01 February 2011 New university qualification links science innovation and entrepreneurship

Lincoln University and University of Canterbury (UC) have joined forces to offer a new Graduate Certificate in Science Innovation and Entrepreneurship, starting this year.

Enrolments for the graduate certificate are open now at both universities. Candidates for the certificate will complete courses at both Lincoln and UC.

Academic coordinator Dr Rachel Wright says the programme will appeal to individuals who want to work in the area of the commercialisation of scientific or technological ideas or devices, or are currently employed in that field.

“They are the sort of people who want to plan, create and grow successful ventures, projects and organisations. They will be interested in bringing new science and technology to the market speedily, efficiently and competitively, either for commercial profit or public good.

“The programme, which can be completed over one year, is designed to complement science, humanities and commerce undergraduate programmes as well as other paths such as PhD and masterate programmes. Flexible delivery of selected courses is a feature of this programme.

“Participants from industry and those already working in areas involved in the commercialisation of science are particularly welcome.”

The University of Canterbury’s Entrepreneur-in-Residence, Dr Bill Swallow, says the new graduate certificate is aligned with the Government’s strong support for collaborations between research institutions and organisations such as universities and companies that want to innovate.

 “Such a qualification will equip entrepreneurs with the skills they need to capitalise on the wealth of innovative ideas that New Zealanders produce, here and overseas,” he says. 

Lincoln University’s Entrepreneur-in-Residence, Dr Garth Carnaby, says it is an exciting development and offers unique career opportunities for graduates keen to enter the workforce prepared for today’s rapidly changing commercial environment.

Dr Swallow and Dr Carnaby’s Entrepreneur-in-Residence roles were one of the first of the Government-funded initiatives designed to promote innovative science and technology initiatives in the business world, support the commercialisation of research, and encourage an “enterprise culture” in New Zealand.

The development of a new formal qualification in innovation and entrepreneurship has followed on from Dr Swallow and Dr Carnaby’s appointments.

The Graduate Certificate in Science Innovation and Enterprise programme is made up of a combination of compulsory and elective courses. Topics include, ‘What is Innovation?’, intellectual property, evaluating a business opportunity, management and governance, and how to write a business plan. In addition to the Graduate Certificate pathway, there is also an option for completing a Master of Applied Science by research, depending on eligibility and existing qualifications held.

“The commercialisation of science is a complex activity,” says Dr Carnaby. “It involves a wider mix of skills and training than just research alone. Through the Graduate Certificate in Science Innovation and Enterprise programme students will be introduced to the worlds of intellectual property management, ‘angel’ financing and technology-based start-up companies.  Students will learn about the processes of market-led development which ‘de-risk’ technology development projects. They will be introduced to the expertise of the Lincoln based technology and business incubation activities of Powerhouse Ventures Ltd and gain exposure to the wider networks of the Canterbury Regional Innovation System.”