You've found us in English! The English version of TechSavvy.media is currently only available in a beta version. This means, among other things, that the majority of articles are machine translated. We hope you'll still want to stick around a little longer

Beyond Gender Diversity: Entrepreneurs from around the world showcase at Digital Tech Summit

@Redaktionen

This post is also available in: Danish

The startup ecosystem still has a gender problem: Only 0.1% of startup investments in Denmark go to female entrepreneurs, according to figures from the Danish Chamber of Commerce. But the ecosystem also has another severe blind spot: Neurodivergent, chronically ill, seniors, people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ and ethnic minorities are almost non-existent among tech entrepreneurs in Denmark.

Why is this a problem? Because we’re missing out on new tech solutions. Only through greater inclusion of all groups will we get all the pieces of the board in play – and this is necessary to find the right solutions to global challenges.

“As we have already experienced in relation to the lack of female representation, no matter how open you are, you will always be limited by your own lack of experience and insights. For example, I can never fully understand the challenges of being neurodivergent, 50+, working in healthcare or belonging to an ethnic minority. And when I can neither see nor understand that there is a challenge, it is very unlikely that I will be able to develop a solution that hits the mark and is competitive,” says Jeanette Carlsson, CEO of Tech Nordic Advocates.

That’s why an afternoon has been set aside to discuss “Beyond Gender Diversity” on the startup scene during this year’s Digital Tech Summit – an afternoon organised by Next Generation and Tech Nordic Advocates.

International diversity in practice

Through talks and debate, the afternoon will shed light on what diversity and inclusion mean for the startup ecosystem. You will also see first-hand what diversity looks like in a startup context. The Next Generation Digital Action program has invited 17 startups from 9 countries to pitch. The startups are all run by young entrepreneurs under the age of 35, working with digital technologies to promote a sustainable, inclusive society.

“It will be an afternoon where we will focus on the young, international voices. Those who are really passionate about being entrepreneurs,” says Marie Louise Pollmann-Larsen from DTU SkyLab, Team Lead for Next Generation at DTU, and continues:

“When you come from Africa or South America, you don’t become an entrepreneur because it’s hipster. You come from different environments where job opportunities, climate change and inequality become strong drivers to become change agents and where infrastructure and lack of resources can open up exciting tech innovation.”

The Digital Tech Summit invites everyone to join the diversity conversation so Denmark can help create a platform where diverse, international innovation can contribute solutions to big problems.


BEYOND GENDER DIVERSITY AFTERNOON AT DIGITAL TECH SUMMIT:

13. 00 – 13. 10: Beyond Gender Diversity

13. 10 – 13. 30: Why does ‘Beyond Gender Diversity’ matter?

13. 30 – 14. 00: Next Generation Digital Action – International digital startup pitch session (Part 1)

14. 15 – 14. 45: Beyond Gender Diversity: Current Insights and Needs of Diverse Founders – Panel Discussion

14. 45 – 15. 15: Next Generation Digital Action – International digital startup pitch session (Part 2)


UGENS STARTUP: