The Industry Mentoring Network in STEM (IMNIS) is an award-winning industry-led initiative of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering. IMNIS connects motivated PhD students (mentees) in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) with outstanding high level industry leaders (mentors) in a one year mentoring program. IMNIS provides Australia’s future STEM leaders the opportunity to engage with industry, extend their professional network, strengthen their implicit skills and get advice from an influential industry mentor. Student mentees learn what it takes to succeed in any part of the STEM ecosystem, gain a better understanding of how industry works and learn about career opportunities in other professional sectors. IMNIS breaks down barriers, fosters a culture of mentoring and collaboration between industry and academia, extends professional networks, and helps students strengthen their ‘soft skills’ and become more informed about the opportunities beyond academia. IMNIS has demonstrated success in providing industry mentoring to PhD students in Universities around Australia and was recognised with a prestigious B/HERT Best Higher Education and Training Collaboration Award.