By Luli Adeyemo, CMO Tendertrace
As I reflect on Tendertrace’s recent collaborations with Australian universities, I’m struck by a sobering reality: we’re racing against time to build the tech workforce Australia desperately needs.
The numbers tell a compelling story. Australia aims to create 1.2 million tech jobs by 2030, and we’re making progress—as of 2025, Australia’s tech workforce is estimated to be between 935,000 and 950,000 workers. According to a recent report by the Tech Council of Australia, the tech workforce grew by 8% in the past year, reaching 935,000 workers, up from 865,000 the previous year
The question isn’t whether we’ll meet this target—it’s how we’ll get there.
Beyond the Statistics: Real Impact Through Partnership
When Tendertrace partnered with Swinburne University of Technology students to support our UK expansion next week, we weren’t just seeking research assistance. We were investing in a reciprocal relationship that would benefit both our business and the future workforce.
The results exceeded every expectation. These students didn’t just deliver data—they provided insights that transformed our understanding of the UK market. Their analysis of data sources, regulatory frameworks, and competitive landscapes gave us the confidence to launch internationally.
”Once again, we cannot express enough how impressed we are with the work of this team," I told them. "You have provided us with insights and recommendations that have helped build our confidence in conversations and our ability to scale to the UK."
The Swinburne students who helped us prepare for our UK launch delivered insights that would have cost tens of thousands from a consulting firm. More importantly, they approached our challenges without preconceived notions about “how things are done,” leading to breakthrough thinking.
But here’s what struck me most: the caliber of thinking, the fresh perspectives, and the innovative approaches these students brought to complex problems. They reminded me that the future of our industry isn’t just about filling positions—it’s about elevating the entire standard of what’s possible.
The Future is Collaborative
When we launch Tendertrace’s UK operations to coincide with London Tech Week, we do it with confidence because students have helped us understand the market deeply. When we speak to potential clients, we reference insights these young professionals generated. When we navigate complex regulatory environments, we apply frameworks they developed.
This is what partnership looks like—mutual benefit, shared success, and collective growth.
Australia’s tech future won’t be built by any single company or institution. It will be forged through collaboration between industry and academia, professionals and students, experience and innovation.
The Multiplier Effect of Engagement
Every tech professional reading this has something valuable to offer students. Whether it’s:
- Guest lecturing to share real-world industry insights
- Partnering on research projects that solve actual business challenges
- Mentoring students through career transitions
- Offering internships that provide meaningful experience
These aren’t acts of charity—they’re strategic investments in our industry’s future and our own success.
Late May, our Co-Founder Abu Odigie spoke to Australian Catholic University’s Master of IT cohort about “Tech Isn’t Just Coding: Finding Your Fit in the Industry,” he witnessed something profound. Students from diverse backgrounds, working multiple jobs, and showing up with unwavering determination and purpose.
”Talent is global, but opportunity is earned. Quiet effort builds deep strength. Inclusion is a must, not a bonus.
Abu OdigieCEO & Co-Founder, Tendertrace
The Business Case for University Partnerships
Let’s be practical about this. University partnerships aren’t just feel-good initiatives—they’re smart business strategy:
- Access to cutting-edge research and methodologies
- Fresh perspectives unencumbered by industry assumptions
- Cost-effective solutions to complex problems
- Early identification of exceptional talent
- Brand building within academic communities
- Innovation acceleration through diverse thinking
A Call to Action
We can wait for others to solve the skills shortage, or we can actively participate in creating the workforce we need.
I challenge every tech professional to make one commitment this year:
- Reach out to a local university
- Offer to speak to students
- Propose a collaborative research project
- Share your expertise through mentorship
The students are there, eager to learn and contribute. They’re not asking for handouts—they’re offering their skills, energy, and fresh perspectives in exchange for real-world experience and industry knowledge.
The question isn’t whether you have time to invest in the next generation. The question is whether you can afford not to.
The students of today are the leaders of tomorrow. Let’s make sure they’re ready—and that we’re part of their journey.
Luli Adeyemo
Luli Adeyemo also advocates for diversity, innovation, and collaborative approaches to solving industry challenges through her voluntary work at TechDiversity, where she has led a workforce study called Tech Reflects to address glaring inclusive leadership gaps. She is also behind the launch of the TechDiversity Academy, endorsed by the Australian Computer Society (ACS) and powered by real data from Diversity Atlas and the technology workforce study Tech Reflects. The Academy is a practical, evidence-based leadership program designed specifically for mid-level managers who want to drive real results.
