В Тринидаде и Тобаго завершился конкурс инноваций Innovation Nation 2026, где школьники представили решения для реальных проблем

THE next generation of innovators took centre stage when the Caribbean Industrial Research Institute (CARIRI), with the support of Republic Bank through its Power to Make a Difference programme, hosted the Innovation Nation 2026 PowerUp Competition. The event brought together some of Trinidad and Tobago’s most promising young minds to showcase innovative solutions to real-world challenges. Held at the Yara Auditorium of the Arthur Lok Jack Graduate School of Business on August 12, the PowerUp Competition represents the culmination of the 2026 Innovation Nation Programme, an initiative designed to inspire young people to explore science, technology, innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainability. Republic Bank’s support through its Power to Make a Difference programme has been instrumental in helping CARIRI deliver the 2026 Innovation Nation Programme, providing young people with opportunities to develop their creativity, problem-solving skills and confidence while exploring how innovation can address real-world challenges. This year, 11 finalists between the ages of 8 to 18 advanced to the national competition, presenting solutions spanning renewable energy, agriculture, environmental sustainability, water quality, healthcare, cybersecurity and smart technology. The finalists included three primary school students and eight secondary school students, each challenged to identify a problem and develop a creative solution with the potential to make a positive impact. CARIRI’s chief executive officer, Hans-Erich Schulz, said the competition demonstrates the importance of creating opportunities for young people to develop the confidence and skills needed to become tomorrow’s innovators and leaders. “Today represents far more than a competition. It is a celebration of young people who have dared to think differently, challenge the status quo and transform ideas into solutions,” Mr Schulz said. He noted that CARIRI has delivered the Innovation Nation Programme for eight years, reaching thousands of students across Trinidad and Tobago and introducing them to areas including coding, design thinking, entrepreneurship, sustainability and emerging technologies. He added that partnerships with organisations such as Republic Bank are critical to creating meaningful opportunities for young people to participate in innovation and STEM-focused programmes. Republic Bank’s partnership with CARIRI on Innovation Nation reflects a shared commitment to empowering the next generation with the knowledge, skills and confidence to become problem-solvers and innovators. Sherwin Forte, manager of corporate security at Republic Bank, described the event as more than just a competition. He also emphasised that participating in the competition was an achievement the children should be proud of in itself, encouraging them to continue believing in themselves, embracing their creativity, and pursuing their dreams. The 2026 Innovation Nation Programme was delivered by CARIRI with the support of Republic Bank through its Power to Make a Difference programme, and in collaboration with bmobile. The partnership enabled CARIRI to provide the Innovation Nation experience to thousands of students, helping to make opportunities for innovation and creativity accessible to young people across Trinidad and Tobago. As part of the 2026 programme, bmobile also supported a coaching workshop for the PowerUp finalists in collaboration with Youth Business Trinidad and Tobago, helping students to further develop their presentation and pitching skills ahead of the competition. Representing the Ministry of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development, permanent secretary (Ag) Aarti Bedassie-Maharaj delivered remarks on behalf of the Minister of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development, Kennedy Swaratsingh. The ministry also recognised the important role played by teachers, parents, guardians and mentors in supporting the young innovators throughout their journey. The panel of judges comprised representatives from Republic Bank, bmobile, the Ministry of Education and NESC Technical Institute, alongside celebrated Trinidad and Tobago athlete Keshorn Walcott, who served as the celebrity judge. At the conclusion of the competition, the winners were announced in both the Primary and Secondary School categories. The winning students received Republic Bank RightStart accounts, trophies, tablets and tokens from the partners, while all finalists were recognised for their outstanding achievement in reaching the national competition. The PowerUp Competition marks the culmination of the 2026 Innovation Nation Programme, but CARIRI says the journey does not end with the competition. For the Institute, the programme is part of a broader commitment to building a culture of innovation among young people and encouraging them to view challenges as opportunities to create and develop solutions.