Technology and Innovation Acceleration Program

Receive an introduction to the concept of information literacy and various research techniques to help you form conclusions. Assess the strength of evidence and relate evidence to different social and technical factors.

Practice group decision-making processes that focus on convergence and gathering information by using the Pugh Matrix and the Evaluation Matrix. Learn how MIT’s D-Lab applies these matrices into their research to develop and advance practical solutions to global poverty challenges.

Understand the elements of system thinking through a diverse set of self-assessment activities and learning scenarios. Apply these concepts to a personal activity system and a professional activity system of your choice.

Learn how system thinking is applied to a diverse array of applications, including logistics, transportation systems, and computational systems.

Describe the architecture of a system and identify both architectural decisions and non-architectural decisions. Identify the various elements in architecture representations and place these in the context of the overall documentation of the system.

Learn to construct a DSM, either by analyzing the design or by converting a graph of the system. Construct a process architecture DSM and identify how it is different from a design DSM.

Understand the process of tradespace exploration by defining value, a key metric by which designs are compared. Develop a model of value by characterizing a design using attributes and organize these attributes into hierarchies for evaluation and summation.

Get acquainted with the stages involved in the design process for AI-based products and services with a focus on cost metrics and technical requirements of an AI software development plan.

Identify various machine learning algorithms and study the different approaches, such as Bayesian and regression models. Learn about unsupervised and semi-supervised methods of machine learning algorithms. Run and analyze the results from various machine learning algorithms.

Building on the knowledge of machine learning fundamentals gained in module 10, explore the basics of deep learning. Topics include neural networks, artificial neurons, and simulation of complex networks.

Identify superhuman intelligence used in an AI product. Compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of using an AI technology.

Discover immersive media, including augmented reality, and virtual reality. Learn to differentiate the unique elements of AR, VR, and mixed reality and learn about the software and hardware requirements of each.

Understand the applications of AR/VR in diverse fields such as medicine, military, and education. Learn about AI-enhanced augmented reality and drive innovation using AR/VR powered solutions. Analyze the impact of 5G on AR/VR experience and the long-term impact of COVID-19 on remote and virtual experiences.

Learn about the core concept of quantum computing, its origin, and how it is different from other forms of computing. Compare and contrast classical computers (desktops, laptops, tablets, cloud servers, etc.) with quantum computers. Learn about the timeline for quantum computing and explore the types of problems that are a challenge for classical computers, but can be efficiently solved on a quantum computer.

Get an introduction to radical innovation, a concept that is diametrically opposed to incremental innovation. Learn the core features of technical innovation in the modern world and the philosophy and strategies needed in an organization to execute various forms of innovation.

Understand the factors that pose a threat to innovation, both internal and external. Explore concepts such as super technologies, business model innovation, and developing your innovation pipeline.

Understand the most important elements of how to innovate. Explore different methodologies such as Lean and Agile for executing innovation, and learn about testing, rapid prototyping, and design to lead innovation within your organization.

Recognize the key elements of strategy, the precursors to strategy, and the influence of strategy on products. Analyze the impact of technological changes on organizational strategy and apply strategic thinking for gaining competitive advantage.

Learn how to create, staff, and mobilize the people and resources needed to effectively launch new project teams and improve existing ones. Examine strategies for managing three main types of group conflict: task-related conflict, relational conflict, and process conflict.

Explore different strategies to increase effectiveness and to build teams in a productive way. Learn to architect an effective organization that supports teams and teams' success. Implement post-mortems to capture lessons learned and build future capability in teamwork.

Get introduced to organizational networks and learn about the different categories of networks like social network, closed network, and open network. Identify the key players, their roles, and importance while leading change within an organization.

What is Climb Credit?

Climb Credit is a new kind of student lender.

Climb believes education is an investment and should be treated that way — we partner with schools offering career-focused education, and then provide accessible and affordable loans to attend these schools.

What is the process to apply for a loan?

Simply type your school's name into the search bar after clicking "Apply now" to find a link to the application page. From there, you'll be able to complete our short online application.

You may also have received a link to apply for a Climb loan from your school’s admissions team, or you can find the link on your school’s website or Climb's website. Apply using your laptop, tablet, or phone.

You'll want to make sure you fill out an application for the specific school and program you'll be attending. We link our loans to each course, so your school will know you've been approved for a loan with us and that we'll be sending your tuition to them.

How long will it take until I get a decision?

On average, 4:01 minutes — and just applying will not impact your credit score. We know that your time is valuable, so we’ve kept our application as short as possible.

Do I need a cosigner?

No. Climb only fund loans for students who are attending the program. The program attendee should always be the primary borrower on the application.

During your application, you will have the option to add a co-borrower. If you have a co-borrower with a better credit score that you, adding them to your loan application can potentially help you get approved and/or receive a lower interest rate offer.

If my application is accepted, am I committed to using the financing?

No. Applying for Climb financing is free and comes and carries no commitment until you accept and finalize the loan. The initial application will not affect your credit score, and you are free to decline your loan offer if you change your mind about financing.

What are the terms of the loan?

To view the equation used to calculate your interest and monthly payments, check out this article HERE!

When does loan payback begin?

Depending on your program, we may offer loans with either an initial interest-only period while in class and for a few months after, a full deferral period while in class and for a few months after, or immediate full repayment.

For loans with an interest-only period or immediate full repayment, your first payment is due one month after your loan is funded.

How long will I be making payments?

Climb's standard loan tenor is 36 months, but you can pay any time before that, as there is no pre-payment penalty. You can repay your 3-year loan in 3 years or in 1 day.

Climb's goal is to make sure that your monthly payments stay low and affordable, which is why we give you the option to choose your term length when you apply.

Master’s students can choose between a 2-year or a 3-year repayment term.

Doctoral students can choose between a 4-year or a 5-year repayment term.

How do I find out how much my monthly payment is?

This amount is mentioned in your loan agreement.

Are there any circumstances that would allow me to put my loan payments on hold?

In order not to fall behind on your Climb loan payments, you can request a deferral of payments on your loan. A deferment will allow you to temporarily reduce your monthly loan payment amount.

Can I pay off my loan early?

Absolutely! You can pre-pay your loan, in whole or in part, at any time with no penalties.

How much time is required each week?

Each program includes an estimated learner effort per week. This is referenced at the top of the program landing page under the Duration section, as well as in the program brochure, which you can obtain by submitting the short form at the top of this web page.

How will my time be spent?

We have designed this program to fit into your current working life as efficiently as possible. Time will be spent among a variety of activities including:

• Engaging with recorded video lectures from faculty

• Attending webinars and office hours, as per the specific program schedule

• Reading or engaging with examples of core topics

• Completing knowledge checks/quizzes and required activities

• Engaging in moderated discussion groups with your peers

• Completing your final project, if required

The program is designed to be highly interactive while also allowing time for self-reflection and to demonstrate an understanding of the core topics through various active learning exercises. Please email us if you need further clarification on program activities.

What is it like to learn online with the learning collaborator, Emeritus?

More than 300,000 learners across 200 countries have chosen to advance their skills with Emeritus and its educational learning partners. In fact, 90 percent of the respondents of a recent survey across all our programs said that their learning outcomes were met or exceeded.

All the contents of the course would be made available to students at the commencement of the course. However, to ensure the program delivers the desired learning outcomes the students may appoint Emeritus to manage the delivery of the program in a cohort-based manner the cost of which is already included in the overall course fee of the course.

A dedicated program support team is available 24/5 (Monday to Friday) to answer questions about the learning platform, technical issues, or anything else that may affect your learning experience.

How do I interact with other program participants?

Peer learning adds substantially to the overall learning experience and is an important part of the program. You can connect and communicate with other participants through our learning platform.

What is the relationship between Emeritus and MIT xPRO?

Emeritus and MIT xPRO collaborate to create and deliver educational programs. None of these programs are Title IV-eligible.

What are the requirements to earn the certificate?

Each program includes an estimated learner effort per week, so you can gauge what will be required before you enroll. This is referenced at the top of the program landing page under the Duration section, as well as in the program brochure, which you can obtain by submitting the short form at the top of this web page. All programs are designed to fit into your working life.

This program is scored as a pass or no-pass; participants must complete the required activities to pass and obtain the certificate of completion. Some programs include a final project submission or other assignments to obtain passing status. This information will be noted in the program brochure. Please email us if you need further clarification on any specific program requirements.

What type of certificate will I receive?

Upon successful completion of the program, you will receive a smart digital certificate. The smart digital certificate can be shared with friends, family, schools, or potential employers. You can use it on your cover letter, resume, and/or display it on your LinkedIn profile.The digital certificate will be sent approximately two weeks after the program, once grading is complete.

Can I get the hard copy of the certificate?

No, only verified digital certificates will be issued upon successful completion. This allows you to share your credentials on social platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.

Do I receive alumni status after completing this program?

No, there is no alumni status granted for this program. In some cases, there are credits that count toward a higher level of certification. This information will be clearly noted in the program brochure.

How long will I have access to the learning materials?

You will have access to the online learning platform and all the videos and program materials for 24 months following the program start date. Access to the learning platform is restricted to registered participants per the terms of agreement.

What equipment or technical requirements are there for this program?

Participants will need the latest version of their preferred browser to access the learning platform. In addition, Microsoft Office and a PDF viewer are required to access documents, spreadsheets, presentations, PDF files, and transcripts.

Do I need to be online to access the program content?

Yes, the learning platform is accessed via the internet, and video content is not available for download. However, you can download files of video transcripts, assignment templates, readings, etc. For maximum flexibility, you can access program content from a desktop, laptop, tablet, or mobile device.

Video lectures must be streamed via the internet, and any livestream webinars and office hours will require an internet connection. However, these sessions are always recorded, so you may view them later.

Can I still register if the registration deadline has passed?

Yes, you can register up until seven days past the published start date of the program without missing any of the core program material or learnings.

What is the program fee, and what forms of payment do you accept?

The program fee is noted at the top of this program web page and usually referenced in the program brochure as well.

• Flexible payment options are available (see details below as well as at the top of this program web page next to FEE).

• Tuition assistance is available for participants who qualify. Please email learner.success@emeritus.org.

What if I don’t have a credit card? Is there another method of payment accepted?

Yes, you can do the bank remittance in the program currency via wire transfer or debit card. Please contact your program advisor, or email us for details.

I was not able to use the discount code provided. Can you help?

Yes! Please email us with the details of the program you are interested in, and we will assist you.

How can I obtain an invoice for payment?

Please email us your invoicing requirements and the specific program you’re interested in enrolling in.

Is there an option to make flexible payments for this program?

Yes, the flexible payment option allows a participant to pay the program fee in installments. This option is made available on the payment page and should be selected before submitting the payment.

How can I obtain a W9 form?

Please connect with us via email for assistance.

Who will be collecting the payment for the program?

Emeritus collects all program payments, provides learner enrollment and program support, and manages learning platform services.

Are there any restrictions on the types of funding that can be used to pay for the program?

Program fees for Emeritus programs with MIT xPRO may not be paid for with (a) funds from the GI Bill, the Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Act of 2008, or similar types of military education funding benefits or (b) Title IV financial aid funds.

What is the program refund and deferral policy?

For the program refund and deferral policy, please click the link here.