Welcome to TALENT X

Toronto boasts North America’s fastest-growing tech sector, and its demand for upskilling and building a pipeline of diverse and highly-skilled tech workers has never been greater.

The fast-paced growth of the tech sector in Canada is increasing the demand for talent who are ready to get a jump start on their tech career. Additionally, the need to build a pipeline of diverse and highly-skilled tech workers has never been greater.

For this reason we created TALENT X. Formerly the Talent Development department at MaRS Discovery District, TALENT X is a talent development and connection platform that responds to the rapid changes of the tech community with increased agility, while remaining connected to Canada’s supportive network of technology incubators and innovation centres.

Our suite of development programs supports pre-graduates, as well as early- to mid-career and senior talent, helping them thrive in the tech sector.

Our History

The creation of TALENT X is the culmination of a 6-year journey which began in 2013 at MaRS Discovery District with the Studio Y Fellowship program. Studio Y was created with the goal to equip high-performing young leaders with the skills needed to accelerate their impact, and tackle complex societal and economic problems. The program was made possible through $10 million in funding over a five-year period from the Ontario Ministry of Children and Youth Services.

In 2018, MaRS established the Talent Development department to build on Studio Y’s success with an expanded curriculum geared to prepare talent for success in the tech sector. With the increase in demand for the services provided under MaRS Talent Development, TALENT X was formed to continue and grow Studio Y’s original mission.

TALENT X focus

TALENT X offers specialized programming, engagement and support to the tech talent ecosystem.

TALENT X programming includes an expanded curriculum geared to the entire lifecycle of talent — from pre-graduates to senior leaders. We equip talent with the skills and attitudes required by the tech industry.

Through our research, we build the talent pipeline by connecting with four distinct groups: post-secondary education (PSE), corporations, government and small- to mid-sized enterprises. This work involves:

  • Consulting with industry partners;
  • Raising awareness of talent development trends through thought leadership;
  • Integrating diverse tech talent into the workforce; and
  • Supporting ventures with talent-building policies and programs.

Meet Our Team

Lekan Olawoye
Lekan OlawoyeFounder and CEO
Lekan Olawoye is a passionate city-builder. In his current role as the founder and CEO of Talent X, Lekan supports a team of leaders that are equipping diverse workers and job seekers with the skills needed to thrive in the future of work. At the same time, he is driving critical conversations in the sector on the importance of fostering an inclusive economy.
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Eleanor Salazar
Eleanor SalazarExecutive Assistant/Office Coordinator
Eleanor Salazar is an administrative professional with over 5 years of experience providing key support to multi-level staff in the non-profit sector, most recently at the Bishop Strachan School and previously at For Youth Initiative and LAMP Community Health Centre.
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TALENT X helps you prepare for a future of work.

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