Yirigaa Solutions: nurturing the next generation in tech
Indigenous businesses are driving technology-led innovation across cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and data science, drawing on cultural heritage and values to deliver unique solutions that also produce positive social impact.
Yirigaa Solutions, founded in 2020 on Gadigal Land and Supply Nation certified that same year, was established with a clear vision: to address the underrepresentation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the tech industry.
From the outset, Yirigaa’s mission has been to combine advanced technology with rich cultural traditions, creating career pathways through education and innovative IT solutions.
Yawun Mundine, a proud Bundjalung and Wiradjuri man, Founding Director and Chief Executive Officer, was facing challenges finding technology and cyber skills among Indigenous youth.
“After establishing Yirigaa, as a cybersecurity solutions provider, COVID hit, and it really gave us some space to reflect on what we wanted to do from a social impact standpoint. Now, everything we do from a project perspective leads back to our Academy which is built around education and employment.”
'Yirigaa' or 'Morning Star' in the Wiradjuri language, signals the dawn of new beginnings and the promise of opportunities
The Yirigaa Academy offers programs in data science, cybersecurity, data networking and automation, and project management. It also offers a dedicated IT Helpdesk program designed to develop the foundational skills necessary for excelling in dynamic IT support roles, blending hands-on experience with a deep respect for cultural values.
It is a model that is proving effective, with more corporates asking Yirigaa to assist with their training and internships. Developing pathways to employment and skills training in technology for young Indigenous people leads to diverse values, increased inclusion and more Indigenous business entrepreneurs in the future.
“It’s important to change the narrative. And that’s what I kind of love, I know that growing up as a kid in Dubbo, you always heard about sports stars, but never really heard about successful businesspeople. We need more business stars, and many of them will come from the foundations we are laying in technology today.”
Yirigaa Academy collaborates with Australian universities – including Macquarie University, Charles Sturt University and Newcastle University – to ensure the highest standard of education and accreditation for their programs.
By bringing together a thriving tech provider with pathways in education, employment and innovation, Yirigaa is dedicated to not only advancing technological solutions but also to uplifting communities, promoting equity and making a lasting impact on the social and economic prosperity of all Australians.
In a few short years, amid a rapidly changing and disruptive sector, the Yirigaa team has developed a successful business with purpose at its core.
Indigenous values, knowledge and heritage, fused with cutting-edge skills and expertise are creating significant positive change and contributing innovative solutions to challenges across the Australian and global tech industries.
“We know we have a unique offering, and it is proving itself daily. Our next step will be to take our technical expertise, Indigenous talent and perspectives and form strong international partnerships that will help our business and Academy to deliver even more.”
