For over a year now, at Desjardins Caisse des Technologies, we’ve seen a growing demand to support initiatives aimed at women in technology. There are many issues at stake, and the fact that several new organizations are springing up demonstrates that a large-scale movement is underway. However, this effervescence raises an essential question: by multiplying isolated initiatives, do we risk diluting our efforts rather than maximizing our impact?

A cooperative approach

After frank discussions within our committees and board of directors, we decided to do things differently. Rather than simply supporting a few individual initiatives, we took on the role of catalyst. We brought together five active member organizations – Technovation, DigiWomen, Black Ladies In Tech (BLIT), Le Code Des Filles (LCDF) and TechQuiero – for an unprecedented meeting of exchange and collaboration.

The aim of this co-creation workshop, led by Doryne Bourque, IAS.A, Chairman of the Board of Desjardins Caisse des Technologies and founder of Hathor Conseils, was to enable these organizations to introduce themselves, share their challenges and brainstorm together on a larger-scale project. A project that could ultimately have a real impact on the support and promotion of women in technology on a national scale.

Desjardins’ strategic levers for sustainable impact

To make these ambitions a reality, Desjardins Caisse des Technologies uses a number of strategic levers. Through donations and sponsorships, we support projects that stimulate innovation and foster the emergence of new solutions. The Fonds d’aide au développement du milieu (FADM), for its part, supports organizations that have a positive impact on the technology community, notably by improving access to technology, supporting entrepreneurship or encouraging the adoption of innovative solutions. Finally, the Fonds du Grand Mouvement, in association with other organizations, is mobilized to invest in large-scale initiatives that are transforming the Quebec technology ecosystem. These strategic investments help to build infrastructures, support collaborative research projects and help companies expand their reach nationally and beyond.

These levers are part of a coherent approach aimed at stimulating innovation, strengthening connections between key players, promoting their development and building an inclusive and sustainable technological ecosystem. To find out more about the different levers, please visit our community involvement page.

Common challenges, shared opportunities

Discussions highlighted several common challenges facing organizations dedicated to women in technology. Among them, the sustainability of business models, the creation of bridges between young girls and technology fields, and the need for wider outreach of existing initiatives. These exchanges also revealed recurring issues, such as the need for financial and material resources, the valorization of skills, and encouraging women to prioritize themselves in their career paths.

At the same time, promising opportunities have emerged, including the deployment of initiatives that encourage entrepreneurship from an early age, a strategy that has already proved its worth in boosting young girls’ lasting interest in technological professions. Furthermore, the implementation of structuring and sustainable projects could propel Quebec as a leader within the global Francophonie, by inspiring younger generations of women to become actively involved in the careers of the future and shape tomorrow’s technological ecosystem.

Mutual reflection: building an inclusive future

The discussions also identified several priority areas for strengthening the presence of women in the technology sector:

• Attract more women into technology by promoting a variety of profiles, including tech moms and women over 45, to show that it’s possible to thrive in these professions at any age.
• Fight stereotypes linked to technological professions and promote female skills in strategic sectors, particularly in data analytics and artificial intelligence.
• Foster the visibility of female success stories to inspire the next generation and boost young girls’ self-esteem, from an early age.
• Rely on collaborative solutions, such as mentoring models, to support those who want to go further and don’t fit into current structures.

These reflections converge towards the same objective: to build a more inclusive technological ecosystem, where women’s skills are fully recognized and valued.

How about working together?

The ultimate aim of this approach is to join forces for a lasting impact. By making these first exchanges public, we hope that other players – governmental, educational or private organizations – will join this initiative to contribute to a cause that deserves our full attention.

So, what do you think?

At a time when organizations supporting women in technology are multiplying, how can we go further to transform existing mechanisms and fully value women’s skills in the professions of the future? If you’d like to take part in this reflection or collaborate, contact us via our online form below.

We are thrilled to celebrate Haply Robotics, a valued member supported by Caisse Desjardins des Technologies, for their double recognition at CES 2025. Their latest innovation, the MinVerse 3D touch mouse, was named “Best of Innovation” in the Metaverse category and an “Honoree” in XR Technologies & Accessories. With its groundbreaking haptic feedback and compact design, the MinVerse sets a new standard for immersive digital interaction.

For years, Desjardins Caisse des Technologies has proudly supported Haply Robotics through tailored financial services and strategic guidance. We are also honored that our Tech and Innovation Business Development Director, Samir Mounir, Ph.D., MBA, serves on Haply Robotics’ advisory board, contributing his expertise to their vision.

Don’t miss the chance to experience the future of digital interaction at CES® 2025.

👉 Learn more in Haply Robotics’ full article: MinVerse Wins CES 2025 Best of Innovation Award

Is your startup ready to scale up? 🚀

Join the innovative companies supported by Desjardins Caisse des Technologies. Our team of experts understands your challenges and provides tailored financial solutions, strategic guidance, and networking opportunities to drive your growth.

📩 Get in touch with our business team today and give your vision the boost it deserves.

Understand your role as an influencer

You’re an influential player in the technology ecosystem… What if your next step was to join the Board of Directors of Desjardins Caisse des Technologies?

Personal commitment is a core value at Desjardins Caisse des Technologies, and we’re looking for passionate members to join our Board of Directors. Serving on our Board is not only rewarding and enriching, but also a unique opportunity to represent the members of our financial cooperative and actively contribute to the development of our technology ecosystem.

Eligibility and application

To be eligible, you must have been a caisse member for at least 90 days as of the date of the Annual General Meeting, and have a domicile, reside or work in Québec, or belong to one of the groups defined by the caisse. See our Information Kit for more details at https://www.desjardins.com/ca/your-caisse/results/index.jsp?transit=81592239.

N.B. Non-members of Desjardins Caisse des Technologies have until January 24, 2024 to become a member in order to be eligible.

Profiles sought

We have 5 positions to fill:

• 1 for members domiciled, living or working in the La Tuque region.
• 4 for full caisse members, regardless of place of residence.

We are looking for candidates with specific expertise in the following areas:

• Communication / Marketing
• Incubators and Entrepreneurship
• Student environment
• Law and/or ethics
• Sustainable development
• Responsible Investment and/or Social Impact

We aim for a diverse representation, including gender parity and openness to multiculturalists. We also aim for good representation of different age groups and a variety of technological sectors.

How to apply

Send your completed application form and CV to melanie.fredette@desjardins.com. The deadline for applications is February 9, 2024, 3pm.

The Annual General Meeting at which new Board members will be elected will take place on April 22, 2024.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Mélanie Fredette at 819-538-6644 ext. 7135221.

Relaunching Quebec’s hardtech community

Join us on Thursday, October 19, 2023 from 5:00 pm for an exciting evening dedicated to hardtech innovation in Quebec!

This must-attend event will take place at 1050 Côte du Beaver Hall, Montreal, QC, where you’ll have the opportunity to meet experts, entrepreneurs and enthusiasts from the hardtech community.

Don’t miss this opportunity to discover the latest trends, technologies and projects shaping the future of the hardtech industry in Quebec. There will be inspiring talks, captivating demonstrations and networking opportunities.

Whether you’re an industry professional, a curious student or simply interested in innovation, this is the event for you! Join us, and together we’ll boost the hardtech community in Quebec!

For non-members of the Caisse

• Open your account online in just 10 minutes.

• You can also open your account with Mariana Ribac at 514-393-9552, ext. 7157235 or mariana.x.ribac@desjardins.com.
• You can then continue on to the financial plan with your dedicated wealth management advisor.