An Introduction to fundamentals of finance in new ventures and high growth technology-driven businesses, students will learn how to interpret and analyse financial statements and develop pro-forma financial statements. Students will be exposed to and practice “Lean Startup” concepts as a means of maximizing the capital efficiency of a startup and increasing the probability of creating a financially sustainable business. The course will enable students to enhance their knowledge of sound principles of finance and alternative sources of finance. They will learn about best practices in angel and institutional venture capital investing, and the role they play in financing high growth, high tech businesses. Students will also develop skills in dealing with financial issues when pitching their ventures to investors.

The purpose of this course topic is to familiarize broad audiences of students from science and engineering into Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) and encourage them to design their own data science workflow for a given real-life application. Students will learn how different data structures and data types are generated and handled from different acquisition modalities for the purpose of AI/ML development. Formats of Continues versus discrete data will be discussed in multi-dimensional structure. Different applications in real-world examples will be introduced such as in engineering, medicine, and science. Techniques of pre-processing for cleansing the data and their preparation will be introduced. Data management systems will be discussed and explained how to handle big data storage and communication. Post-processing techniques such as QA measures, enhancements methods, augmentation, dimensionality reduction, visualization of data for locally vs globally distributed data will be discussed.

Prerequisites:

• Multivariable Calculus
• Preliminaries in Linear Algebra
• Preliminaries in Statistics
• Preliminaries in Signal Processing and Analysis

 This course provides a basic introduction to the field of machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL). Students will gain a solid understanding of the fundamental concepts, algorithms, and techniques used in ML and DL. The course will cover both supervised and unsupervised learning paradigms, exploring topics such as linear regression, logistic regression, neural networks, and clustering.

Course Objectives:

Develop a strong foundation in the principles and methodologies of ML and DL.

Learn how to implement and apply ML and DL algorithms to real-world problems.

Understand the ethical implications of ML and DL, including bias and fairness.

Gain hands-on experience with ML and DL tools and frameworks.

Develop the ability to critically evaluate and analyze ML and DL models.

The purpose of this special topic course is to provide foundations and recent advances in designing, training, and testing of deep learning pipelines in computer vision applications using Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs). The problem of image representation for general computer vision applications will be the core interest of this course. Students will learn how to design a deep CNN model from scratch for a particular computer vision problem, train the network with fast and high precision accuracy optimization algorithms, and optimize its hyper-parameters for fine tuning. The course syllabi will include Multi-Array (Tensor) Analysis, Convolution Layer Design, Feature Pooling, Activation Layers, Feature Normalization, Feature Classifiers, Loss-Functions, Gradient Back-Propagation, Stochastic Optimization, Generalization Problem, Data Augmentation techniques, Hyper-Parameter tuning, Data Augmentation, Transfer Learning, as well as three major applications in computer vision will be discussed in natural imaging, satellite imaging, and medical imaging.

Prerequisites:

• Python Programming (e.g. PyTorch, Tensorflow, Keras): you need to have basic knowledge/ preliminary experience with Python programming. This course, including assignments and projects, involve with Python coding and you should be feeling comfortable to further learn how to code in Python language and gain experience.
• Introduction to Calculus and Linear Algebra
• Preliminaries in Machine Learning

This course provides an introduction to computer vision and deep learning, focusing on their applications in image processing and analysis. Students will explore key topics, including image preprocessing, dataset preparation, and foundational concepts in deep learning. The curriculum delves into advanced topics such as image classification, transfer learning, and deep learning model architectures. A special emphasis is placed on autoencoders, including their variants like variational (VAE) and convolutional (CAE) autoencoders, with practical applications in image denoising and anomaly detection. Critical discussions on bias in computer vision tasks and the ethical implications of Al systems are integrated into the learning experience. The course culminates in term projects, where students present innovative applications of deep learning in real-world scenarios.

This course is core to the Master of Engineering in Technology Management & Entrepreneurship program and engages students in the discovery and validation of opportunities. Throughout this course, students working in teams will focus on iterative testing of concepts with the aid of contemporary design tools and methods, aiming to identify ideas that are viable, feasible, and desirable. Emphasis is placed on applying Agile principles to systematically test and refine hypotheses, through an iterative cycle of feedback and refinement. Students will learn to conduct primary and secondary research to assess desirability and market viability, develop financial models, and explore technical feasibility. The course culminates in the crafting of a comprehensive venture development plan and the delivery of a formal pitch. Through weekly workshops that incorporate case studies and hands-on exercises, students will translate theoretical knowledge into practical skills, developing a basis for the subsequent phase of prototype development in TME 6026.

This course represents a critical advancement in the Master of Engineering in Technology Management & Entrepreneurship program, guiding students through transforming innovative concepts into concrete product/service systems. Leveraging the Agile methodology introduced in TME 6025, students will craft a strategic road map to navigate the iterative prototype development process. The course focuses on using modern engineering design methodologies to create prototypes that effectively meet user needs. Through weekly workshops that merge theory with practice, students will delve into systems design through case studies and hands-on exercises. The course cumulates with the refinement of a venture development plan, the delivery of a final pitch, and the demonstration of a tangible working prototype to a group of industry professionals. This approach not only primes students for their future entrepreneurial endeavors but also arms them with the necessary skills to successfully launch new products and services into the market. Must be registered in the MTME program.

An opportunity for experiential learning related to the management of technology and/or technological entrepreneurship. Students co-design, develop and implement a project in collaboration with an external organization or a designated mentor. The project must be jointly supervised by a representative of the external organization or mentor, and a designated faculty member.

The course aims to develop an understanding of entrepreneurs and the projects they create and manage, including both the human and the business side of things. Teamwork, idea/opportunity validation/viability, communication, and understanding failure as a learning process, among other topics pertinent to Technological Creativity, Innovation & Entrepreneurial Ventures, will be provided as an overview of the entrepreneurial journey.

This intensive summer course is a practical entrepreneurship project which provides an opportunity to explore and implement recommendations and feedback. It will help students advance their projects by employing critical thinking to bring that idea or startup to a new level – rapidly evolving prototypes into more refined products. The students will also have a chance to employ and further develop their knowledge and skills in some real business settings by providing consulting to firms in various industries. The course will train students’ leadership and business skills but will also have a strong focus on inter-student collaboration inside their established teams and with their peers.