About BOT
Making technology education, resources, and mentorship accessible.
At BOT, we're committed to creating opportunities in the tech industry for communities — helping individuals grow and succeed.
Our mission
Bridging the digital divide
Our mission is to bridge the digital divide by providing access to technology education, mentorship, and career-building opportunities. We aim to accelerate economic advancement by increasing awareness, activities, networks, and resources for those interested in pursuing careers or entrepreneurship in technology.
By offering hands-on training and support, we strive to create an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive in the ever-evolving world of technology.
Our vision
Technology accessible to all
We envision a world where technology is accessible to all, regardless of background, location, or resources. We believe in a future where people from all walks of life have the tools, knowledge, and support they need to succeed in the tech industry.
Through education, innovation, and collaboration, we aim to foster a stronger tech community that reflects the world we live in.
What we believe
Three convictions behind every program
- Tech is a pathway to economic freedom.
- Learning should be practical and approachable.
- Local growth fuels national impact.
A Diamond Decade
10 years of impact
Our team
Practitioners, educators, and organizers
Our team includes tech experts, educators, mentors, and community organizers, all working together to create meaningful opportunities — united by a shared goal of bringing new talent into the tech industry.
Meet the teamOur partners
A regional network behind every cohort
BOT works with a wide range of partners, including tech companies, educational institutions, and community organizations, to expand our reach and the resources available to participants.
Founders’ story
Where this started
Joshua Walker and Mike Felix founded Building Our Tech to close a gap they kept running into: plenty of talent in Orlando, far too few doors into the industry. Ten years on, this is that story in their words.
Depth of connection
Who we’ve worked alongside
“50+ regional partnerships” is a number on a page. This is what it actually looks like — a decade of coworking spaces and innovation hubs, chambers of commerce, universities, recruiting firms, community groups, sports teams, museums and festivals, small businesses, and some of the largest employers in Central Florida. Some of them no longer exist. The work still counts.
- 8 Cents in a Jar
- Accesso
- African American Chamber of Commerce
- AIGA Orlando
- BBIF
- Bethune-Cookman University
- Black Health Commission
- Canvs Parramore
- Catalyst Co-Working Space
- Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
- Defense Innovation Unit (DIU)
- EA Sports
- Enterprising Black Orlando
- Envy Labs
- Eola View
- Google Developer Group
- Great Southern Box Company
- HBCUForce
- Indienomicon
- Informulate
- Kforce
- Massey Services
- National Entrepreneurship Center
- Nerd Nite Orlando
- Orlando Developers (ODEVS)
- Orlando Game Space
- Orlando Innovate
- Orlando Innovation League (OIL)
- Orlando Magic
- Otronicon, Orlando Science Center
- Peete Learning
- Phoenix Capital Solutions
- Plug and Play
- Radix Innovation Capital
- Route 7 Orlando
- Salesforce
- Sideward Brewing
- Space Happy Hour
- Starter Studio
- Startup Weekend Orlando (SWORL)
- StickerPrintGo
- Tech Sassy Girlz
- TekSystems
- The Conduit
- The Grape & Grain
- UCF Black Faculty & Student Association
- UCF Blackstone LaunchPad
- Wells’Built Museum
- Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship
- Women on the Rise
- Zora Neale Hurston Festival
Listed alphabetically, and deliberately incomplete — ten years of showing up in the same rooms involves more people than any one page can hold. If we have worked together and you are not here, tell us and we will put that right.
Join us
Become part of a movement changing the face of technology.
Whether you're looking to upskill, find a mentor, or give back to the community, BOT has a place for you.