OUr Story
YYC Queer Innovation was created by Austen Rowden and Ty McKinney partnering with local queer businesses for joint meetups to create representation for queer founders, and innovators in Calgary.
As advocates for inclusivity and proud members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, Austen and Ty identified a need for change within the tech sector, and in May 2022, YYC QIM was born. This initiative unites LGBTQ2S+ and innovation communities to foster a safe and inclusive space, break biases, share resources, advocate for queer rights in tech, and foster meaningful connections.
Meet our Team
Austen Rowden | (They/Them) | CEO & FOUNDER
Austen Rowden is a transmasculine and queer Founder, dynamic storyteller, creative digital marketing strategist and avid community builder in the tech, theatre and entrepreneurial industry. Based in Calgary, Alberta, they are the CEO of YYC Queer Innovation Meetups, CEO of Rowden Digital, where they utilize their digital marketing and storytelling expertise to bring awareness to individuals, communities, artists and startups creating impact across Canada. Austen excels in cultivating community engagement, amplifying entrepreneur stories through compelling content and written narratives, and contributing to the growth of Calgary’s tech and innovation landscape.
Austen’s roster of clients includes: Pedesting, Start Me Up PR, Pumphouse Theatre, Rainforest Alberta QueerTech, Scout Engineering, GlobalFest, Proud Fertility Clinic, Smoking Gun Entertainment, Calgary Clown Festival, Ptak + Co, New Idea Machine, Calgary Innovation Coalition
As an advocate for inclusivity and a proud transmasculine/non-binary member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, they identified a need for change within the tech sector, which led them to create YYC Queer Innovation Meetup which has expanded to reach other industries, communities and the broader innovation sector
Ty Mckinney | (he/Him) | Chief Science Officer & Co-founder
Dr. McKinney completed his PhD at the University of Utah on using brainwave and smartphone technology in mental health assessment, though he has researched many different aspects of brain health, ranging from sleep to the benefits of being in natural environments.
His academic expertise is complimented by over 10 years of service as the Research Director for Branch Out Neurological Foundation. In this role, he ran their research grant programs on early-stage innovative brain health research, provided professional development opportunities to the funded students, and communicated the impact of Branch Out’s research through public speaking engagements and science journalism, with articles published in Impact Magazine.
Alongside Austen, Ty identified a need for change within the tech sector, which led him to create and become co-founder of the YYC Queer Innovation Meetup.
Meetups
Our first meetup took place in June 2022 at Cold Garden, where we introduced the grassroots initiative and began connections. From June 2022- May 2024, we have held 17 meetups in different places across Calgary and have welcomed over 230 attendees (both returning and new) from the LGBTQ2S+ community and allies to support queer innovators. There are many dedicated and returning members each meeting and new members each meetup as well.
Partnership
We have partnered with folks in the ecosystem to create meaningful connections and events. For 2 years we have co-hosted a Calgary Pride Viewing party with Platform Calgary, walked in the Pride Parade with Calgary Economic Development, Hosted two events with local queer business Spirits with Smoke including a Pride Kickoff Party. We are always open for collaborations with queer owned and operated businesses and allies in the innovation and tech space
What we do
Events
We host inclusive events open to anyone who identifies as part of the LGBTQ2S+ Community, Innovation sector, and those who identify as LGBTQ2S+ working in the innovation/technology sector, as well as supportive partners and allies. With the goal to break barriers within the innovation industry, advocate for queer rights, create queer representation within the tech sector and build community.
Community Building
We build an inclusive community, through cross sector pollinations, and create opportunities for vulnerable conversations to happen in order to break down stereotypes and barriers that queer founders and folks are faced with. We also provide queer founders a safe space to explore entrepreneurship, connection and resources.
Advocacy / Speaking
Our co-founders and members are passionate and active advocates in their industries and personal lives and attend protests, local community events, speak on panels, conferences and more to address the barriers faced by queer founders and folks.
YYC Queer Innovation 