Akano Highlighted Gender Disparities in Tech
Tim Akano addressed the Women Entrepreneurs and Executives in Tech Summit regarding artificial intelligence gaps.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Artificial Intelligence
Live Poll
Do you believe women are gaining equal access to leadership and funding in the AI economy?
Tim Akano addressed the 2026 Women Entrepreneurs and Executives in Tech Summit, shedding light on the limited representation of women in global leadership and AI-focused roles. The discussion emphasized that female representation in AI leadership is critical for future decision-making regarding influential technologies.
Why it matters
The persistent gender gap in technology leadership poses risks to how influential AI tools are developed and deployed. Experts note that bridging this divide requires combining capital access with robust technical training to help women-led businesses scale.
In 2025, women accounted for 26 percent of all new hires into US artificial intelligence roles, compared to 50 percent in non-AI occupations. Meanwhile, female CEOs held only 34 of the 500 positions within the 2026 Fortune Global 500.
The players
Tim Akano
He is an executive who addressed the Women Entrepreneurs and Executives in Tech Summit to discuss gender representation in technology.
New Horizons
This organization hosted a two-day bootcamp providing free artificial intelligence and cybersecurity training for summit participants.
The details
New Horizons hosted a two-day bootcamp at the summit, providing free training in AI and cybersecurity tools to attendees. Participants were encouraged to adopt a 12-month action plan that prioritizes mastering AI technical skills and mentoring others in the field.
Timeline
In 2025, women made up 26 percent of all US AI hires.
The Women Entrepreneurs and Executives in Tech Summit took place in 2026.
By 2030, the World Economic Forum projects 170 million new jobs created and 92 million displaced.
The Tech Race
The focus on AI workforce diversity follows the World Economic Forum's 2030 labor market projections which estimate 170 million jobs created and 92 million displaced. Closing the gender gap is seen as a way to ensure the industry's evolution is equitable for the future workforce.
For aspiring professionals, the shift toward AI-centered roles makes the adoption of 12-month skill-building plans essential for career longevity. Entrepreneurs, particularly in regions like Africa, may find that proactive mentoring and technical training are key to overcoming systemic financing gaps.
The takeaway
Advancing women in AI is a strategic necessity to ensure diverse decision-making in the development of future technologies. Investing in technical training and formal mentorship programs can help close the gaps identified in current global leadership and labor statistics.
Further reading
For broader context on current industry shifts, visit the Artificial Intelligence section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Business Metrics.
Live Poll
Do you believe women are gaining equal access to leadership and funding in the AI economy?
