their final or pre-final year.

• Fresh graduates preparing to enter the job market.

• Entrepreneurs and startup founders.

• New employees seeking to enhance their innovation capabilities.

• Professionals interested in innovation and creative business development.