Dr Claire Thorne
Co-CEO, Tech She Can
The new inevitability is that artificial intelligence is rapidly shaping our world, whether you’re ‘in’ or not.
Missing voices
Currently, AI is created, developed, tested, deployed and regulated in exclusive circles, by a narrow demographic — an artefact of the wider ethnicity, gender, disabled people, plus regional and socioeconomic diversity gaps in tech. The voices of many are deemed irrelevant or missing. There’s a social imperative — and societal and business case — to intentionally ensure AI is created by, and for, everyone.
We must all choose to invest
in and expand inclusive tech
education that truly delivers results.
Ensuring tech reaches all
The tech careers education and social mobility charity Tech She Can is on a mission to reach all, in classrooms and with workplace experiences across the UK. Backed by business, our free schools’ programme (Tech We Can) for boys and girls brings tech roles to life, showing children relatable industry role models and linking their passions to tech.
We are raising aspirations and opening doors. It is vital, inspirational and emotional work. It has the power to change life outcomes and, ultimately, the technologies we all use. We are racing to meet demand: our virtual school’s assembly on AI inspired and educated 40,000 children in one day; and our inaugural annual AI Summit in partnership with Accenture invited 250 twelve-year-olds from the North West to imagine AI futures — built by them.
Inclusion is a choice
We must all choose to invest in and expand inclusive tech education that truly delivers results. The UK cannot afford — socially or economically — to ignore the curiosity, energy, creativity, talent and unique experiences of all.
