SFU Beedie launches redesigned Management of Technology (MOT) MBA for tech-driven leaders

Building on its long-standing strength in innovation and technology-focused management education, SFU’s Beedie School of Business has launched a redesigned Management of Technology (MOT) MBA for working professionals, updated for today’s digital landscape and the realities facing technology-driven organizations.

“Since we first launched the Management of Technology MBA in 2000, SFU Beedie has been at the forefront of integrating technology and innovation into business education,” says Sudheer Gupta, Associate Dean, Graduate Programs. “This part-time program is a rigorous MBA at its core, but one that is intentionally designed for leaders who operate at the intersection of business and technology.”

Unlike traditional MBA programs that treat technology as a track or elective, the MOT MBA is purpose-built for professionals working in the tech sector. Technology, innovation, and digital transformation are integrated across the curriculum—reflecting how business actually operates in today’s economy.

“Jobs are changing quickly, especially with the rise of generative AI and digital transformation,” says Andrew Harries, longtime tech entrepreneur and MOT MBA faculty member. “To stay ahead, leaders need to understand how technology affects customers, value chains, and organizations—and how to respond strategically.” 

A rigorous MBA, designed with a tech focus

At its foundation, the MOT MBA delivers strong training in strategy, finance, marketing, operations, leadership, and other key business areas. What differentiates it from a general MBA is how those fundamentals are applied in technology-rich environments, where emerging tools such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, and digital platforms are reshaping industries and business models.

“Technology is not the goal—it’s an enabler,” says Harries, who co-founded several ventures, including Sierra Wireless, which went public in the early 2000s and was recently acquired for $1.2 billion by Semtech Corporation. “This program emphasizes management first. Understanding where technology should be applied, how it creates value, and how it fits into strategy is what allows leaders to deliver better outcomes for customers and organizations.”

Designed specifically for engineers, product managers, technology leaders, and innovators, the MOT MBA brings together a cohort of business professionals in technology-driven organizations. This common starting point enables deeper discussion around emerging technologies, innovation strategy, and digital transformation than is typically possible in a general MBA classroom. 

Applied learning with real-world impact

A key addition to the redesigned program is the Tech Studio, an immersive experience where students work with inventors and startups to help commercialize emerging technologies in areas such as artificial intelligence, digital health, cleantech, and biotechnology. Supported by experienced coaches and informed by multiple disciplines, students apply their learning to real challenges with tangible outcomes.

The program also emphasizes experiential learning through consulting and project-based courses that allow students to integrate knowledge from across the MBA and apply it to real organizational challenges.

“These courses give students the opportunity to bring together everything they’ve learned and apply it to a real-world problem for a real client,” says Melissa McCrae, faculty member and facilitator of the Applied Consulting Project course. “They develop critical thinking, consulting, and project management skills while delivering work that has a meaningful impact for organizations.” 

Customizable pathways for innovators and value creators

To support diverse career goals with a tech focus, the MOT MBA offers a wide range of electives and intentionally designed certificates in innovation and value creation, analytics, and digital transformation. These options allow students to tailor their degree toward areas such as product management, entrepreneurship, corporate innovation, or digital transformation.

Students also benefit from SFU’s strong entrepreneurship ecosystem, including access to venture incubation, mentorship from experienced founders, and opportunities to develop and fund new ideas emerging from the program.

“Successful innovators understand not just the tools, but how ideas move through organizations,” Harries added. “They know how to gain insight into customer needs, navigate resistance to change, and rally people around new ideas. That’s a core focus of what we teach.”