Kickstart Program

Build your AI career.

Your career in AI is waiting! Built for both technical and non-technical folks, Kickstart is an early career development program for women and gender-diverse individuals.

Kickstart collage

About the Program

The Kickstart Program welcomes early-career women and gender-diverse individuals who are gearing up to start their careers in AI.

We aim to help participants build their skills and grow their network in AI, with practical advice and tools that they can apply as they pursue opportunities in this growing field. The program includes nine online sessions from June to August, as well as a select number of in-person events.

Whether you are technical or non-technical, this multidisciplinary program is the perfect entry point for a career in tech – and we are here to help you grow along the way.

Through Kickstart, I received advice and made connections that have been invaluable to my career. The program gave me rare access to leaders in tech, built my skillset in a way that felt both relevant and nurturing, and gave me the chance to explore career options in a safe space.

Noor Al-Zanoon, 2021 Participant & Amii Program Coordinator

Program Details

The program runs weekly sessions (Tuesdays, 4-6 p.m. MST) between June 14 and August 9, with optional in-person activities (in compliance with the Government of Alberta COVID-19 protocols). We offer:

  • Exposure to companies and leaders in AI-related fields

    Exposure to companies and leaders in AI-related fields

  • Increased awareness of the technical knowledge/tools needed to pursue a wide range of career opportunities in AI

    Increased awareness of the technical knowledge/tools needed to pursue a wide range of career opportunities in AI

  • Access to diverse mentors in STEM-related organizations

    Access to diverse mentors in STEM-related organizations

  • A network of peers from a range of backgrounds and experiences

    A network of peers from a range of backgrounds and experiences

Should I Apply?

Consider applying if you are:

  • A woman and/or gender-diverse individual
  • A student (at an Undergraduate, Doctoral, Postdoctoral level) OR early-career professional
  • Looking to begin or transition into a career in tech
  • Seeking career development advice and opportunities

Applications are now closed.

Applications for the 2022 cohort are now closed. Please sign up below to receive an update when next year's applications are live!

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Connect with the community

Get involved in Alberta's growing AI ecosystem! Speaker, sponsorship, and letter of support requests welcome.

Explore training and advanced education

Curious about study options under one of our researchers? Want more information on training opportunities?

Harness the potential of artificial intelligence

Let us know about your goals and challenges for AI adoption in your business. Our Investments & Partnerships team will be in touch shortly!

Connect with the community

Get involved in Alberta's growing AI ecosystem! Speaker, sponsorship, and letter of support requests welcome.

Explore training and advanced education

Curious about study options under one of our researchers? Want more information on training opportunities?

Harness the potential of artificial intelligence

Let us know about your goals and challenges for AI adoption in your business. Our Investments & Partnerships team will be in touch shortly!