Santa Clara University

Certificate in Technology Entrepreneurship

The Certificate in Technology Entrepreneurship is a program for scientists and engineers.

Individuals with an advanced degree in a technical field considering the commercialization and startup process, can use the CTE program to evaluate their business idea. The six month program entails classwork and an internship in a startup company. The classroom work is designed to enable each participant to develop a comprehensive business plan vetted by experts and mentors.

 Academic Calendar

• January 3 – Program Orientation
• January 3 – Courses Begin
• February 24 – Venture Presentations
• March 21 – March 25 - Spring Break Holiday
• March 28 - Entrepreneurship Practicum Begin
• June 18 - Graduation

Entrepreneurship Curriculum - Course Examples

The Business Plan - As professional venture capitalists have appeared over the past several decades, it has become increasingly desirable to prepare a formal written plan for a new enterprise. Most venture capitalists insist on a plan if they are to consider investing in a prospective enterprise, and further, the plan is desirable even though outside financing is not required. This course guides students through the critical elements of a business plan.

Entrepreneurship Practicum provides students with a hands-on entrepreneurship experience by placing them in an early stage Silicon Valley startup.  Startups are venture backed and pre-IPO.  Students are required to journal about their experience and host and open-house at their company for classmates.