The tech industry is notoriously lacking diversity. Health tech also lacks diversity in both the innovators creating technology and the technology targeting diverse users.
Last Fall, at Health 2.0’s annual conference, Health 2.0, with support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, hosted a panel focusing on minority entrepreneurs and building tech products for underrepresented groups. The discussion that followed the panel was a passionate and thought provoking conversation. Some feedback included questions like: “Why isn’t this discussed more often?” and “there is dire need for inclusive products and support of underrepresented groups in tech.” With that feedback Health 2.0 decided to do something about diversity in health tech.
In January, TECHquality, a mentorship program for individuals who are underrepresented in health tech, paired those individuals with leaders in the health tech space. Underrepresented groups include, but are not limited to: People of Color, Women, LGBTQ, Veterans, People with Disabilities, etc. With over 200 applications for mentors and mentees, 80 mentor/mentee pairs were matched based on areas of interest and expertise. After a 4-month long mentorship program, 96% of participants who met at least once a month agreed the mentorship program was worthwhile and impactful on their career and 94% of participants who met at least once a month agreed that the program matched them with a mentor/mentee that fit their area of need/expertise.
With support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Health 2.0 is excited to begin another open application for TECHquality. Potential mentees and mentors are encouraged to apply here by 10/18. The program will officially start November 2, 2017 and run through early March, 2018.
Is your organization interested in making actionable impact to close the diversity gap Partnership and sponsorship opportunities available? Email alyx@health2con for more information.
Alyx Sternlicht is a Senior Program Manager at Catalyst @ Health 2.0.
