Focus on AI during Kimolian Academy's inaugural Tech Innovation & Entrepreneurship Programme for Women

The inaugural Tech Innovation & Entrepreneurship Program for Women, a collaboration between Kimolian Academy and the Digital Skills Academy, culminated in a graduation ceremony where an all-female cohort pitched their product ideas.

The event celebrated the participants' achievements after completing a 12-week hybrid training program in Product Management & Tech Innovation. The ceremony took place on Monday, January 27, at the Holborn home of Sidara, another key collaborator in the initiative.

Lisa Kenny, Head of Client Experience at Sidara, commented:

"Working with the inquisitive, enthusiastic, and multi-talented group of women has been a true pleasure for the team at Sidara. We hope the insights we've shared into understanding data-driven thinking and personal brand will positively influence the Kimolian Academy community as they continue their professional journeys."

Kimolian Academy is a social enterprise on a mission to empower women to create tech-enabled products with a positive impact. It is committed to closing the gender gap in product management and tech entrepreneurship, ensuring that women lead in the adoption of AI tools and the development of AI-powered solutions. With support from the Digital Skills Academy at Capital City College Group (CCCG), a new program specifically designed for women was launched.

“I feel like it {the course} allows you access to multiple disciplines, encourages relationships beyond ‘teamwork,’ and develops critical thinking and creative problem solving. Plus, seeing all the strong women owning their femininity is nice to see, especially when being career-driven is often seen as a masculine trait," says student Hawa.

The initiative featured the integration of AI tools through a 'learn together' approach and the opportunity for students to address a real-world problem in collaboration with the charity partner Dress for Success Greater London, which aims to help women thrive professionally. CCCG Digital Skills Academy partnered with the academy to support women, with LabTech providing a physical space for students to meet in person once a week, facilitating collaboration, reflection, sharing, and presentation practice.

All graduates are granted lifetime membership in the Kimolian Academy Community, allowing them to benefit from ongoing learning through industry insight sessions and networking opportunities.

Juanita Ingram, Chair and Founder, Dress for Success Greater London, commented:

"At Dress for Success Greater London, we are committed to empowering women to thrive in all industries, including tech, where their voices and leadership are vital for driving innovation and progress. The Tech Innovation and Entrepreneurship Program for Women has been a testament to the transformative impact of providing women with the tools, confidence, and support they need to succeed. Technology is not just an industry—it is a gateway to economic independence, opportunity, and the ability to shape the future.

"When women are given equal access to this space, they don’t just participate; they lead, innovate, and inspire. As we align with this year’s International Women’s Day theme, #AccelerateAction, we celebrate the incredible achievements of these women and reaffirm our commitment to breaking barriers, championing inclusion, and creating opportunities for women to lead in the digital age."