CURRICULUM & REQUIREMENTS

TIE 202 builds upon TIE 201 by diving deeper into optimizing AIoT systems through advanced edge computing and machine learning techniques. This course emphasizes the intersection of analytical engineering methods and cutting-edge IoT technologies. Topics include frequency domain analysis, multi-dimensional system dynamics, and advanced embedded systems design. Students will focus on optimizing real-time data processing systems, integrating machine learning for tasks like image recognition and predictive control, while maintaining power efficiency and ensuring secure data transmission at the edge. Security concepts such as encryption, secure communication protocols, and authentication mechanisms will be explored to protect sensitive data and ensure system reliability. The course also covers complex robotic systems, including advanced motion planning and real-time sensor integration for autonomous navigation. Students will undertake project-based work to optimize existing AIoT systems by applying machine learning, improving control algorithms, implementing security measures, and enhancing system performance through advanced edge computing techniques. This course challenges students to bridge theoretical concepts with practical, high-performance, and secure solutions.

This course equips participants with the cognitive tools and methodological rigor essential for excelling in the dynamic arena of technology-driven ventures. Through empirical problem-solving, rigorous analysis of innovation commercialization pathways, cultivation of a scientifically grounded entrepreneurial mindset, engagement with domain experts, and dedicated scientific inquiry, 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 develop a number of ‘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 3-5 students are self-formed around their interest areas, as 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 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 delves into the crucial transition from invention to innovation, examining the journey of ideas from conception to real-world impact. Students will explore historical and contemporary examples of how translation and innovation intertwine, often leading to disruptive changes. The course highlights the challenges businesses face in this translation process and provides frameworks for navigating the path from disruptive ideas to market success. The course is designed to explore the journey from conceptualizing inventions to realizing impactful innovations. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the key stages involved in innovation, covering aspects such as ideation, prototyping, market analysis, and strategic implementation. Through a combination of theoretical insights and practical case studies, this course aims to equip learners with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complex landscape of innovation. Topics include identifying market needs, refining inventions into viable products, assessing feasibility, and developing effective strategies for successful innovation adoption. Invited guest speakers who have experienced this journey firsthand will offer valuable insights.

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.