We’re pleased to officially launch the Tech Undivided program! On August 7, the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion, announced FedDev Ontario’s $1.7 million investment into ventureLAB for the development of the Tech Undivided program, focused on bridging diversity gaps in workplaces; strengthening Canada’s global competitiveness; and increasing the number of women tech entrepreneurs.
On November 4, we’ll be launching our first call for applications and will be accepting 3-5 companies into the Winter 2020 program.
What is Tech Undivided?
In November 2018, ventureLAB submitted a proposal to the Government of Canada’s Women’s Entrepreneurship Strategy Ecosystem Fund — Regional program stream (WES) to create Tech Undivided, a program focused on bridging gender and diversity gaps for women working in tech. The WES Ecosystem Fund seeks to address gaps and build capacity in the entrepreneurship ecosystem for women. Tech Undivided is a program that will increase the number of women in technical roles and women in leadership roles in tech companies in sectors including Digital Health and Devices, Advanced Manufacturing, and Digital Media and ICT. This program will bridge diversity gaps in workplaces; strengthen Canada’s global competitiveness; and increase the number of women tech entrepreneurs.
What is Tech Undivided trying to achieve?
The vision for Tech Undivided is to create an inclusive tech ecosystem that is not biased or divided by gender. As it stands today, women leaders in tech companies are:
- Underrepresented
- Receiving insufficient access to capital
- Facing challenges when pitching to investors due to a more conservative and pragmatic approach
- Lacking access to experienced industry mentors and business advisors
While the list above is not inclusive of all complications, the untapped potential of creating systems that build diversity, equity and inclusion for female leadership are vast. Our objective is to level the playing field and provide equal opportunities for women in tech by creating anopen dialogue and educating everyone across all platforms. Don't miss out on anything Tech Undivided related - subscribe to our newsletter to constantly be up-to-date! Interested in applying? Sign up today for our Tech Undivided Application FAQ (Webinar), or find more information here.
