CGI is proud to become the first official corporate sponsor of UK Black Tech, strengthening our commitment to inclusion and helping empower diverse innovators across the UK. As part of this partnership, we are delighted to support one of UK Black Tech’s flagship initiatives, the Women’s Health Venture Builder, delivered in collaboration with Diverse & Equal.
This pioneering programme will support 12 women from underrepresented backgrounds across the North of England to explore, research and prototype transformative FemTech solutions. Through structured workshops, expert mentoring and a clear end-to-end innovation process, each participant will begin developing a viable business idea capable of improving women’s health outcomes across the UK.
A shared commitment to inclusive innovation
At CGI, diversity, equity and inclusion are central to the way we work. We believe technology is at its most impactful when the people shaping it reflect the communities it is designed to serve. Sponsoring UK Black Tech enables us to play a meaningful role in widening access to opportunity, championing diverse talent and supporting initiatives that drive real societal benefit.
UK Black Tech and Diverse & Equal share this commitment. Together, their partnership has created a Venture Builder programme that not only accelerates innovation in women’s health, an area historically underfunded and underserved but ensures that women with lived experience are placed at the forefront of designing solutions.
“We are really excited to welcome CGI as a sponsor for this vital initiative. Their commitment reflects a genuine belief in the power of innovation and the importance of nurturing emerging talent to create lasting, positive change. It’s inspiring to partner with an organisation whose values align so closely with ours, and we’re looking forward to the impact we can make together.”
— Phil Benson, Co-Founder, UK Black Tech
“This initiative is about putting women in the driver’s seat of innovation. We are thrilled to partner with CGI on this groundbreaking programme, which provides mentorship, guidance and collaborative support to empower women to tackle the challenges that matter most to them.”
— Annette Joseph MBE, Founder & CEO, Diverse & Equal
CGI’s commitment to driving meaningful change
With more than 8,500 IT professionals in the UK, including over 1,300 specialists supporting services across the North of England, CGI is committed to using technology to create sustainable, positive outcomes. Our sponsorship of UK Black Tech reflects this vision and our belief in supporting emerging innovators who will shape the future of digital services, health outcomes and inclusive economic growth.
“Championing diverse talent and enabling equal opportunity are core to how we work at CGI. The Women’s Health Venture Builder represents a vital initiative that not only advances innovation in women’s health but also ensures that those shaping the future of technology truly reflect the communities they serve.”
— Christina Geary, Senior Vice-President, Consulting Services and Business Unit Leader for Leeds, CGI
Celebrating the programme launch
The programme was introduced at a dedicated launch event in London, where leaders from technology, healthcare and innovation came together to recognise the importance of accelerating solutions in women’s health. The event underscored the need for greater diversity in FemTech and highlighted how initiatives like the Women’s Health Venture Builder can empower founders whose lived experiences are essential to shaping meaningful change.
Looking ahead: building the next generation of FemTech founders
The full Venture Builder programme will launch in May 2026, with applications opening in the New Year. A series of pre-programme events, including hackathons and community sessions, will help future founders connect, learn and begin shaping early ideas.
Find out more about CGI’s sponsorship of UKBlackTech
