A year of growth, innovation and momentum across Nova Scotia’s digital sector.
2024-2025 was a year of rapid change for Nova Scotia’s digital sector, fueled by the accelerated adoption of AI. We’ve stayed focused on the needs of our members and the wider industry, supporting growth, providing training, and delivering increasing value. Alongside this, we launched our first industry-wide branding campaign, celebrated innovators through the Tech Forward Awards, upskilled hundreds of people, led research to drive diverse and inclusive workplaces, and supported communities with tourism programming and hands-on youth camps. Through podcasts and storytelling, we’ve amplified diverse voices—and we’re not slowing down, continuing to drive innovation, inclusion, and impact across the province.
PROGRAM & TRAINING PARTICIPANTS
With 54% self-identifying as members of underrepresented communities in tech and 47% from outside HRM.
DNS MEMBERS
276 organizations, 82 professional members and 1,667 introductory.
WEBSITE VIEWS
From 389,779 users.
We promised to build digital capability from the ground up, and in the past year, we delivered. We empowered hundreds of learners – 87% reported enhanced technical skills, 72% improved job readiness, and more than 445 secured tech placements or pursued further learning.
We earned a Project Management Institute Authorized Training Partner stamp, launched new programming to train new talent in AI and emerging technologies to meet workforce demands, furthered research in building diverse and inclusive workplaces, and launched our Beyond Digital Recognition tool for employers.
OF SURVEY RESPONSES
Felt more prepared for the workforce through SFHA
OVER
Secures a new job or continued learning
DS4W+ WELCOMED
Women & gender diverse individual with 96% graduation rate
OF 127 LEARNERS
Reported measurable improvements in workplace productivity or career advacement
We promised to build digital capability from the ground up, and in the past year, we delivered. We empowered hundreds of learners – 87% reported enhanced technical skills, 72% improved job readiness, and more than 445 secured tech placements or pursued further learning.
We pledged to connect with communities, foster inclusion, and bring tech opportunities to every corner of Nova Scotia, and we’ve done exactly that. We welcomed 54 new companies, 83 professional members, and over 1,000 introductory network members, reflecting a stronger and more diverse digital community. By introducing the TechQuity Award, we’re supporting equity and representation in tech through direct funding. Our Tourism programming directly supported 122 businesses and 15 community tourism organizations, providing training across communities in Nova Scotia on digital adoption. Additionally, our Digital Discovery Camps gave kids hands-on tech experiences, sparking curiosity and building the next generation of digital leaders.
EVENTS POSTED
Promoted and attended
JOB PORTAL
Jobs posted with 72,771 views ams 12,451 cliks
SUPPORTED
Tourism digital adpotion initiaticves, 56 digital days participants, and 15 community tourism groups
CAMPS WELCOMED
Youth across Nova Scotia via 8 camps, 6 locations, and with 10 mentors
We aimed to elevate the profile of Nova Scotia’s digital sector, and our impact speaks volumes. We launched our first branding campaign, featuring leaders within our industry and showcasing the talent and innovation driving Nova Scotia forward. Through our All Hands on Tech podcast, we delivered a vibrant season of thought leadership – 18 episodes that amplified diverse voices, topics, and perspectives in tech.
Our Tech Forward Awards continued to recognize and celebrate local tech organizations making a meaningful impact. Across podcasts, events, and digital storytelling, we amplified stories of innovation, inclusion, and growth – cementing Nova Scotia as a vibrant and thriving digital hub.
REACHED
Weekly newsletter subscribers, with a 45% open rate
ACHIEVED
Social media impressions across 25,000 followers
ALL HANDS ON TECH HAD OVER
Download, showing continuous podcast grouwth
250+ GUEST CELEBRATED
Award winners and 24 finalist at the 2024 tech Forward Award
THANK YOU TO OUR
Your support makes it possible to advance meaningful initiatives and create lasting impact. Through your trust and collaboration, we are able to empower communities, support innovation, and continue building a stronger, more inclusive future together.
Looking Forward
As we close this chapter, we are energized, not just by what we’ve achieved, but by the path ahead. We’ve made real progress toward building workforce readiness, digital adoption, inclusive talent pipelines, and a vibrant sector presence. Next year, our focus will sharpen on sustaining this growth through new partnerships, broader reach, and even more innovative and inclusive programming.
"I haven't been to the Oscars... but last week I got to attend the Digital Nova Scotia Tech Forward Awards! It is always so amazing to see the work that technologists across the city and province are bringing to life and to celebrate that dedication to excellence."
TECH FORWARD AWARDS ATTENDEE
"We had a great increase in sales to people from outside the local area - TDAP allowed us to have greater online reach and to promote our new product as well."
TDAP PARTICIPANT
"While we may only be a new member, we can say that the value our membership has added already - just a couple of weeks - has been immense."
DNS MEMBER
"This program has had a significant and lasting impact... I now feel prepared not just to enter the tech industry, but to grow and contribute meaningfully from day one."
SFHA PARTICIPANT
"This program has equipped me with invaluable AI-First mindset to enhance project planning, optimize risk management, and deliver results with an innovative approach."
MICROCREDENTIAL PARTICIPANT
Digital Nova Scotia Memberships
With over 400 members and a growing community of 10,000 tech professionals, including leaders across industry, government, academia, and non-profits, DNS is the leading association representing Nova Scotia’s tech sector.
Become a member