1. How do I apply to the TI:GER® Program?

If you are interested and recommended by the College of Management Admissions Staff, you need to complete an application and submit it to Paula Wilson. The application is available on the website here.

2. How do you select applicants?

You must first be accepted into Georgia Tech’s full time MBA Program. There is no set formula for TI:GER acceptance and a variety of factors are considered. We review the application materials and your ability to communicate how the program would benefit you. Prior work experience is heavily considered. If you pass this preliminary review, TI:GER faculty will schedule an interview with you. If you live out of state, a phone interview is acceptable.

3. When will I be notified of my acceptance?

Applications are considered March through May with interviews beginning in April. Applicants will be notified in late May or early June.

4. What is Emory University Law School’s role in the program?

This is a joint program between Georgia Tech and Emory University Law School. There are two law students on each interdisciplinary team. Emory faculty is involved in teaching portions of the program, primarily intellectual property, contracts, licensing, and other law related topics. Additionally, one half of the classes are held at the law school.

5. How long does the program last?

This is a two year program that requires 3 classroom courses, one each semester in the first year and one in the fall of the second year. The spring semester course of the second year is an independent study and the projects and assignments will vary. More information is available on the website in the curriculum diagram and in the syllabi at the Curriculum page.

6. Do the required TI:GER courses impact my electives?

Yes, the 12 hours of TI:GER credit will go toward your elective hours. In your first semester, it is recommended (not required) that you substitute the TI:GER course for one of the core courses and schedule that core course later in your program. Otherwise you risk being too heavily loaded in the fall of the first year.

7. What is my time commitment?

The TI:GER curriculum is at the graduate level and the course requirements are commensurate with most courses at this level. You should expect to spend on average 8-10 hours per week comprised of class time, team meetings, readings, and assignments. As with any course, the time will vary from week to week depending on the timing of your deliverables.

8. What types of projects/technology areas are represented in the program?

PhDs from Georgia Tech»s Colleges of Engineering, Computing, and Sciences are all eligible to participate so the projects vary from year to year based on the specific PhDs enrolled in the program. Over the years a large percentage of the projects have been from the biotech/biomedical area. Additionally, recent projects include fuel cells, composite materials, micro machining, neurological speech production, computer vision, web 3.0, and more.

9. What topics/projects are covered in the curriculum?

Projects include discovering market opportunities, industry analysis, intellectual property analysis, marketing strategies, company valuation, and commercialization strategy and plan. If the project warrants it, a business plan is developed in the final semester.

10. How do the teams function? Who is on my team?

This is a team based curriculum. Your PhD team member’s research/technology is the nucleus of the content. Teams are self selected during the first few weeks of the program and are comprised of two law students (Emory), a PhD candidate (GA Tech), and an MBA (GA Tech). You will stay with the same team members throughout the program and, as a team, work toward the commercialization of your team’s technology/research.

11. Am I expected to start a company as a part of the program?

No, this is an education program; however the program projects and deliverables are based on the actual research of your PhD team member. You will explore its potential application and learn how to best take this research to the marketplace with a real commercial opportunity. It is unlikely that the research will be far enough along to actually make a product and/or form a company. However, there are a few students who have started a company based on their team’s research and there are numerous TI:GER graduates that are involved in start-up companies.

12. If I’m not starting a company now, how will this program benefit me?

TI:GER students have been successful in using their acquired information and real hands-on projects as differentiators in their job interviews. The program is highly regarded as great experience for consulting, as well as with innovative companies who have significant internal product development or an "intrapreneurial" environment. Additionally, you have the opportunity to build a strong network with local entrepreneurs, technologists, investors, and other service providers in biotech, IT, engineering, and software.

13. Are there any external/networking opportunities?

The TI:GER program and staff have numerous contacts within the Atlanta technology community, including angel investors, serial entrepreneurs, and service providers in the marketing, finance and legal professions. These individuals serve as guest lecturers, team mentors, and on the TI:GER Advisory Board. You also attend outside lectures at no cost sponsored by the Institute for Enterprise and Innovation (IEI), Technology Association of Georgia (TAG), Start-Up Lounge, and others. TI:GER teams are encouraged to enter Business Plan Competitions and are coached by TI:GER faculty and mentors.