University of Texas students talk about their stay at the UAB

American students who enrolled in the Nanotechnology Innovation graduate course this past summer recorded a video about their experience, which they classify as “intense and rewarding”.

11/12/2014

“I've been infused with an entrepreneurial spirit I didn't have before, and I want start my own company, which is pretty cool”, one of the students explains enthusiastically. “This course is really excellent because it combines the business aspect that you really don't get in other classes and how that relates to nanotechnology.”, It was definitely really rewarding", "Intense", "One of the best decisions I've made", "It's just been a phenomenal experience for me", are just some of the ways these students define the course in the video.

A total of 27 students from the University of Texas, Austin, and 7 students from the UAB participated in the first edition of this graduate course, which took place in May and June 2014. “In addition to learning about generating ideas, entrepreneurship and innovation, UAB students highly valued being immersed in a culture and customs which are completely different to ours”, explains Gemma Garcia, researcher of the Group of Nanomaterials and Microsystems from the Department of Physics and coordinator of the course. In the next edition, planned to be held from 1 to 26 June 2015, "we will offer even more debates and exchanges with people who have started their own business", Gemma advances, "and it will be easier for UAB students to take part because we will adjust the course to the academic calendar".

The Nanotechnology Innovation course, worth 4 ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) credits, introduces undergraduate and postgraduate students to the world of entrepreneurship and innovation. It is a very practical course, based on the creation of group projects in which both UAB students and those from the University of Texas, Austin (UT), participate.

The students learn to think in a creative manner, explore and discuss new ideas, and create multiple solutions, while taking into account the economic, environmental and social implications of the nanotechnologies. This approach is fundamental not only in preparation for starting up a business, but also for the future success of their careers. The course also promotes the generation of innovative ideas and projects thanks to the exchange of first-hand experiences offered by people who have already set up their own companies.

More information:
http://www.bnc-b.net/nanoinnovation2015/