Empowering diverse tech talent to drive innovation for your business.
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What is the Diverse Tech Talent Program (DTTP)?
Diverse Tech Talent Program is a unique program designed to address a critical issue in the tech industry: the underrepresentation of Black Canadians and newcomers aged 18-35. DTTP participants complete specialized skills training, received mentorship, and have participated in an innovation hackathon. The final phase of their certificate connects tech talent with forward-thinking employers to gain practical experience in the industry. With a focus on diversity and innovation, DTTP is poised to shape the future of tech.
Why work with a DTTP team.
You will be matched with a team of 5 DTTP participants to take on your business challenges. Participants have completed intensive skills training and received career mentorship. They are equipped with the most in-demand industry skills and knowledge to confidently navigate the professional landscape.
Easily turn your business challenges into projects.
Access our template library for inspiration, or browse to see what other employers are looking for. We make it easy for you to convert your digital tech challenges into compelling projects.
Track progress
Track project progress and get reminders on major project milestones through the Diverse Tech Talent Program portal. Keep track of important documents and communications all in one place.
100% remote
All Diverse Tech Talent Program projects can be completed 100% remotely. Riipen supports Google Meet and Zoom integrations, so you can work with participants anywhere in Canada.
Test drive talent
This is your chance to work with participants who can bring new ideas and specialized skills to your business. Explore collaborations through project work and hire the best-fit participants to join your team.
Most Canadian employers are already eligible.
Frequently asked questions
What does a Diverse Tech Talent Program project need to include?
Projects should provide 40 hours of Product Management work per participant.
For more information on how to create and submit your projects for the Diverse Tech Talent Program, consult this article.
How many projects can I submit and how many participants can I take on?
There’s no limit to how many projects an employer can submit to the Diverse Tech Talent Program. The participants will be grouped in teams of 5, directly assigned to projects through the program.
What if my project requires more than 40 hours of work?
Projects are assigned to teams of 5 participants, which means each project should be able to be completed over 200 hours in total. If you think you will need more than this, we recommend splitting the work and posting multiple projects to work with more than one DTTP team.
What specialized skills do participants have to bring to my projects?
Product management
Participants have gained practical, hands-on experience in core end-to-end product development skills:
- Problem-solving
- Problem discovery
- Strategy ideation
- Utilizing AI for Product Management Productivity
- Product sense & product thinking
- Product documentation
- Research synthesis
- Cross-functional communication
- Observing trends and synthesizing key findings
- Presenting a holistic report with actionable items
Related resources
Program Partners
The Diverse Tech Talent Program (DTTP), is an initiative by the World Innovation League (WIL) in collaboration, with Atila, Co.Lab, and Riipen. DTTP is on a mission to bridge the diversity gap in the tech industry and provide essential skills, mentorship, and job placements for Black Canadians and new immigrants. DTTP is poised to reshape the future of tech by fostering diversity, providing specialized training, and opening doors to exciting career opportunities.
Texada enjoyed working with the DTTP group. We were able to meet really smart people, and share knowledge both ways throughout the project. We would be happy to participate in the program again in the future.
Adam Kropf,
Head - Product Development, Texada Software
The DTTP/Riipen program is an amazing opportunity for small businesses to access skilled resources while getting key initiatives off the ground. My experience has been great and the assigned team exceeded all expectations! Would recommend this program to anyone looking for diverse talent.
David Romeo,
Founder & CEO, Pronovean
From learners to leaders: DTTP’s role in fostering diversity in Canada’s tech industry
In the 2023-4 inaugural program, DTTP participants completed specialized skills training, received career mentorship, and took part in an innovation hackathon. They then collaborated on employer projects aligned to their program curricula in Web Development, Product Management, and UX/UI Design. Read more by downloading the full report below:
Perform user & market research
Design & conduct user customer interviews
Analyze qualitative customer data & draw up insights
Diverse Tech Talent Program participants have completed specialized training in AI Product Management. DTTP participant teams are ready to tackle your projects including, but not limited to:
4-week digital tech placements for Canadian employers building and nurturing their tech talent pipeline.
✅ A registered Canadian business or non-profit organization
❌ A member of the House of Commons or Senate of Canada
❌ Part of an organization that engages in partisan political activities, and/or a federal, provincial, territorial, or municipal government
Read the full eligibility requirements and Terms & Conditions.
Grow your business with the Diverse Tech Talent Program.
Success stories
Document customer needs
Present key findings and suggest recommendations
Create product mock-ups
