Real world technology management education: using the TEC algorithm

In this paper we present a teaching methodology to prepare graduate students for the rigors of a high-technology startup: for finding, assessing, and commercializing technology. The integrated methodology is a structured approach, with a variety of worksheets, managerial analysis tools, and expert knowledge systems that students use on real projects in a cross-disciplinary program. The goal at the end of the three semester sequence is to graduate students into their own high-technology startup company. This process is equally applicable for preparing students entering corporate venturing divisions or individuals wishing to champion projects (Markham & Griffin, 1998). The process was developed as part of a National Science Foundation funded program between the Engineering and Management colleges at North Carolina State University, called "Technology, Education, and Commercialization" or the TEC Program for short. The process methodology tool is referred to as the TEC Algorithm