CARIRI - The Caribbean Industrial Research Institute

10/08/2026

Who's ready for the 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗨𝗽 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗲𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘀? 🚀

After months of learning, creativity and hard work, our talented primary and secondary school students are ready to pitch bold ideas, tackle real-world challenges and compete for the title of Innovation Nation 2026 PowerUp Champions on Wednesday 12th August 2026.

But before this year's young innovators take the stage, let's rewind to the excitement, energy and unforgettable moments from the 2025 PowerUp Competition! ✨

Last year, CARIRI's CEO, Mr. Hans-Erich Schulz, left participants with these inspiring words:

"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."

That same spirit of innovation has returned as another group of young changemakers prepare to showcase their creativity, passion and problem-solving skills.

Swipe through these highlights from last year's competition and join us in counting down to another inspiring showcase of the Caribbean's next generation of innovators! 🌟

The Innovation Nation Programme and PowerUp Competition 2026 are made possible through the generous support of Republic Bank Limited, through its Power to Make a Difference Programme, and bmobile .

07/08/2026

Great partnerships begin with a shared purpose.

Earlier this week, CARIRI and Studley Park Enterprise Limited, Tobago (SPEL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to advance the use of rubber crumb technology in Tobago. Rubber crumb is a recycled material produced from used tyres that can be used in road construction, manufacturing and other value-added applications, turning waste into a valuable resource.

Following the signing, we spoke with CARIRI CEO, Hans-Erich Schulz, and SPEL Director, Christian Virgil, about the significance of this collaboration and what it means for the future of sustainable infrastructure and economic development in Tobago.

Watch the highlights to learn how this partnership will help turn waste tyres into new opportunities for the island.

06/08/2026

📢 Earlier this week, CARIRI and Studley Park Enterprise Limited, Tobago (SPEL) signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to advance the use of rubber crumb technology in Tobago.

This exciting partnership will support the development of rubberized asphalt using recycled tyre material while laying the foundation for a future rubber crumb production capability on the island.

Together, we're turning the environmental challenge of waste tyre disposal into opportunities for sustainable infrastructure, a cleaner environment, industrial innovation and economic development in Tobago.

Want to learn more about this milestone?

Tap the link to read our media release: https://www.cariri.com/in-the-news/cariri-and-spel-sign-landmark-partnership-to-advance-rubberized-asphalt-innovation-in-tobago/

04/08/2026

Every year, thousands of used tyres reach the end of their life. But what if they could become part of the solution instead of part of the problem?

In Tobago, this vision is one step closer to becoming a reality as CARIRI’s award-winning Rubber Crumb Project reached another major milestone with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Institute and Studley Park Enterprise Limited, Tobago (SPEL). 🤝️

Signed by CARIRI CEO, Hans-Erich Schulz, and SPEL Director, Dr. Christian Virgil, the MOU will advance the use of rubber crumb technology, initially focusing on the development of rubberized asphalt for infrastructure projects in Tobago using material produced at CARIRI’s Rubber Crumb Pilot Plant.

Rubber crumb is a recycled material created by processing used tyres into small rubber particles that can be used in road construction, manufacturing and other value-added products. By transforming waste tyres into a valuable resource, this technology supports more sustainable waste management while creating new opportunities for innovation, industry and economic development. ♻️💡

The partnership builds on previous collaboration between CARIRI and SPEL, including successful road trials in Tobago using rubber crumb supplied by CARIRI. These trials demonstrated the material's potential as a practical and sustainable solution for road construction.

Ahead of the signing, representatives from CARIRI and SPEL toured the Rubber Crumb Pilot Plant at the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) Campus in San Fernando, where they saw firsthand how end-of-life tyres are transformed into rubber crumb and learned about its wide range of applications.

Looking ahead, CARIRI will provide the scientific and technical expertise to support SPEL in establishing its own rubber crumb production capability in Tobago through technical consultancy, materials testing, product development, quality assurance and capacity building.

Together, this partnership is laying the foundation for more sustainable infrastructure, stronger local industry and a future where waste becomes a valuable resource.

01/08/2026

Happy African Emancipation Day from the Staff and Management of CARIRI.

Today, we honour the strength, resilience, rich heritage and enduring legacy of those who paved the way for freedom and continue to inspire us all.

31/07/2026

"Innovation thrives when ideas are given the opportunity to grow."

Watch as Restayge shares how funding through the Shaping the Future of Innovation Project has helped accelerate its vision of empowering Caribbean creators and businesses through digital innovation.

Every success story is another step towards a stronger, more innovative Caribbean.

The Shaping the Future of Innovation Project is a partnership between the Government of Trinidad and Tobago through the Ministry of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development, the European Union in Trinidad and Tobago and IDB Lab, in collaboration with CARIRI - The Caribbean Industrial Research Institute as the project implementing partner. The project is financed by the European Union and the IDB LAB.

31/07/2026

🌍 Strengthening Caribbean innovation through collaboration.

Earlier this month, CARIRI hosted a successful multi-day mission, welcoming I-Nova Technopole Guadeloupe for a strategic engagement focused on advancing regional innovation, entrepreneurship and trade.

From showcasing innovative products from Guadeloupean entrepreneurs at the Trade and Investment Convention (TIC) 2026 to connecting them with manufacturers, distributors, retailers and research institutions across Trinidad and Tobago, the mission created new opportunities for collaboration, partnerships and regional market access.

Together, CARIRI and I-NOVA are helping to build a stronger Caribbean innovation ecosystem—one that empowers businesses, supports entrepreneurs and drives sustainable economic growth across the region.

Read the full media release at cariri.com/media

30/07/2026

🚀 You're Invited! 🚀

Witness the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs and problem-solvers as they compete in the Innovation Nation 2026 PowerUp Competition Finals!

After months of learning, creativity and hard work, our top primary and secondary school students will take the stage to pitch their innovative ideas to a distinguished panel of judges for the chance to be crowned this year's PowerUp Champions. And this is your chance to see it in person!

📅 Date: Wednesday 12th August 2026
🕘 Time: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

The public is invited to attend and be part of this inspiring experience!

🎟️ Admission is FREE, but seating is limited.

📩 Interested in attending? Email us to secure your spot at [email protected] with the subject line "PowerUp Finals Registration" and include your:

☑️ Full Name
☑️ Organization (if applicable)
☑️ Contact Number
☑️ And one line about why you should be in the audience.

Come and support our young innovators as they showcase solutions that could shape the future!

The Innovation Nation Programme and PowerUp Competition 2026 are made possible through the generous support of Republic Bank Limited, through its Power to Make a Difference Programme, and bmobile.

𝗣𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗲: Registration does not guarantee entry. A confirmation email will be sent if you have been added to the guest list. Please present this email upon arrival.

Round 1

29/07/2026

At CARIRI, we are committed to continuously improving the way we serve you and our wider community.

That's why we're inviting you to complete our Customer Awareness Survey.

In just 5 minutes, you can help us better understand:

✔️ How you learn about our products, services and initiatives.
✔️ How we can improve our communication and outreach efforts.
✔️ How we can better meet your needs.

Your responses will remain confidential and will be used solely to enhance our customer engagement and service delivery.

Survey closes on 𝟭𝟴𝘁𝗵 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲.

Every response plays an important role in helping us serve you better.

Visit https://www.cariri.com/ to take the survey today.

29/07/2026

Ideas have value. Protect them.

Join us for our next FREE Intellectual Property (IP) Clinic on Thursday 6 August 2026.

Hosted by CARIRI in collaboration with the Intellectual Property Office of Trinidad and Tobago (IP Office), this monthly clinic offers entrepreneurs, inventors, creators, researchers and business owners the opportunity to receive guidance on protecting their intellectual property.

Whether you're creating a new product, launching a business, developing innovative technology or building a distinctive brand, understanding your intellectual property rights is an important step towards long-term success.

During the clinic, you can receive guidance on:
✔️ Patents
✔️ Trademarks
✔️ Copyright
✔️ Industrial Designs
✔️ Other intellectual property matters

📅 Thursday 6 August 2026
📍 FREE One-on-One Appointments Available

Tap the link to reserve your appointment today and take the first step towards protecting your ideas.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeBGJt2U--kKd4X-8-iBpvVGGUumeN5EeVBwEdwckdq8uaQ2A/viewform