Technology innovation is the discipline of developing original technologies and finding practical uses for them. Courses and programs in this field often teach students to address problems they see in the world by designing and marketing products that creatively combat these issues.

An associate degree is an undergraduate degree offered in the US and a few other countries. Associate degrees are a qualification below a bachelor's degree. Many students earn associate degrees during their first few years of higher education. Since they usually require about two years of study, these degrees can act either as job qualifications or as precursors to more advanced degrees.