We build technology for the people it usually leaves behind.
Birmingham Tech Collective is a not-for-profit forming as a community interest company. We make accessible software with and for our community, give new developers a real route into the industry, and help people feel less stuck around technology.
// 01 — the gap we see
The gap we see.
Software gets built for the people who already have it easy. Community groups make do with tools that weren’t designed for them. New developers from this city graduate with strong skills and no way to prove them. And plenty of people just want to feel less lost when their phone updates.
We think a small group of people, working in the open, can chip away at all three.
// 02 — what we do
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// platform.ts
Software for the community
We design and build tools with community organisations in Birmingham, starting with a community events platform. Accessibility is baked in from the first commit, not bolted on at the end.
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// students.md
A way in for new developers
Real open-source experience, mentorship, and credit for the work. We partner with Birmingham City University, Aston, and the University of Birmingham on final-year project briefs.
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// literacy.org
Tech literacy, plainly explained
Short, no-jargon sessions for people who feel left behind by everyday technology. We currently work with a deaf community group in Birmingham.
// 03 — the platform
Our first build: a community events platform.
Organisers can post events with clear accessibility information. Attendees can find what is actually near them. Everything is keyboard- and screen-reader-friendly from day one, not as an afterthought.
Read about the platform// 04 — status
// 05 — where next
How we think about funding, and what we’re looking for.
Real experience on a live project, and final-year briefs.
Tell us what you need. We’d like to hear from you.