The BCE programme is a business oriented, group based study programme within an international learning environement. First Term
The first term on the BCE program is called the Business Creation Lab. Most weeks bring a new theme, with that theme reflected in all three courses. The main objective of The Lab is to create a foundation for innovative project development in the second year, and to expla
in how to take knowledge-based ideas to the market. The first semester involves role play and group work, as students from day one work on an idea. The University of Tromsø uses real ideas, real investors, and real idea providers as elements of the role play. The Lab will teach students how to protect their ideas and transform them into viable businesses. During this process, students interact extensively with classmates, successful entrepreneurs, and others in science and industry important to starting their own business, with lecturers coming from both the University and the business community. An important part of this semester is learning how to write a business plan for the given idea and presenting it to potential investors. Second Term
In the second term students move from the BCE-Lab to idea generation. During the course "Idea Evaluation and Strategy", one of three options are pursued:
Developing their own idea. In developing their idea, the student can use UiT campus and all the faculties as a "laboratory". The students who choose this option will require the most entrepreneurial skills. If appropriate, an advisory team will be set up. Working on potential entrepreneurial ideas from the idea bank. Ideas in the bank come from scientific environments in the Tromsø region, primarily from the University, but also from the University Hospital, NORUT and other affiliated researched facilities. Students choosing this option will learn how to work with scientific inventors. Ideas in the bank will have been evaluated by Norinnova Technology Transfer, who will assist the students together with advisor form the BCE staff. Collaborating with an established company in Norway on creativity and innovation projects. Students will work side-by-side with BCE staff and industrial managers to devise innovative, human-centered solutions to real business problems using the design-thinking methodology. They will do in-depth field research, brainstorm, prototype, and eventually test their solutions in a team setting. They can also work on innovation projects from organizational, strategic, and market-related perspectives. Third and Fourth Terms
The students apply the knowledge from their courses in the second and third terms on the chosen entrepreneurial idea or company innovation project. The students bring the idea or innovation project as a case in the courses, as they continue to refine their ideas and projects, while learning in a highly active and participatory environment. The fourth term is devoted to writing the Master Thesis. During this term, much effort is also put in developing presentation techniques and presenting their work to external stakeholders. While writing the Master's Thesis, students are given close supervision by the professors. Regardless of the option chosen, the Thesis uses theory and analysis to develop the student's projects.
