Our Programs
The Innovator Program
The Innovator Program is an intensive initiative that provides an immersive environment for ambitious entrepreneurs, with high mentor involvement to guide the participants. The program's primary goal is to validate identified problems and to define actionable solutions. It starts with modules that test the problem and solution hypotheses and provides a comprehensive understanding of the customer development cycle. This leads to the conception of prototypes, where participants delve into patent search, industry research, and design thinking to transform their ideas into low to high-fidelity prototypes. Further in the journey, the course focuses on defining the Minimum Viable Product, strategizing price and go-to-market plans, managing projects in an agile manner, and fostering team building. Ultimately, this program aims to sculpt participants into resilient entrepreneurs, capable of turning innovative ideas into tangible realities in the ever-evolving business landscape.
Who is this program tailored for?
All University of Alberta Undergrad / Graduate students, as well as Post-Doc Researchers, Recent Alumni who have a defined problem and solution hypothesis + Lean Model Canvas.
Prerequisites
The Explorer Program and/or a defined problem and solution hypothesis + Lean Model Canvas + and/or a working prototype
Delivery
Synchronous / Asynchronous
2024-2025 Cohort Application Open
Additional Learning Resources
Take an entrepreneurship course from the University of Alberta to help transform your ideas into reality. Don't just learn - create, innovate, and lead.
Faculty of Engineering
ENG 260 Innovation and Entrepreneurship with Engineers
Introduction to theories of innovation, creative problem-solving, market research, business planning, and product development, with an emphasis on products requiring engineering design, with team-based projects to develop a product concept and business plan.
ENG M 310 Engineering Economy
The application of the fundamentals of economics to engineering alternatives in planning, developing, and managing industrial projects.
ENG M 401 Financial Management for Engineers
The application of the fundamentals of engineering economics, financial analysis and market assessment to engineering alternatives in the planning, development and ongoing management of industrial enterprises.
ENG M 402 Project Management for Engineers
Topics include project management, innovation and entrepreneurship, business planning, marketing, and mobilizing human and financial resources. These will be applied in the development of a business plan for a business concept.
ENG M 620 Engineering Economic Analysis
Advanced topics in engineering economics, including operating and capital budgets, financial statement used by engineering managers, replacement analysis, cost of capital and leasing, risk-based financial decision-making for technology investment using real options valuation.
ENG M 665 Introduction to Intellectual Property and New Technology Commercialization
Key topics include intellectual property, product development, valuation of technology, capturing value, and securing the deal.
School of Business
Although these courses are offered by the Faculty of Business, some of them are available for interdisciplinary students.
BUS 201 Introduction to Canadian Business
Provides students with an introduction to the Canadian business environment, including the influence of global and other macroeconomic factors on Canadian business.
SEM 407 Effective Team Management
Course topics will include effective team communication, team building, leadership and social influence, decision-making processes in teams, conflict management, motivating teams, virtual teams, and group processes.
SEM 431 New Venture Creation and Organization
Topics include the entrepreneurial process, opportunity recognition, business planning, mobilizing resources and organization creation.
SEM 441 Strategy and Innovation
This course examines top management decisions and emphasizes the development of business and corporate strategy.
SEM 530 The Entrepreneurial Mindset and Innovation
The class will explore the notion that creativity and innovation can be applied across many spheres of life - including in academic research, nonprofits, government, big companies, and small start-ups.
SEM 601 Innovation and Sustainability: The Cleantech Revolution
In this course, we will begin with an examination of renewable energy industries (solar, water, wind, etc.) and clean technologies focused on waste and recycling.
SEM 603 Managing Innovation
This course is intended to provide participants with an overview of the management structures, processes and roles for successfully managing and participating in the management of innovation activities.
SEM 635 Managing International Enterprises
Students will be put in the role of practicing top managers who are facing challenges, making decisions, and providing leadership in complex, multicultural contexts. Topics may include: entry decisions; aligning strategy, structure, and process; globalization; international strategic alliances; and sustainability.
SEM 659 Technology Strategy and Innovation
The overall aim of this course is to develop a high-level understanding of the dynamics of technological change, the sources and distribution of innovation and how companies and society benefit from highly-innovative organizations.
SEM 860 Management of Technology/Innovation
Understanding basic science and technology; integrating new technology into operations; managing research and development.