On January 16, the Digital Technology Supercluster announced Shumka Centre for Creative Entrepreneurship‘s Design for Startups as one of the eight recipients of funding under its “Capacity Building Program”.

The Capacity Building Program aims to capture a broader talent pool for employers by engaging under-represented groups such as women and Indigenous peoples, thereby supporting the growth of diversity and inclusion across multiple sectors. The projects also foster leadership development for entrepreneurs, deliver relevant digital skills for workers in the natural resource sector, engage Indigenous youth in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM), and support the pursuit of careers in digital technology.

“Design for Startups boosts capacity by building a bridge between the worlds of design and technology. We are making a systemic impact by connecting 40 designers with 40 tech startups,” Director Kate Armstrong said. As a kickstart for the much-needed talent pool in the tech ecosystem, the program is driving diversity and inclusion in the sector. Currently, the number of female web designers and developers in B.C. sits at 31% compared to the national average of 48%. By leveraging Emily Carr’s diversity, where more than 70% of participants in entrepreneurship programs are women with design backgrounds, this project will develop improved products, platforms, and services for startups. The Supercluster funds will support the program over the next two years. 

To read more about the announcement, visit Digital Supercluster Technology Supercluster website. 

About Canada’s Digital Technology Supercluster

Established in 2018 with funds from the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Economic Development as well as industry, research and post-secondary partners, the Digital Technology Supercluster is an industry-led consortium and will leverage BC’s global leadership and position Canada as a global hub for digital technology innovation, generating new jobs, growing GDP and increasing Canada’s global competitiveness through the application of data analytics, quantum computing, and virtual, mixed/augmented reality. Through ambitious, collaborative partnerships, the Digital Technology Supercluster facilitates and funds projects that develop digital products and platforms to transform industries and propel the economic growth of Canada.

About Design for Startups

Design for Startups cultivates tech-based entrepreneurial activity amongst design students in BC by creating connections and exposures between design students and technology entrepreneurs. The program has proven itself to be a highly effective model for knowledge transfer to emerging businesses in British Columbia and has evolved to become a larger umbrella initiative that builds and supports entrepreneurship through multiple modalities. Developed by Living Labs in 2013, the program is now delivered within the framework of Shumka Centre for Creative Entrepreneurship.