Sky expands its successful Tech Scholars scheme to encourage more women into the tech industry

The first program was such a success that Sky is launching its second iteration 
One of last year's scholars was working on virtual reality to help dementia patients
Amelia Heathman27 February 2019

If you had £25,000 to work on any tech idea you had, what would it be? Get planning because Sky is giving five women the opportunity to do just that.

The company is launching its second Sky Tech Scholars scheme to give women the chance to work on a tech project of their choosing. The chosen scholars will receive £25,000 in funding, as well as access to Sky’s resources and, crucially, mentors in their chosen to field, to make it happen. In doing so, Sky wants to solve the diversity problems in the industry.

“The ambition of the programme has largely remained the same – we want to encourage more women to consider a career in technology. There’s a huge gender imbalance within the industry and we want to be able to help right that,” Elaine Bucknor, director for group strategy at Sky, tells the Standard.

Funding is a crucial aspect of this. Last year, of all the funds raised by European venture capital-backed companies, 93 per cent went to all-male teams, according to Atomico’s State of European tech report.

It’s having an impact already, one of last year’s scholars, Kiki Oniwinde, was recently featured in the 2019 Forbes 30 under 30, for BYP Network, a networking app for young black professionals.

What’s new with Sky Tech Scholars

This year's scheme is different because it is expanding from three placements to five, and Sky has decided to remove the age limit. “It’s not just young women who have great ideas and everybody deserves an opportunity, regardless of age, or background. We’re just trying to even the playing field,” explains Bucknor.

Another difference is the criteria for the pitch. Last year, the idea needed to be related to news or entertainment, now, Bucknor says, the company is open to hear about lots of different ideas across all areas of tech. “One area we’re particularly interested in is the application of technology to help those in need,” she says. “One thing that currently unites all our scholars is that each of their ideas are there to help solve a societal issue or problem. If Sky can be a force for good by supporting women who are coming up with solutions that will help others in need then we should.”

Last year’s scholars said that one of the major benefits of being part of the scheme was access to Sky’s network and mentors. Hannah Blair’s project focused on using virtual reality to help people with dementia in care homes. She told the Standard last year: “Having this huge corporation at your fingertips and this wonderful team at Sky helping me to connect with people is so beneficial.”

Now that their time on the scheme has formally come to an end, Sky will continue to support them in their future endeavors. This is part of the company’s wider ambition to bring a network of strong female business leaders in the tech community, as they become alumni. And Sky has learned from the first cohort as much as they have from Sky.

“[The scholars] have talked at a number of our events and have challenged some of our thinking and given us insights into what upcoming generations need and want. They’ve inspired everyone who has met them,” says Bucknor.

Any advice for the next round of applicants? “Be bold and be yourself. Even if your idea isn’t fully formed, we’re here to help support you and develop your business.

“We’re looking for women who have a passion to break into the industry and have the drive to make a mark,” she adds.

To find out how to apply for the second Sky Women in Tech Scholars scheme, visit skywomenintechscholars.com