Technology Commercialization
The Alberta MBA in Technology Commercialization (Tech Comm) is designed to provide students with the set of tools, concepts, and experiences to push innovation and new ideas into the marketplace.
Overview
Technology Commercialization in Edmonton
Career Opportunities
The Program
Admissions
Overview
Throughout the Technology Commercialization Specialization, students gain the competencies to manage technology innovation and commercialization processes and generate high technology business plans and ideas.
The Tech Comm MBA supported by the new Technology Commercialization Centre (TCC), provides a valuable tool to jump to the forefront of new venture creation and innovation management in the Edmonton and Alberta technology development communities.
Focusing on all levels of innovation management, from idea generation, through feasibility studies, and finally to market launch, the Technology Commercialization Specialization develops knowledge and skills in the important areas of:
- Identifying technological opportunities
- Facilitating technology innovation and development
- Managing intellectual property
- Building new organizations and markets
Technology Development in Edmonton
With a very diverse economic and geographic climate, Edmonton is home to cutting-edge research in a wide variety of fields, including:
- Nanotechnology
- Biotechnology
- Microelectronics
- Pharmaceuticals
- Medical diagnostics and treatments
- Information and communication
- Agribusiness
With University of Alberta researcher's receiving over $300 million/year for cutting-edge research, massive upgrading of University research facilities (National Institute for Nanotechnology, Health Research Innovation Facility), strong government support, and the U of A's track record of creating spin-off companies (over 50 companies, more than any other Canadian University and 2nd in North America) no other business school can offer a Tech Comm program on par with the Alberta MBA in Technology Commercialization.
Career Opportunities
The Alberta MBA in Technology Commercialization provides the knowledge base and skill-set to pursue many opportunities in areas such as:
- Entrepreneurs in new high-technology enterprises
- Large, established firms with significant scientific and technology development capabilities
- Technology transfer offices
- Public sector institutions that facilitate technology-driven economic growth and development
- Venture Capital
The Program
During the first-year of MBA studies, Tech Comm students complete most of the same core courses as all other MBA students. Students can take Tech Comm electives during the first-year of the program.
In year two, students build on their knowledge of the technology commercialization system studying how it interacts with other business systems – new venture creation and legal aspects that are common to all. Students choose from a wide range of electives in the Tech Comm specialization either focussing on one key area of the technology commercialization system, such as finance or management, or gaining a general overview of all areas in the technology commercialization system.
Students will apply their knowledge in a project course by developing technology commercialization plans for University spin-off companies or other start-ups. Some of these projects are sponsored by the TEC Student Entrepreneurship Program which brings together MBA students, post-secondary student inventors and industry entrepreneurs in an effort to bring technology based innovation to market.
Admissions
Admission to the Alberta MBA in Technology Commercialization is competitive, only a limited number of students are selected for entry into this program each year. Some applicants are admitted into the Technology Commercialization specialization upon application to the MBA Program.
Students who are interested in the Technology Commercialization specialization are asked to make their specialization decision in November in the first year of their program.
A selection committee makes the recommendation for admission. The committee considers marks and past experience in making their decision. Specific experience in a technology field is not required.
Alumni Profile
Tara McCready, MBA 2001
Director, CANNeCTIN
Population Health Research Institute
"I entered the program with a PhD in Biochemistry. My Alberta MBA has opened up hundreds of career paths for me and allowed me to build on my science background in exciting ways"
Downloads
TC Program Outline
TC Brochure Insert
Detailed TC Courses
Contact
Phone: (780) 492-3946
Email: mba@ualberta.ca
Director
Dr. Michael Lounsbury
Director, Tech Comm Specialization
Dr. Lounsbury's Website