This post is also available in: Danish
What do diversity and innovation have to do with each other, and can more open-mindedness create more space for new ideas that can lead to tools to fight the world’s wild problems? The Kitchen believes that diversity is key if innovation is to flourish in Danish entrepreneurship.
“We need diversity in entrepreneurial environments like ours, because when diversity is missing among entrepreneurs, diversity is also missing among the ideas being developed. In other words, diversity ensures that we create different solutions to both big and small problems in society,” says Marie Kjølhede, Project Manager at The Kitchen, to Techsavvy.Media
The Kitchen Diversified
The Kitchen Diversified is a two-year project that through events, mentoring networks and workshops will challenge conventional perceptions of entrepreneurship and break down barriers to attract a wider range of students and strengthen the diversity of startups emerging from the university.
Pernille Brems, Program Manager for the labor market at the Tuborg Foundation. emphasizes that entrepreneurship and diversity are an obvious match;
About The Kitchen:
“The Kitchen is Aarhus University’s startup incubatorAn incubator is a supportive environment that helps early-stage startups by offering resources, mentorship, networking opportunities, and a physical workspace. More dedicated to creating a dynamic entrepreneurial environment and supporting innovative ideas by students and researchers.“
“New ideas are needed to create a sustainable future, and as a society and business we will never reach beyond the dreams of young people. That’s why we need decisiveness and new thinking skills. Innovation is best created with an open mind that can spring from diversity, which is why we look forward to following the young people’s work with diversity in the Kitchen.”
We must dare to talk about diversity
One of the challenges around diversity is that for some, the topic can seem complex and therefore may be afraid to engage in conversations around it. That’s why The Kitchen is taking the pulse of why it’s so difficult – and important. On Friday, February 9, the project will kick off with a conversation salon on how startups can start communicating more inclusively. The event is held in conjunction with Diversity Week in Week 6, a themed week created by grassroots organization The Link.
The panel includes Rikke Kristine Østergaard, co-founder of Ditto and behind the podcast Karrierekvinder, entrepreneur Calle Juhl, who is behind the gender-inclusive clothing universe Bekvm, and Heidi Dalmose, co-founder of the norm-critical graphic design studio Urwelcome.
What does the project consist of?
1. Mentor network; The Kitchen Diversified will establish a diverse mentor network consisting of experienced business professionals, consultants, NGO representatives and alumni entrepreneurs from The Kitchen. These mentors will participate in 1:1 meetings, workshops and networking events to support and guide the entrepreneurs.
2 Workshops: The project includes a series of workshops focusing on themes that appeal to underrepresented entrepreneurs. From value-based startups and sole traders to dealing with impostor syndrome, these workshops will provide participants with a unique learning and networking opportunity.
3. Teach the Teacher: A key component is creating awareness of the language and communication around entrepreneurship. The sessions will bring experts to guide The Kitchen employees and result in the development of rhetorical guidelines for diversity and inclusion.
The project is supported by Tuborgfondet and Otto Mønsteds Fond.