Athena Digital Leaders

How We Are Solving It

Non-tech companies in some of Canada’s largest sectors, such as natural resources, retail and manufacturing, have an opportunity to leverage data effectively through an AI investment, including talent development and acquisition.

Building on the success of the Athena Pathways pilot, the Athena Digital Leaders project seeks to increase technology adoption and foster more diverse technology leadership. Led by AInBC in collaboration with seven partners including KPMG, Simon Fraser University, the Immigrant Employment Council of BC and the Vancouver Economic Commission, the team will leverage the network and expertise of more than 40 mentors and 25 hiring organizations to achieve two key objectives:

1. Increase demand for AI, machine learning (ML) and data science (DS) skills by promoting adoption through thought leadership events and executive workshops
2. Create a supply of diverse talent in these fields, especially for in-demand junior and mid-level leadership roles

The project will focus on developing 30 women, recent immigrants and racialized Canadians in AI, ML and DS. For example, the pandemic has made networking difficult for young people. In response, Athena participants will be invited to take part in thought-leadership activities with executives from diverse organizations. This will provide them with opportunities to build high-impact relationships with established leaders and increase their chances of landing a leadership position.

In addition, the team will provide financial incentives for companies new to AI to pursue four-month exploratory projects with seasoned and up-and-coming tech talent. Participating companies that determine a strong return of investment in their pilots could lead to long-term hires as well as new ways to grow their business and be more competitive in Canada and beyond.

The Result

Athena Digital Leaders was able to support 24 participants with wage subsidies as part of providing students and experienced mid-career managers with training and sponsored work placements in AI, ML and data science. 13 mid-career managers in product management, software management and product management were offered full scholarships for accelerated ML training courses with Northeastern University, Simon Fraser University and the University of British Columbia.

The program also conducted AI workshops for 30 companies to increase their competitiveness, including benefiting from career development in AI and facilitating introductions between employers and potential new employees.