Changing the face of technology…together

By Grace Prior, Co-Founder of Silicon Brighton.

Silicon Brighton is a not-for-profit with a mission to drive digital growth across the South East. Our purpose is to put Brighton on the map and spotlight the city and the region for talent and investment.

A vibrant tech hub known for fostering innovation and collaboration, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the power of bringing passionate, knowledgeable people together. Magic really can happen! We’ve seen the community come together during challenging times such as lockdown to tackle common issues that affect the industry, as well as individuals providing each other with peer-to-peer support to navigate difficulties and collectively explore opportunities.

Among the challenges that persist, one stands out prominently: the persistent lack of diversity. Referred to frequently, we know that diversity isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a fundamental driver of innovation and progress. Despite our collective efforts, the tech industry remains predominantly homogenous. Recognising this reality, we’ve made it our responsibility to confront this issue head-on, harnessing the community and using our programme of activity as a catalyst for change.

Community engagement serves as a cornerstone of our approach to fostering diversity in tech. By nurturing a supportive and inclusive culture, we create a space where individuals from diverse backgrounds feel welcome and empowered to pursue their aspirations in technology. Through networking events, workshops, and mentorship programmes, we strive to cultivate an environment where everyone’s voice is heard and valued.

Events play a pivotal role in driving diversity, accessibility, and inclusivity within the industry. From hackathons to panel discussions, these gatherings provide invaluable opportunities for networking, learning, and collaboration.

Representation matters. Visible role models who inspire and empower the next generation are hugely important. At Silicon Brighton, we prioritise hosting events that celebrate diversity and showcase a wide range of voices and perspectives. By bringing together individuals from different backgrounds, we not only foster a sense of belonging but also facilitate meaningful connections and opportunities for growth.

Accessibility is another key focus area for us. We recognise that systemic barriers often hinder individuals from underrepresented groups from fully participating in the tech community. That’s why we’re committed to making our events as accessible as possible, from making them free to attend, to offering live streaming options, to ensuring venues are wheelchair accessible. By removing these barriers, we strive to create a more inclusive environment where everyone has an equal opportunity to participate and thrive.

Inclusivity is at the heart of everything we do. We firmly believe that diversity of thought, background, and experience drives innovation and creativity. That’s why we actively seek out speakers, panellists, and workshop facilitators who represent a diverse range of perspectives. By amplifying underrepresented voices and shining a spotlight on their contributions, we challenge existing stereotypes and inspire others to embrace diversity in their own work. This not only encourages young talent from underrepresented groups but also challenges existing stereotypes.

Education and awareness are also integral components of our efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in tech. Through our events, we aim to raise awareness of the importance of diversity and provide resources and support for individuals looking to enter or advance within the industry. From career development workshops to diversity-focused panel discussions, we strive to equip our community with the knowledge and tools they need to effect positive change.

Furthermore, accountability is key, and transparency is crucial. Companies must be willing to publicly disclose their diversity data and hold themselves accountable for progress. It also allows us to benchmark against other businesses and track change.

Ultimately though, achieving a more fairly represented sector requires a collective effort and takes collaboration. We need to work together – governments, corporations, educational institutions, and other community organisations to drive meaningful change. By leveraging our collective resources and expertise, we can create a more diverse and inclusive tech ecosystem.

At Silicon Brighton, we’re focussing on harnessing the power of community and events, in order to create a more inclusive and equitable tech ecosystem where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.