Queens Borough President Donovan Richards recently unveiled a plan to establish a new diversity tech and innovation center in Long Island City, slated to open in early 2025.
Empowering Minority-Owned Startups
Partnering with Pursuit, a Queens-based non-profit, the Queens Diversity Tech Hub will occupy a 7,000-square-foot space in the Pursuit building at 47-10 Austell Place.
This state-of-the-art facility will serve as a launchpad for up to 50 emerging startups, targeting minority-owned businesses seeking seed and Series A funding.
The initiative is set to address the funding challenges faced by startups after the pre-seed stage, ensuring they have the financial support necessary to scale and thrive.
Leadership and Funding
Randy Wiggins has been appointed the tech hub’s first executive director, bringing extensive experience and a vision to create an inclusive tech environment.
The Borough President’s office provides an initial $5 million funding to support the center’s operations and initiatives.
This financial commitment underscores the importance of the tech hub in fostering economic and technological justice for underserved communities.
Global Inspiration and Local Impact
The tech hub’s inspiration partly stems from a visit Richards and Young made to Lagos, Nigeria, dubbed the “Silicon Valley of Africa.”
The trip provided insights into how government and private investment can drive tech innovation and support local entrepreneurs.
The Queens Diversity Tech Hub aims to replicate this success by cultivating relationships with tech giants and ensuring that minority-owned startups in Queens have access to the resources and mentorship they need to succeed.
In addition to the tech hub, the Borough President’s office has launched a desk exchange program, allowing Black and brown tech entrepreneurs in Queens to collaborate with their counterparts in Lagos.
A similar program with Mexico City, renowned for its tech innovation, is set to launch this fall. It will focus on the Latinx community in Queens.
Feature Image Credit: Ryan Schwach
