The Critical Case for Beyond Gender Diversity
When: 31 October 2024, 13.00-15.30 + networking drinks reception
Where: Startup Stage, Digital Tech Summit, Øksnehallen, Halmtorvet 11, 1700 Copenhagen
Remember to ALSO sign up for the Digital Tech Summit | The Nordics' largest deep tech conference, to be able to participate this event.
Programme
12.30 - 13.00: Arrival, coffee & networking
13.00 - 13.10: Welcome to Beyond Gender Diversity Startup scene DTU
Jeanette Carlsson, Founder & CEO, Tech Nordic Advocates
Marie Louise Pollmann-Larsen, Team Leader, DTU Skylab
13.10 - 13.30: Keynote: Why does 'Beyond Gender Diversity' matter?
Af Malhotra, CEO of Diversity Economics AI & Charlotte Søgaard, COWI
In this session, Af Malhotra will discuss why it's vital to move from a binary focus on gender diversity to a more expansive, inclusive approach that embraces diversity across race, age, ability, and beyond. Af will explore how Generative AI (GenAI) can create real, measurable impact by quantifying and addressing diversity challenges. He will demonstrate how organizations can use data-driven insights to go beyond gender and drive scalable, personalized DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) solutions, ensuring that diversity efforts lead to meaningful change across all levels of the organization.
Charlotte Søgaard will complement this by discussing how COWIs strategy statement "together we shape a sustainable and liveable world" includes diversity considerations in its engineering projects, from urban planning to hospitals and transportation. DEI+B (belonging) is at stake when COWI aims for 'liveable'. She will explain how considering the different needs of living organisms - nature and people - in projects goes beyond gender diversity and is starting to shape COWI’s internal culture and mindset. Charlotte will show how a broader approach to diversity and liveability benefits end-users and is transforming COWI’s way of doing business.
Together, Af and Charlotte will delve into why expanding DEI is crucial for sustainable progress and how organizations can implement these practices for long-term success.
13.30 - 14.00: Next Generation Digital Action pitches - PART 1
Be inspired when young founders of startups from Korea, India, Denmark, Mexico, Colombia, Ghana, Tanzania, South Africa and Kenya pitch their innovative solutions and perspectives on digital action for societal impact. Part 1 focus on health- and service tech. Read more
14.00 - 14.15: Networking coffee break
14.15- 14.45: Beyond Gender Diversity: Current Insights and Needs of Diverse Founders – Panel Discussion
Where are we on the journey beyond gender diversity? While progress has been made in increasing gender representation, true inclusion must expand to encompass race, age, ability, and socio-economic background. Yet with limited data, do we even know where we stand? How can we measure progress without clear insights?
In this panel, we’ll explore what we can learn from frontrunner countries that have pioneered a broader approach to diversity. We’ll also hear from the panelists’ own experiences on what diverse founders need, want, and deserve to thrive.
Together, we’ll discuss the structural changes necessary to ensure equity and create a truly inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem, unlocking innovation and growth for all.
Panel of diverse tech founders from Denmark and internationally and interactive debate: Khusboo Verma - Founder & CEO, VCare Denmark: Af Malhotra - Founder and Chair, Diversity Economics Institute, London, serial tech entrepreneur, mentor, speaker, investor and podcast host; Angela Namere - Founder & CEO, myBelly; Human Shojaee - Founder and business leader; Rebecca Jensen - Founder, Diverse Founders Network Denmark; Catharina Christiansen - Founder of foundermentor.
Moderator: Sam Jalaei - Managing Partner, Magnusson
14.45 - 15.15: Next Generation Digital Action pitches - PART 2
Be inspired when young founders of startups from Korea, India, Denmark, Mexico, Colombia, Ghana, Tanzania, South Africa and Kenya pitch their innovative solutions and perspectives on digital action for societal impact. Part 2 focus on climate – and community tech. Read more
15.15 - 15.30: Jeanette Carlsson: We're walking the talk - stay tuned for announcement of planned action
15.30 + : Close and networking reception at Next Generation Digital Action
Stand 906 at Digital Tech Summit
