Black Women in Tech Week 2024 Recap
Black Women in Tech Week 2024 was nothing short of extraordinary! From showcasing trailblazing founders to awarding game-changing innovations, this week highlighted the power and brilliance of Black women in the tech industry. Let’s take a look back at the exciting events, key winners, and unforgettable moments from this empowering week.
Roadmap to Billions: Toni of Knee2Me Takes Home $20K
The week kicked off with Roadmap to Billions, an event that set the tone for a week of empowerment and innovation. Here, Toni, the visionary founder of Knee2Me, captivated judges and attendees with her groundbreaking work. Her efforts were rewarded with a $20,000 prize, further propelling her on the journey to revolutionize healthcare solutions for underserved communities.
Elevate Festival: Jamaican and Nobellum Startups Shine
At the Elevate Festival, the energy was palpable, especially during the Pitch Competitions where our incredible Jamaican delegates and Nobellum startups took center stage. Three outstanding businesses were recognized:
$3,000 First Prize
Insta Save Conservation won the first prize of $3,000. Their innovative approach to providing building water use assessments, installation and maintenance services of cost-effective water and energy-efficient plumbing fixtures left the audience intrigued
$2000 Second Place
Momenta Analytics followed closely, securing the second prize of $2,000, demonstrating cutting-edge solutions in building the healthcare industry's first SMART data layer.
$1000 Third Place
Veekle came in third, taking home $1,000 for their peer-to-peer car-sharing app in Jamaica and across the Caribbean.
These prizes showcased the diversity of thought, creativity, and excellence Black women are bringing to tech globally.
Nobellum Alumni - Cynthia Ene of Nunafab Wins $200,000
Cynthia Ene, the founder of Nunafab and a graduate from the 2024 cohort, was awarded an astounding $200,000 along with a priceless Mastercard. This is an incredible boost for her startup, which is leading innovations in construction materials, energy transition (hydrogen transmission), and the growing market of vegetable-based chemicals. Cynthia's win was a true testament to the support for Black women entrepreneurs in Canada and beyond.
Final Event: BDC Office Roundtable
The week concluded with an intimate yet impactful roundtable at the BDC Office in downtown Toronto, where delegates gathered to reflect on the week’s events, network with industry leaders, and discuss future collaborations. It was the perfect way to wrap up a week of celebrating Black women’s contributions to the tech industry and laying the groundwork for even more success.
Thank You to the Development Bank of Jamaica for Sponsoring the Delegates
As we conclude Black Women in Tech Week, we could not go without extending our appreciation to the DBJ for their sponsorship.
From covering our delegates' flights, to dinners and other accommodation, their contribution was invaluable. The DBJ's investment serves as a clear indicator of their vision of amplifying the voice and innovations of Black Women.
But wait! There is more!
This Black Women in Tech Week was an inspiring reminder that Black women are not only breaking barriers but building new pathways for future generations in tech. From Toni’s healthcare innovation to Cynthia’s textile revolution, each story demonstrated the resilience, creativity, and impact Black women are making on the world stage.
We can’t wait to see where these incredible women go from here, and we’re already looking forward to next year’s event!
Use Promo code “NOSOTECH24” for the Summer Only Pass
You can follow the journey of these inspiring startups and more insights from the week via the links below:
