How Collision’s Indigenous attendee program amplifies Indigenous voices

From how to get involved to advice from alum, here’s everything you need to know about the Indigenous attendee program.

In 2022, despite making up five percent of the Canadian population, only 17 Indigenous peoples held board positions across the country. Since then, Web Summit’s Indigenous attendee program (IAP) has worked to amplify the voices of Indigenous entrepreneurs.

Created as a response to the widespread exclusion of Indigenous peoples from Canada’s capital markets due to unfair and discriminatory laws and policies, the IAP aims to build respectful relationships with First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities in Canada by showcasing the expertise of Indigenous entrepreneurs.

With that in mind, here’s everything you need to know about the IAP, including information on how to get involved and what our alum have to say about the program.

What is the Indigenous attendee program?

The program offers complimentary access to all three days of Web Summit Vancouver, including full access to the exhibition floor, 120 hours of onstage content, and our After Hours events. Program members can also use the event mobile app to discover talks and network with fellow attendees.

Who can apply to the program?

All Indigenous peoples over the age of 18 who have an interest in attending Web Summit Vancouver can apply to the program.

How do I apply?

You can apply via the Indigenous attendee program page, where you can enter your email address, click ‘Apply for the Indigenous attendee program’, and provide the requested information.

Interest in Web Summit Vancouver will be assessed through this application process, which asks for your basic identity and contact details, and a short, reflective piece explaining why you wish to attend our event.

Applications will be assessed as quickly as possible, and tickets will be issued to successful applicants through the email address they provide during the application process. Those who qualify for the program will receive a free ticket to the event.

What are the benefits of joining the program?

Learning from industry experts

Program participants get to enjoy talks, masterclasses and group discussions on topics covering AI, telecommunications and everything in between. And, with the event app in hand, it’s easy to make the most of our event by planning the content you want to experience.

Meeting global tech enthusiasts

Web Summit Vancouver 2025 will bring together more than 20,000 people from 130-plus countries. That’s a lot of new people to meet, plus plenty of opportunities to learn, network and make deals.

The Web Summit Vancouver app is your key to connecting with the people you need to meet, making it easier to hit the event floor and maximize your time at the event.

Expanding your business network

At Web Summit Vancouver, entrepreneurial attendees can share their business with thousands of executives and investors searching for the next big opportunity.

With our rich network of global members of the media, tech enthusiasts, industry leaders and world-renowned speakers, our Toronto event is the ideal place to gain exposure.

But don’t take our word for it. Read what some of our IAP attendees have to say about their experiences.

Collision allowing ‘Indigenous tech professionals to come together’

According to Indigenous Tech Circle founder Ryan St. Germaine, Collision provides Indigenous people with a space to convene and share mutual experiences.

“Historically, Indigenous peoples have been spread out into a lot of remote communities throughout the country,” said Ryan. “Collision has been so important to Indigenous Tech Circle because […] it’s hard to bring everyone together.

At a recent event hosted at Microsoft, Tech Circle’s founder, Ryan, noted that many members started to feel they belonged in these spaces for the first time. One member’s words summed it up nicely: “I never thought I would see myself in these spaces with other Indigenous professionals, and to be [in these spaces] with everybody was life-changing.”

Alejandro Mayoral Baños, founder and executive director of Toronto-based Indigenous Friends Association, feels that bringing together this section of the tech ecosystem can provide benefits beyond those of just business ideas.

“The part of the program that most excites me is the potential to create a roadmap that we can utilize within the larger ecosystem,” said Alejandro. “[It’s important] to be surrounded by your peers who have passed some of the barriers, and are succeeding and leading the way in tech ecosystems and changing those narratives.”

“I really want, when people think of Indigenous people, for them to think ‘Oh, they’re really good at tech.’” Alejandro continued, “The biggest benefit of the program is bringing equity and diversity into a space that is commonly for corporates, and is commonly geared towards a specific audience. Programs like the IAP open the opportunity for people that might not be even thinking about going into tech […] to start considering a tech career and to see what digital tech means today.”

Want to get involved? Apply to our Indigenous attendee program.