The future of innovation in the Caribbean was on full display on October 24, 2025, as the Caribbean Industrial Research Institute (CARIRI) hosted the highly anticipated finals of its 2025 Innovation Nation Training Programme Competition. Held at the Arthur Lok Jack Global School of Business, YARA Auditorium, the event saw ten talented finalists, aged 10 to 18, present their groundbreaking, technology-driven solutions to real-world challenges before a distinguished panel of judges. This pivotal event underscores CARIRI’s sustained commitment to fostering a culture of creativity, problem-solving, and technological advancement among the youth of Trinidad and Tobago.
A Legacy of Innovation and Empowerment
CARIRI’s Innovation Nation programme, which has been a cornerstone of youth development since 2018, aims to inspire and equip the next generation with the skills needed to navigate an increasingly complex world. The initiative is designed as a free, virtual, self-paced learning experience, allowing students across Trinidad and Tobago to engage with a diverse curriculum. This year’s programme offered three tracks: Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) and Coding; Innovation and Entrepreneurship; and Climate Action in Motion. These tracks delve into crucial areas such as artificial intelligence, mobile app development, sustainable energy, and business ideation, preparing students for future career pathways.
“The world doesn’t just need more engineers or coders or entrepreneurs. It needs people with heart. People who innovate not for recognition, but for impact. People who use their skills to lift others up, to protect our planet, and to inspire hope,” remarked Mr. Hans-Erich Schulz, CEO of CARIRI, highlighting the programme’s ethos. Since its inception, CARIRI’s educational initiatives have empowered over 14,000 students, nurturing their curiosity and creativity through technology and innovation.
Strategic Partnerships Fueling Youth Potential
The success and widespread reach of the Innovation Nation programme are made possible through significant collaborations with key industry players. This year’s event was proudly supported by Republic Bank Limited, under its “Power to Make a Difference” Programme (PMAD), bmobile, Guardian Media Limited, and Methanex. These partnerships are instrumental in expanding the programme’s outreach, offering valuable resources, and cultivating a culture of innovation among the nation’s future leaders.
Republic Bank Limited’s involvement, specifically through its PMAD initiative, demonstrates a shared commitment to financial literacy, youth empowerment, and national development. The sponsors’ contributions not only facilitate the programme’s delivery but also fuel the motivation of young participants through exciting prizes.
Showcasing Ingenuity: The PowerUp Competition Finals
The culmination of the Innovation Nation training was the “PowerUp Competition” finals, where ten selected finalists presented their “pretotypes” – early-stage prototypes or conceptual models – to a panel of esteemed judges. These judges, including representatives from Republic Bank Limited, iGovTT, bmobile, and Guardian Media, evaluated the students’ projects based on problem identification, innovation, ICT application, and potential business or social impact.
While specific details of all ten projects were not extensively documented, one standout winner was Kylon Thomas, who secured the top spot with his “Steel Pan Life” mobile app. This innovative application allows users to play Trinidad and Tobago’s national instrument, the steelpan, directly on their devices, with the aspiration of integrating it as a learning tool in schools to promote pan culture. The competition awarded a combined total of $30,000, distributed as Republic Bank accounts, to the finalists, further investing in their financial future and entrepreneurial journeys.
The Innovation Nation programme represents a vital step in building a robust innovation ecosystem in Trinidad and Tobago. By providing young minds with the tools, knowledge, and platform to innovate, CARIRI and its partners are not just nurturing individual talent; they are investing in the nation’s technological advancement and its capacity to address future challenges through creative, homegrown solutions. This ongoing commitment signifies a strategic effort to shape the future of innovation within the Caribbean region.