Technology MBAs Focus on Community and Entrepreneurship

Emergency-response software tools, sustainable transportation programs, portable power devices—the range of business ideas ran the gamut as Management of Technology MBA students pulled out all the stops this semester to take their business ideas from inception to market introduction. Among their ventures:

Quake Aware: An earthquake-preparedness website and iPhone application developed by Richmond students who recognize the earthquake disaster risks facing their community, which sits at or under sea level. Their product was inspired by the story of a US filmmaker who used his iPhone to stay alive while under the rubble of the recent Haiti earthquake.

SEED: A low-cost portable power product that bundles rechargeable batteries with a charging device. Because the batteries are manufactured in partnership with an offshore supplier, SEED would be able to compete with larger competitors.

fitnessfreak: A website that keeps busy professionals up-to-date on the trendiest sports information and fitness venues in town.

FreeVoice: A Surrey-based concept that gives people who cannot afford a telephone a phone number for the purpose of job searches. These students specifically want to address unemployment in their home community of Surrey.

ONTeam: An easy-to-use electronic application that helps parents and coaches prepare team rosters and player lists for youth sports.

SmallwURLd: Inspired by Web 2.0, social media and online gaming, this site strives to give communities a snapshot of “what’s cool” online. The social media venture shows that individuals within a digital community have even more in common that they might have thought.

UBike (UniverCity Bike Share program): An SFU bike sharing program that would serve the 2,500 UniverCity residents living adjacent to the Burnaby campus. The program aims to promote health and active living, and would take advantage of the many greenways, paths and cycleways on the university campus.

IT Planning: An information technology consulting service with a specialized assessment software tool for identifying and quantifying the technology and telephony needs of not-for-profit organizations on the North Shore.

MOT Networking by Design: A team focused on delivering networking opportunities to students in the MOT MBA program—through events featuring panelists and speakers from leading local technology-focused companies, as well as start-ups and entrepreneurs.

The Management of Technology MBA is a focused MBA program that serves two sectors, technology and biotechnology. By design, the program blends current academic theory with practical application. Core courses, taken by all students, include cases and examples from both sectors, while specialized courses stream students into their specific area of interest. Students acquire the business expertise to effectively manage products, people and organizations as they transition from scientific or technological roles into managerial positions or, as managers, enhance their understanding of the unique demands of those sectors.

For more information, visit: http://business.sfu.ca/mot/general/