Advanced Section (EGN4641/6640)
Instructor
Erik Sander
The Michael Durham Executive Director, UF Engineering Innovation Institute
esander@ufl.edu
Draft Syllabus
Registration
Departmentally Controlled and by Application Below Only
This course introduces engineering students to the concepts and practices of technological entrepreneurial thinking and entrepreneurship. Using lectures, case studies, business plans, and student presentations, the course teaches life skills in entrepreneurial thought and action that students can utilize in starting technology companies or executing R&D projects in large companies.
Note that this section is an advanced version of the course (EGN4641 and EGN6640).
Registration is by application only and with instructor approval to assure student preparedness for this advanced section. The primary differences from the normal sections are that all students must have taken Engineering Innovation (EGN4643 or EGN6642) with a final grade of B or better, or be actively pursuing a startup venture with a drafted pitch deck as approved by the instructor. This course offers a deeper dive into the real-world process of launching and growing a company.
Student Learning Outcomes include:
- Students will gain and demonstrate an understanding of the entrepreneurial thought process as applied to organizations ranging from startups to large, multinational companies through exercises that test the students’ proficiency in the key skill sets associated with starting and building technology-based entrepreneurial ventures.
- Students will learn and demonstrate their understanding of the key attributes of technology entrepreneurs and the organizations they start and lead through team projects that mimic real-world entrepreneurship.
- Students will learn to function and thrive in multidisciplinary team environments while creating measurable value in meeting the needs of myriad stakeholders through team-based projects to create and promote a technology entrepreneurial venture.
Course Pre-Requisite
Engineering Innovation (EGN4643 or EGN6642) with a final grade of B or better, or be actively pursuing a startup venture with a drafted pitch deck as approved by the instructor.
More information
For more information, please see the Draft Syllabus
Application
This course is not being offered in the Fall 2025 semester. For the Spring 2026 semester, Students can apply here. Email the instructor if you haven’t heard back regarding your application within three working days.
Contacts
Students can email questions to the course instructor, Professor Sander, at esander@ufl.edu with a copy to Ms. Lori DeLuco at ldeluco@ufl.edu.