
What is the Technology Leadership Initiative?
The Technology Leadership Initiative is a unique learning opportunity within the Department of Computer Science at the University of Toronto designed to prepare students with industry-ready skills, strong leadership capability, and an understanding of the technology landscape. Students in the Technology Leadership cohort take part in industry-integrated courses, leadership development workshops, and participate in industry placements. Academic content is enhanced with industry-inspired problems, company site tours, guest speakers, and networking events.

Industry-Integrated Learning
The Technology Leadership initiative follows the same curriculum as the traditional CS program, with the exception of special sections for dedicated courses each year. CSC207 will be modified to be industry-integrated and project-based. Students in this course will work on real problems faced by our partner companies and learn to use tools used in industry. This course, taught by Paul Gries, will adhere to curriculum standards and students will write the same final exam as the regular sections. The workload in the dedicated section will be similar to the workload of the regular sections.

Leadership Skills Development
Each year, eight three-hour required workshops will be offered by industry executives to teach students the inner workings of organizations and how to navigate them effectively to advance ideas:

Students will also have the opportunity to participate in industry immersive events, guest speaker panels, and networking events throughout the term.

Industry Experience
Students in the Technology Leadership Initiative are also encouraged to pursue internships to support this experience.
Our Team

Paul Gries
Professor, Teaching Stream
Department of Computer Science

Karen Reid
Professor, Teaching Stream
Department of Computer Science

Michael McCarthy
Executive in Residence
Department of Computer Science