Strengthening Scotland’s Talent Pipeline with DataKirk

At CodeBase, we see the strongest ecosystems as the ones that make growth possible for everyone: people and companies. That belief is what our long-standing partnership with DataKirk is rooted in. Through Techscaler, we have worked alongside DataKirk for over three years to help underrepresented communities in Scotland access digital skills, build confidence, and step into new career and founder opportunities.

DataKirk’s work sits at the intersection of inclusion and capability. Their programmes focus on data literacy and analytics training for ethnic minorities in Scotland, particularly those from migratory and low socio-economic backgrounds. By addressing gaps in digital access and attainment, they are helping individuals build the skills needed to participate fully in the digital economy.

For us, this partnership reflects a shared commitment to practical progress. It is about strengthening Scotland’s talent pipeline and ensuring the support available across the ecosystem reaches those who have historically been underrepresented.

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DataKirk’s Mission in Action

DataKirk is driven by a clear purpose: empowering underrepresented communities with the skills and networks needed to close the data divide and attainment gap. Their approach is rooted in connection, bringing together individuals, organisations, and communities to create opportunities for dialogue and collaboration.

This matters because skills alone are not enough if people cannot access pathways into roles, networks, or the confidence to step forward. DataKirk creates environments where people can learn, be recognised, and be supported through transition, whether that is into employment, further training, or entrepreneurship.

Their focus on data literacy is especially timely. As industries across Scotland continue to evolve, data capability is becoming a baseline requirement across sectors. DataKirk’s work ensures that more people can meet that shift with readiness, not uncertainty, and that employers can access a stronger, more diverse pipeline of talent.

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Why This Partnership Works

Our partnership is grounded in shared intent and practical delivery. DataKirk is building a community of learners and professionals who are actively developing digital capability. Techscaler, delivered by CodeBase on behalf of the Scottish Government, provides founder support through education, mentorship, peer community, events, and pathways that help people turn ambition into action.

Together, we strengthen access. By supporting DataKirk’s programmes and participating in their flagship activity, we help raise awareness of Techscaler across ethnic minority communities. That means more founders and future founders can discover what is available, feel welcome in the ecosystem, and take the next step when they are ready.

This partnership also supports a wider goal: reducing inequality by improving outreach to groups who face systemic barriers to participation. Over time, that strengthens Scotland’s workforce and its startup pipeline in a way that benefits the full economy, not just a single sector.

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Building Visibility Through Shared Moments

A key part of this collaboration has been Techscaler’s sponsorship of DataKirk’s Ethnic Minority Talent Summit for the past three years. The Summit brings together business leaders, policymakers, community representatives, and professionals to exchange insights and shape solutions that support Scotland’s ethnic minority talent.

From thought-provoking discussions to the Awards Gala, it offers a platform that celebrates progress while also making space for honest conversations about what still needs to change. It is a moment in the calendar where ideas are connected to people with the ability to implement them.

Last October, we also supported DataKirk’s inaugural Awards and moderated the African Scottish Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Pipeline panel, focused on building stronger links between African entrepreneurship and Scotland’s startup landscape.

The theme reflects a wider truth: Scotland’s innovation economy grows stronger when it is globally connected. By strengthening relationships, creating shared learning, and supporting entrepreneurial ambition, this work contributes to a more outward-facing ecosystem.

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What This Looks Like in Practice

The partnership delivers value through consistent, founder-relevant touchpoints:

• Techscaler sponsorship and participation in DataKirk’s Ethnic Minority Talent Summit and Awards Gala
• Shared spaces for discussion that connect talent, employers, community leaders, and ecosystem partners
• Programme visibility that helps underrepresented groups access founder support earlier in their journey
• Support for international ecosystem relationships through Africa-Scotland pipeline activity

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Results That Strengthen the Ecosystem

Partnerships are measured in outcomes, but also in the conditions they create. Over the last three years, our work with DataKirk has strengthened awareness of Techscaler across diverse communities, ensuring that founder support is accessible and discoverable by more people.

It has also contributed to a stronger ecosystem signal: that digital skills, data literacy, and opportunity should not be limited by background. By supporting DataKirk’s mission, we are helping to shape a talent pipeline that reflects Scotland’s full potential and meets the evolving needs of industry.

The partnership has also created spaces where entrepreneurial ambition can be surfaced earlier. The DataKirk community includes individuals upskilling for employment and others exploring startup ideas. Our role is to ensure that when that ambition turns into action, there is a clear pathway into founder support, learning, and mentorship.

As DataKirk continues to scale its impact, we see this collaboration as a meaningful part of Scotland’s wider journey toward a more inclusive digital economy.

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Looking Ahead

DataKirk’s work is long-term by nature. Closing gaps in attainment and capability takes time, trust, and consistent support. Our partnership will continue to focus on deepening engagement, strengthening pathways, and showing up where conversations are happening.

For CodeBase and Techscaler, this is ecosystem building at its most practical. It is about ensuring the right support reaches the right people at the right time. By working alongside DataKirk, we are helping build a more connected, more capable Scotland.