The MaRS Inclusive Design Challenge | Future of Work

The fourth and final installment of the Inclusive Design Challenge Series seeks solutions that prevent and/or reduce AI bias and the impacts it has on the recruitment of people with disabilities. We invite both technological and non-technological solutions. Our challenge statement has more information on the different streams.

Applications close March 4, 2024

Who should participate?

• People with lived experience of disability
• DEI professionals
• AI experts
• Startups and ventures in the emerging technologies sector
• HR professionals
• Researchers
• Private, public and nonprofit sector organizations
• Students
• General public

• Future of Work: Why address this problem now?

  The “future of work‟ is frequently described as the way in which various forces of “change‟ (social, economic, environmental, tech, political, etc.) affect three dimensions of work: where we work, who does the work and what type of work is done. [3]

  Key themes of the future of work include:

  • The impact of emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Automation
  • Remote/flexible work arrangements
  • Shifting workplace priorities (importance of mental health, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI))
  • Skill evolution (the need for continuous learning)

  But a glaring omission is disability and the ways in which people with disabilities are impacted by these changes.

  These are not new problems, and will only grow if they’re not addressed now. As momentum builds around new opportunities in the three dimensions of work, it’s clear that we can’t separate the ‘new’ from older biases and attitudes that pose fundamental barriers for people with disabilities. [4]

Prize

The total prize pool is $100,000.

What’s happening now?

The competition is now open and receiving applications.

DETAILS