NOVA Certification empowers organizations to demonstrate principled innovation—not just through one-off projects, but as a way of operating.
Built around the INNOVATION Certification framework and guided by the INTEGRITY values, NOVA assesses how your organization approaches innovation across ethics, inclusion, foresight, and transparency.
What Is NOVA Certification?
NOVA Certification is a formal recognition of organizations that build and scale innovation responsibly. Through a structured assessment process, it evaluates your organizational alignment with INTEGRITY values, ethical safeguards, stakeholder engagement, and long-term impact.
Unlike programs focused solely on product outputs or isolated pilots, NOVA examines how your organization makes decisions, manages risk, engages stakeholders, and governs innovation over time.
- Assessment based on real practices, policies, and proof—not abstract intentions
- Scalable across education, civic, non-profit, and corporate sectors
- Earn formal certification at Silver, Gold, or Platinum level
How the NOVA Certification Process Works
1) Submit Evidence
Organizations complete a self-assessment and provide evidence across seven evaluation themes—including ethics, sustainability, inclusion, foresight, and transparency.
2) Metrics & Reflexivity
You’ll report on internal metrics, stakeholder engagement, and governance structures. Higher tiers require a reflexivity log and stakeholder validation.
3) External Review
Independent assessors review submissions using standardized rubrics. Your organization receives tier feedback and next-step recommendations.
4) Certification Awarded
Certification is granted at the highest verified tier. Reassessment or recertification is available to demonstrate ongoing improvement.
Certification Tiers
Each certified organization is evaluated against seven themes, reflecting how it embeds responsibility into innovation strategy, operations, and decision-making.
🥉 Bronze
Not yet certified. Gaps exist across baseline expectations. Feedback is provided to improve and reapply.
🥈 Silver
Baseline certification. Demonstrates responsible innovation in alignment with INTEGRITY values and minimum safeguards.
🥇 Gold
Advanced performance. Shows documented stakeholder input, strong accountability practices, and foresight planning.
💎 Platinum
High distinction. Leads by example with evidence of systemic change, transparency, and inclusive governance.
How NOVA Compares to Other Certification Programs
NOVA Certification builds on global standards like B Corp and ISO but focuses uniquely on responsible innovation systems—not just sustainability or governance metrics. Here’s how it differs:
| Aspect | NOVA Certification | B Corp | ISO 26000 / ESG |
|---|---|---|---|
| Focus | Responsible innovation culture and systems | Sustainability and social impact | Corporate social responsibility and governance |
| Assessment Unit | Organization (decision-making, culture, foresight) | Business operations and supply chain | Policy and management practices |
| Values Framework | INTEGRITY (ethics, inclusion, foresight, transparency) | B Impact Assessment | ISO Guidelines |
| Evidence Type | Qualitative & quantitative proof across seven evaluation themes | Quantitative reporting | Policy documentation |
| Recertification Cycle | Every 1–3 years (depending on tier) | Every 3 years | Continuous |
| Unique Feature | Reflexivity & anticipatory governance required at higher tiers | Score-based social/environmental audit | Guidance, not certification |
Tailored by Sector
NOVA Certification scales to the realities of different sectors while maintaining a consistent ethical and accountability baseline.
Higher Education
Assesses institutional innovation culture—how universities integrate ethics, foresight, and inclusion into teaching, research, and partnerships.
Non-Profit
Evaluates program design, community participation, and transparency—emphasizing dignity, equity, and measurable public benefit.
Government & Civic
Measures anticipatory governance, stakeholder co-creation, and policy transparency—supporting agile, ethical public innovation.
Startups & Private Sector
Focuses on ethical product development, risk foresight, and inclusive business models—aligning growth with social responsibility.
Why Seek NOVA Certification?
- Build credibility: Signal to partners, funders, and communities that you take responsible innovation seriously.
- Benchmark growth: Use the framework to align internal teams and track progress over time.
- Go beyond compliance: Address ethics, equity, and foresight proactively—not reactively.
- Join a movement: Be part of a global community advancing better innovation standards.
Start Your Certification Journey
NOVA Certification is ideal for organizations ready to embed responsible innovation into how they operate—not just what they build.