The Caribbean Climate Innovation Center (CCIC) — a project of the World Bank and its global entrepreneurship program infoDev — has announced the 11 winners of its first regional Proof of Concept (PoC) competition.
The successful applicants will receive grants of up to US$50,000 to develop, test, and commercialize innovative, locally relevant climate technology solutions.
There are four Jamaicans among the 11 winners. Shirley Lindo’s project is for Organic Soil Conditioner & Fuel Briquettes from Castor Oil Waste. Brian Wright won his award for the Pedro Banks Renewable Energy Project, while Harlo Mayne’s is the H2–Flex Hydrogen Hybrid Project. Kert Edwards was selected for his Fiber-Optic Solar Indoor Lighting (FOSIL) project.
The PoC grants are designed to help entrepreneurs prove the value of their business concept by providing the resources and the skills necessary to prototype, test, develop, and commercialize services and products. In addition to funding, the PoC winners will also get access to the suite of advisory services offered by the CCIC, as well as considerable exposure and networking opportunities through the center’s media events.
Officially closed on April 20, the PoC received more than 300 applications from 14 countries, including territories within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). Entrepreneurs were asked to submit proposals for innovative products, services, or business models in sustainable agribusiness, water management and recycling, solar energy, energy efficiency, and resource use sectors.
“This overwhelming response is very encouraging for the future of the CCIC and its activities,” said Everton Hanson, Chief Executive Officer of the Caribbean CIC. “The process was very competitive and even the unsuccessful applicants submitted interesting ideas that show great potential,” he added.
The 11 winning proposals represent seven Caribbean countries — Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, and Belize.
Four of the winning concepts were submitted by female applicants.
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Four Jamaicans among 11 winners in Proof of Concept contest
