New Center in Grenada Set to Boost Youth-Driven Innovation

In a significant move to boost youth-driven innovation and digital empowerment in the Caribbean, CAF Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean and The Trust for the Americas have joined forces to launch a new Innovation Center in Grenada. This pioneering initiative will establish the country’s first Youth Innovation Center, aimed at equipping young people with skills in digital technology, artificial intelligence, and entrepreneurship

Unveiled at the 55th General Assembly of the Organization of American States (OAS), this new initiative aims to equip 200 young people in Grenada with essential skills in digital literacy, artificial intelligence (AI), and entrepreneurship. The program also includes mentoring by business leaders and seed funding for standout ideas, laying the foundation for a new generation of Caribbean innovators.

Titled “Strengthening the Digital Entrepreneurial Ecosystem in Grenada,” the program is set to run from July 2025 to June 2026. Designed for youth ages 17 to 34, the initiative will include a national ideation, mentorship opportunities, and a pitch competition that will provide real-world experience and support for entrepreneurial ventures.

“This collaboration reflects our commitment to strengthening the Caribbean’s capacity to compete and lead in a digital economy,” said Dr. Stacy Richards-Kennedy, CAF’s Regional Manager for the Caribbean. “By investing in youth skills and entrepreneurship, we’re promoting inclusive growth and digital sovereignty in the region. Through our CAF Innovation Series, we’ve also been proud to support regional dialogue, including this week’s Artificial Intelligence for Caribbean Sustainability conference in Antigua, which welcomed over 500 participants.”

The Trust for the Americas, a non-profit affiliate of the OAS, will implement the project using a model that has already seen success in 29 countries. In Grenada, the organization will work with a local implementing partner to deliver training, run the Innovation Center, and generate measurable outcomes for future scale-up in the Eastern Caribbean.

“This initiative directly reflects Grenada’s goals for youth empowerment,” said Linda Eddleman, CEO of The Trust for the Americas. “We believe this tailored approach will help unlock employment and innovation opportunities for young Grenadians.”

Grenada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Joseph Andall, along with OAS Assistant Secretary General H.E. Nestor Méndez, expressed full support for the project during the signing ceremony. Both highlighted the critical importance of increasing youth access to technology and praised The Trust for the Americas for its regional impact.

Beyond training 200 youth, the project will also reach an additional 200 community members through outreach programs. It will document case studies to inform future replication efforts in neighboring countries.

This partnership underscores a longstanding collaboration between CAF and The Trust for the Americas, united in their mission to drive regional development through digital access, inclusive innovation, and youth empowerment.