CURRICULUM & REQUIREMENTS

The TIE program encompasses an intensive, 16-month trajectory comprising of two semesters at KAUST followed by a mandatory six months internship at a Global Technology Hub - geared for advancing students through all stages of entrepreneurship and tech-readiness. Topics in the program cover idea generation, market analtsis, design thinking, manufacturing processes, developing a proof-of-concept product, lab-field testing, prototype iteration, pilot system, scaling and commercialization.

FALL (12 credits)	SPRING (12 credits)	SUMMER + FALL (18 credits)
TIE 203	TIE 204	Directed Product Development / Internship at Global Technology Hub
TIE 211	TIE 212
ELECTIVE A	ELECTIVE A
ELECTIVE B	ELECTIVE B
SEMINAR	SEMINAR

Four main courses define the TIE program, and will be taught in combination with specific entrepreneurial-focused seminars, bootcamps, workshops, hackathons, networking opportunities and hands-on experiences. Combined, they bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical application and provide students with the technical expertise, problem-solving abilities, business mindset and real-world experience needed to excel in technology, innovation and entrepreneurship and drive meaningful change in the world.

Course Descriptions:

Detailed information about the structure of TIE MS program and courses can be found here.

Electives Group A

Students must complete six credits by registering in two classes, 200 or 300 Level courses, in the Fall and Spring semesters. These classes may be chosen from the entire curriculum of KAUST. See the list of courses here . Elective Courses allow students to tailor their educational experience to meet educational objectives with the permission of their Academic Advisor.

Electives Group B

Students must complete six credits by registering in two classes from the following list.

TIE 231 Innovation Navigation: From Idea to Impact
TIE 232 Innovative Strategies for Entrepreneurial Success
TIE 241 Product Design and Digital Manufacturing
TIE 242 Biodesign in Digital Health: A Comprehensive Exploration
TIE 294 Contemporary Topics in Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship

TIE 203 introduces students to a systems design studio format that emphasizes iterative prototyping, collaborative problem-solving, and real-world system integration. The course is grounded in a structured design thinking approach—empathize, define, ideate, prototype, and test—guiding students from abstract concepts to tangible engineering solutions.

Students will engage in hands-on, team-based projects that involve system-level thinking and the design of IoT-enabled solutions. By combining embedded systems, sensor integration, wireless communication, and cloud connectivity, students will learn to architect, build, and test complete IoT systems. Through this process, they will gain practical experience in modular system design, interface abstraction, and end-to-end solution development, preparing them to tackle real-world challenges in smart environments, automation, and digital innovation.

TIE 204 extends the systems design studio approach by focusing on the transformation of functional prototypes into robust, secure, and scalable Minimum Viable Products (MVPs). The course emphasizes design refinement, system optimization, and deployment-readiness, guiding students through the final stages of the product development lifecycle.

Students will work in teams to iteratively build and enhance their prototypes, applying advanced system engineering practices such as OTA firmware updates, CI/CD integration, power and performance tuning, secure communications, and stakeholder-driven testing. Through this process, students will deepen their skills in end-to-end system integration, reliability engineering, user experience validation, and AI-at-the-edge. TIE 204 equips students with the skills and mindset to confidently transition their engineered prototypes into refined, deployable solutions, ready for real-world impact.

This course equips participants with the cognitive tools and methodological rigor essential for excelling in the dynamic arena of technology-driven ventures. Through analysis of innovation commercialization pathways, cultivation of a scientifically grounded entrepreneurial theories, , students develop competencies deeply rooted in evidence-based decision-making and hypothesis testing. The course will provide students with an overview of key subjects that will aid the new venture development process, such as intra/ entrepreneurship, innovation management, market size, positioning, and customer analysis - all leading to a strong commercialization planning and Go-to-Market strategy as a deliverable. The program will also allow students to reflect on ‘soft’ skills such as leadership, team development, conflict resolution, stakeholder management, project management in an intensive, experiential learning environment that includes regular pitches and feedback from peers, teaching team, and mentors. Mixed interdisciplinary teams of students is formed with the aim is not to work on the ‘science’ of the technology but on the value proposition and business model. This would include a strong understanding of the business aspects necessary for launching a new product or service through a new or existing venture in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Knowledge is acquired through the process of doing, including understanding a technology’s potential competitive advantage, business sustainability, revenue and and cost streams deriving from commercialization, and knowledge of the industry value chain.

Building on the foundational knowledge gained in TIE211, this course equips students with the skills and strategies necessary to bring innovative ideas to market, whether in a startup or corporate environment. Students will learn to effectively manage the risks and uncertainties inherent in startups and radical innovation, while cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset essential for success. The course covers a range of critical topics including hypothesis testing, minimum viable product (MVP) validation, securing third-party funding, and navigating the complexities of business development. Through hands-on projects and case studies, students will gain experience in crafting compelling business plans, effectively pitching to investors, and bringing their innovative concepts to life. TIE211 is a prerequisite for this course, ensuring students possess the foundational knowledge to engage with the more advanced topics and concepts presented

This course integrates key concepts and tools from the 2 entrepreneurship courses (TIE 211 and TIE 212) in the TIE Master and is offered to non-TIE students. The course provides a comprehensive overview of the entrepreneurial process, from idea generation to launching a viable business. Students will learn to identify and assess opportunities, develop compelling value propositions, construct robust business models, and navigate the uncertainties inherent in bringing new products or services to market. The course will cover topics such as market research, customer discovery, hypothesis testing, Minimum Viable Product (MVP) development, financial forecasting, and investor pitching. Through case studies and hands-on projects, students will gain practical experience in applying these concepts to real-world scenarios, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to launch their own ventures or drive innovation within existing organizations.

Focusing on the dynamic nature of entrepreneurial strategy, this course examines strategies for creating and responding to structural changes in the market. It introduces the Grabber-holder framework as a tool for developing successful entrepreneurial strategies and covers various topics, including first-mover advantages, strategies for latecomers in mature markets, and turning challenges into opportunities. It is an immersive course designed to equip aspiring entrepreneurs with the strategic mindset and adaptive skills required to thrive in today's fast-paced and ever-changing business landscape. This course goes beyond traditional approaches to strategy by focusing on agility, innovation, and resilience, essential qualities for entrepreneurial success. The course emphasizes the dynamic nature of entrepreneurship and provides practical insights into crafting and adjusting strategies in response to evolving market conditions, emerging trends, and competitive forces. The course includes case studies, modeling exercises, and a term project to practically apply these concepts.

The aim of the course is to provide knowledge and understanding of the concepts of product design, which uses a design-thinking toolbox to create prototypes for different market segments. It provides capabilities and competencies to enable product design in a team-work environment. The prototyping will use Rhino3D for CAD design followed by 3D printing. Students will learn about design guidelines, materials choices, and gain hands-on experience in product realization. It is a comprehensive course that explores the synergy between the creative design process and the practical aspects of efficient and effective manufacturing. Participants will embark on a journey through the entire product lifecycle, from initial design ideation to the intricacies of production and quality control. The curriculum covers fundamental principles of design thinking, CAD tools, materials selection, and manufacturing processes.

This course offers an in-depth exploration of Digital Health and the Biodesign innovation process. Students will engage academic and industrial experts in a dynamic learning environment, tackling realworld digital health challenges. The curriculum emphasizes the application of biodesign principles in identifying needs, ideating solutions, and evaluating them against key criteria. The course is designed for individuals seeking a profound understanding of the intersection between biology, technology, and healthcare. This course uniquely integrates principles of biodesign with cutting-edge digital health technologies, offering a comprehensive exploration of innovative solutions in the rapidly evolving healthcare landscape. Participants will embark on a journey through the fundamentals of biodesign, learning to identify unmet healthcare needs, ideate bio-inspired solutions, and develop prototypes that leverage the latest advancements in digital health. The curriculum encompasses topics such as biosensors, wearable devices, data analytics, and artificial intelligence applied to healthcare. Through hands-on projects, case studies, and collaboration with industry experts, learners will gain practical experience in designing and implementing biotechnological solutions for digital health challenges. The course also addresses ethical considerations, regulatory aspects, and the business implications associated with biodesign in the digital health domain.

Office of Admissions:

Graduate Affairs

Engineering Building (Building 9), Suite 4328

4700 King Abdullah University of Science and Technology

Thuwal 23955-6900

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

For a list of commonly asked questions, please visit the TIE FAQ and Admissions website.

If you have specific questions about TIE that aren't addressed here, please email tie@kaust.edu.sa.