December 4, 2025
The Iowa Technology Leadership Institute equips technology leaders with the business, communication, and leadership skills needed to succeed at the executive level. Participants strengthen their understanding of the business side of leadership, sharpen their executive presence, and gain a broader view of technology’s role across the organization. Along the way, they build meaningful relationships with experienced industry leaders and peers. ITLI helps technology professionals grow beyond technical expertise and lead with greater confidence, perspective, and influence. Applications are now open. Take the next step in your leadership development.
Program Overview
The Iowa Technology Leadership Institute is uniquely structured to deliver immersive learning experiences that sharpen leadership skills and expand professional networks.
Key elements of the curriculum:
- Interactive Learning – Seven dynamic sessions feature leading Iowa technology and business executives as speakers and panelists, creating opportunities for direct learning and dialogue.
- Small Group Dynamics – Collaboration is emphasized through team-based problem-solving and interactive activities that build both skills and connections.
- Practical Problem Solving – Participants present real-world challenges from their own professional roles, gaining valuable insights and solutions from peers across industries and disciplines.
- Industry Tours – Optional tours at tech-forward organizations provide a behind-the-scenes look at innovation across the state.
Why ITLI?
This one-of-a-kind program, specifically designed for technical professionals, provides unmatched learning and growth opportunities.
What sets it apart:
- Developed by Leaders: Crafted by seasoned IT executives, the curriculum emphasizes the critical non-technical aspects of IT leadership.
- Executives in Residence: Sessions are guided by Technology Executives in Residence who bring deep industry expertise and a real-world perspective to every discussion.
- Leadership Skills: Concentrates on advancing leadership qualities that are essential but often take years to refine on the job.
- Organizational Insight: Provides a deeper understanding of technology’s critical role across every function of an organization, strengthening leaders’ enterprise-wide perspective.
Session Content
The Iowa Technology Leadership Institute offers dynamic presentations and panel discussions designed to cover a wide range of leadership skills critical for tech professionals.
Sessions include:
Enhance your ability to influence and communicate effectively at executive levels.
Understand the impact of public policy on the technology industry and Iowa.
Gain an understanding of how technology influences financial health, supports growth, and increases profitability.
Learn to leverage IT for market differentiation and develop strategies to align technology with successful business growth.
Explore how influential leaders shape organizational culture by fostering curiosity, vulnerability, and leading by example.
Develop skills to create compelling pitches and negotiation strategies for gaining support for your technology investment recommendations.
Discover how understanding marketing can enhance your success in technology by bridging the gap between technical innovation and brand growth.
Explore how to identify and leverage emerging technologies and prepare your organization for continued innovation and growth.
Alumni Testimonials
Hear firsthand from our alumni about how the program transformed their careers—equipping them to grow into influential technology leaders.
Key Dates
Mark your calendar for the key dates of the Iowa Technology Leadership Institute:
- January 13, 2027 Opening Reception (Des Moines)
- January 13-14, 2027 Session 1 (Des Moines)
- February 3, 2027 Session 2 (Des Moines)
- February 17-18, 2027 Session 3 (Ames)
- March 10-11, 2027 Session 4 (Eastern Iowa or Cedar Valley)
- April 5-7, 2027 Session 5 (Des Moines)
- May 6-7, 2027 Session 6 (Quad Cities or Sioux City)
- June 9-10, 2027 Session 7 (Des Moines)
- June 10, 2027 Graduation Reception (Des Moines)
**Dates and locations are tentative and subject to change.
2025 ITLI Graduation Reception
Explore photos from the recent ITLI Graduation Reception, honoring the accomplishments and growth of the 2025 ITLI cohort over the six-month program.
High resolution images by request. Contact marketing@technologyiowa.org
Frequently Asked Questions
Tuition for the Iowa Technology Leadership Institute is $4,000 for TAI members and $5,000 for non-members.
Tuition includes all session programming, coursework, and meals, including one dinner or happy hour during each session. Registration to TAI’s Legislative Event and Iowa Technology Summit are also included. Participants are responsible for all travel and any lodging expenses.
Tuition for the 2027 cohort must be paid in full by December 10, 2026.
All applicants will be notified of their selection status by December 1, 2026.
The cohort will include 25 participants.
Yes, more than one person from a company may apply to participate in the same cohort. To ensure company representation in the cohort, organizations are encouraged to submit applications for more than one candidate.
The program is open to all professionals in the Iowa technology industry who seek to broaden their understanding and increase their influence to advance into a leadership position. Content and conversations will be from a technical lens, and speakers will primarily have a technical background.
The goal is to have a cohort with diverse backgrounds and a range of years of experience. Applicants typically have over 15 years of professional experience. Strong candidates also demonstrate several years of direct leadership experience.
Eight or fewer years of experience? Consider applying for Iowa Tech Connect.
All applications are reviewed based on several criteria, including leadership potential, community engagement, and evaluated through an extensive selection process by a sub-committee.
Attendance is mandatory at all sessions and receptions, including the opening reception and the graduation reception. Cohort members must also attend two TAI signature events during the months of the program: the legislative event and the Iowa Technology Summit in April. Additionally, participants will be expected to participate in informal engagement activities between sessions. Optional industry tours will be made available at each session.
In-person attendance at all sessions is required. Hybrid or virtual options are not planned.
Contact
Questions? Please contact Mollie Ross at mollie@technologyiowa.org
Thank you to our partner sponsors who provide additional support for TAI's professional development programs
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