Federal funding helps InceptionU develop and match tech talent across the Prairies
News Release
PrairiesCan $1.2 million investment will boost employment opportunities in five tech and tech-adjacent roles
Watch this video message from our co-founders Margo Purcell and Greg Hart.
December 18, 2023 - Edmonton, AB - Calgary-based InceptionU is one of several recipients of new funding from Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan). The $1.2 million investment will support new streams of apprenticeship-style learning programs while also helping a select group of companies across Western Canada develop and curate teams that will accelerate their growth.
The funding recipients, including InceptionU, were announced at a news conference on Monday with the Federal Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages Randy Boissonnault.
PrairiesCan is investing in not-for-profit initiatives through its Regional Innovation Ecosystems (RIE) program to strengthen Western Canada's economy, focusing on creating inclusive ecosystems that foster innovation, growth, and competitiveness.
“Technology is evolving with increasing speed. We need to prepare our workforce to be future fit, to gain both the technical and essential or ‘soft’ skills we will continue to need in the face of increasing automation,” says InceptionU CEO Margo Purcell. “We’re also thrilled that this grant allows us to work directly with industry to cultivate the tech talent they need to help their businesses thrive.”
PrairiesCan press conference on December 18, 2023 in Edmonton with InceptionU co-founders Greg Hart and Margo Purcell (second and third from left).
Approximately 80% of Alberta employers expressed difficulty sourcing skilled digital talent, with approximately 30% of employers having hired mid and senior-level talent from other provinces or other countries, according to an ICTC Report.
“Our government is making investments to help enable small and medium-sized businesses across the Prairies to find and retain the skilled workers they need to grow and remain globally competitive,” says the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister for PrairiesCan. “Our investment in InceptionU is providing more Alberta workers with opportunities to access vital skills training that leads to fulfilling, high-demand careers that will help meet the emerging talent needs of our technology sector.”
The initiative represents a strategic partnership among established organizations across the Prairies, dedicated to equipping our workforce for an evolving future. InceptionU, as the lead organization, has proficiency in nurturing essential skills crucial for fostering innovative and adaptive growth. Delivery partners Braintoy, Enfocom, Tacit Edge, and 321 Growth Academy will provide comprehensive training in technical areas such as Cloud Computing, AI/ML, Cyber Security, Product Leadership, and Business Development.
“The rapid growth in AI and ML requires a new breed of talent equipped with a blend of technical and cognitive skills,” says Kwame Asiedu, co-founder and CEO of Braintoy. “We're not just teaching how to practically apply the principles of machine learning and artificial intelligence in solving meaningful problems; we're cultivating thinkers who can navigate and shape the AI-driven landscape across the Prairies.”
A select group of regional companies will be invited to participate in this ground-breaking project. Together with InceptionU and its delivery partners, they will develop a robust and diverse talent pipeline that will equip their companies with the adaptability to navigate the ever-shifting landscape of the tech sector.
“We’re redefining education and what it means to develop adaptive learning, deep understanding and technical competencies that lead to rapid and forward-thinking impact in high-demand fields, “ says InceptionU’s Chief Design Officer Greg Hart. “When the right talent is equipped with the right competencies and matched with the right company, innovation and better technology are the result.”
“Calgary technology companies are on the forefront of developing new applications across a range of sectors, and today’s investment will further bolster their capacity to access the talent and people needed to continue scaling up,” says George Chahal, Member of Parliament for Calgary Skyview. “I’m proud to see our government investing in a new generation of skilled workers who can drive the growth of our technology sector and help bring Alberta-made products and innovation to global markets.”
More details will be available in the spring of 2024 for people and companies interested in the pilot project. You can read the official government announcement here.
About InceptionU:
Established in 2018, InceptionU is a private, not-for-profit learning organization that is addressing the skills gaps in the digital economy, helping people to understand anything, build something and change everything. It delivers unparalleled learning experiences for organizations and individuals designed to build both technical and non-technical competencies needed for the future of work.
About PrairiesCan:
PrairiesCan is the federal department that supports economic growth in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Its programs and services help businesses, not-for-profits and communities grow stronger. Its mandate is to support economic growth and diversification in the Prairie provinces and advance the interests of the region in national economic policy, programs and projects. Learn more at www.prairiescan.gc.ca.
Additional quotes:
“Cyber attacks result in financial losses and productivity setbacks amounting to millions of dollars for companies.. Unfortunately, there are no signs that these attacks are slowing down. In response, organizations are urgently strengthening their digital and network security, leading to an increased demand for cybersecurity professionals. It is estimated that within the next three to five years, some 210,000 cybersecurity positions in Canada will need to be filled across all sectors of the economy. InceptionU and ENFOCOM offer such hands-on training programs that enable individuals and teams to engage in and manage real-world cyberattack scenarios. Trainees who complete our programs acquire the necessary skills to effectively safeguard organizations against the constant threat of cyber attacks.”
Herbert Fensury, Founder and CEO
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“We are thrilled to see the movement toward including Product Management education as an important component of all technology and technology-adjacent education. Product Management is one of the most in-demand skills that companies need in our ever-changing economy. By combining Product Management and InceptionU’s leadership in critical, systems, and computational thinking, we know we can train the innovators that companies need. This is an exhilarating time for us all as we combine our expertise to meet the challenges of the future of work.”
Christa Hill and Renee Matsalla, Co-founders
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“We’re thrilled to be partnering with InceptionU in this program. We’ve seen first-hand with our 321 alumni the need for business development and sales talent who can build strong relationships and adapt to shifting market conditions and technologies. These skills are rarely taught in traditional educational programs and are essential for business growth and the diversification of our Alberta economy.”
Chantel Elliott, Partner
