Executive Summary
ITRADE Innovations, in strategic alliance with the Founder Institute, presents a transformative CyberTech Innovation Accelerator program at Miami-Dade College. This comprehensive initiative integrates advanced cybersecurity expertise with entrepreneurial excellence, cultivating the next generation of cybersecurity leaders through collaborative team-based learning and continuous professional development in real-world environments.
3
Annual Cohorts
12-15
Students per Cohort
85%
Target Placement Rate
40%+
Salary Enhancement
Program Architecture - Integrated Dual-Track Methodology with Professional Internship
Students engage in collaborative cross-functional teams, combining strategic leadership capabilities with technical expertise while participating in continuous professional development through industry partnerships.
Professional Development Through Continuous Industry Engagement
All participants engage in structured professional internships spanning the complete 16-week program duration, applying theoretical knowledge in operational cybersecurity environments while developing practical competencies alongside industry professionals.
Strategic Leadership Track (Entrepreneurship Focus)
- Cybersecurity venture development
- Consulting enterprise creation
- Founder Institute Core Program methodology
- Strategic business plan development
- Investment presentation preparation
- Market validation and analysis
- Executive leadership development
- Team management and organizational behavior
- Financial strategy and capital planning
Technical Excellence Track (Implementation Focus)
- Managed Detection and Response operations
- MDR + Security Awareness Training
- DigiCert certification program
- AI-driven cybersecurity systems
- Advanced MDR implementation
- Quantum encryption technologies
- Advanced threat intelligence
- Incident response and forensics
- Regulatory compliance frameworks
Cross-Functional Team Integration with Professional Experience
Participants from both tracks collaborate in integrated teams within industry partner organizations throughout the program duration, combining strategic leadership acumen with technical implementation expertise while gaining substantive professional experience from program inception.
16-Week MDC CyberTech Innovation Accelerator Timeline
Fall, Spring & Summer Cohorts • Parallel Track Implementation • Continuous Professional Development Integration
16-Week Continuous Professional Development Experience
Participants commence professional engagement with industry partner organizations from Week 1, immediately applying academic learning in operational cybersecurity environments while receiving mentorship from seasoned industry professionals.
1-4
Weeks 1-4: Foundation Development & Team Formation with Professional Onboarding
Parallel track implementation with strategic team formation and immediate professional placement
Strategic Leadership Track
- Participant recruitment and assessment
- Founder Institute Core Program fundamentals
- Executive leadership and communication
- Business fundamentals and market analysis
- Team building and collaboration skills
Technical Excellence Track
- Cybersecurity foundation principles
- Security awareness and compliance training
- Managed Detection and Response operations introduction
- MDR + Security Awareness Training fundamentals
- Practical laboratory implementation at MDC Cyber Range
Professional Integration: Participants begin engagement with partner organizations 2-3 days weekly, observing operational procedures and initiating foundational responsibilities while establishing core competencies in academic environment
5-8
Weeks 5-8: Core Competency Development with Active Professional Participation
Intensive skill development with expanded professional responsibilities and collaborative project implementation
Strategic Leadership Track
- Advanced executive skill development
- Strategic presentation and negotiation
- Business plan development fundamentals
- Market research and validation techniques
- Financial planning and budgeting
Technical Excellence Track
- DigiCert certification program initiation
- AI-driven cybersecurity systems introduction
- Advanced MDR operational procedures
- Threat intelligence fundamentals
- Incident response protocols
Professional Integration: Participants engage 3-4 days weekly with partner organizations, assuming increased operational responsibilities. Cross-functional teams begin collaborative projects with leadership track participants managing stakeholder relationships while technical track participants execute solution implementation
9-12
Weeks 9-12: Advanced Implementation & Certification Focus
Advanced competency development with intensive certification preparation and complex project management
Strategic Leadership Track
- Comprehensive business plan development
- Mentor engagement and venture ideation
- Investment presentation preparation
- Strategic partnership development
- Leadership and team management
Technical Excellence Track
- DigiCert certification intensive preparation
- AI-driven cybersecurity systems implementation
- Quantum encryption technologies introduction
- Advanced threat intelligence analysis
- Forensics and incident response advanced techniques
Professional Integration: Participants work 4-5 days weekly with partner organizations, leading significant cybersecurity initiatives. Teams manage complex client deliverables with entrepreneurship students handling business strategy while technical students execute advanced security implementations
13-16
Weeks 13-16: Capstone Implementation with Full Professional Integration
Comprehensive professional experience with capstone project completion and career transition preparation
Strategic Leadership Track
- Investment presentation development and delivery
- Stakeholder engagement strategies
- Venture launch preparation
- Professional network development
- Career transition and placement preparation
Technical Excellence Track
- DigiCert certification completion and examination
- Capstone MDR project implementation
- Regulatory compliance frameworks mastery
- Advanced security assessment protocols
- Technical interview preparation and portfolio development
Full Professional Integration: Participants engage full-time with partner organizations while completing final academic requirements. Cross-functional teams lead comprehensive cybersecurity initiatives, with many participants receiving employment offers from their professional placement organizations upon program completion
Program Investment Analysis - Annual Operating Budget
Comprehensive investment analysis for 3 annual cohorts (Fall, Spring & Summer) with professional compensation and program management
Annual Investment Breakdown
Student Professional Compensation (Per Cohort):
• 15 students × $18/hour × 20 hours/week × 16 weeks = $86,400
• Administrative burden (20% for payroll taxes and processing) = $17,280
• Total per cohort: $103,680
Student Professional Compensation (3 cohorts)
$259,200
Administrative Burden - Payroll Taxes (20%)
$51,840
Program Director Compensation ($10,000/month)
$120,000
FounderGen Platform Access (Annual)
$115,000
Setup, Implementation & Support (One-time)
$25,000
Total Annual Program Investment
$571,040
Investment Analysis:
• Participants engage 20 hours weekly during professional placement (part-time while maintaining academic focus)
• All participants receive W-2 employment with comprehensive payroll tax compliance
• Administrative burden encompasses employer payroll taxes, workers compensation, and processing fees
• Setup costs represent one-time Year 1 investment, reducing subsequent years to $546,040
• Investment supports 45 participants annually (15 per cohort × 3 cohorts)
Platform Investment & Licensing Structure
Setup, Implementation & Support (One-time)
$25,000
FounderGen Platform Access (Annual)
$115,000
Total Platform Investment
$140,000
Platform investment encompasses 3 annual cohorts (Fall, Spring & Summer semesters), supporting up to 15 participants per cohort with comprehensive platform access, mentorship coordination, continuous professional placement, and career transition services.
Performance Metrics & Strategic Outcomes
85%+
Career Placement Rate
40%+
Average Compensation Increase
15+
New Ventures Launched
90%+
Certification Achievement
