The Caribbean Industrial Research Institute (Cariri) and Microsoft T&T are partnering to open a state-of-the-art training facility in Trinidad, the first of its kind within the English-speaking Caribbean. The announcement was made Thursday at the Hilton Trinidad and Conference Centre, where both organisations signed a historic memorandum of understanding (MOU), witnessed by Planning Minister Dr Bhoendradatt Tewarie and other guests.
“The opening of the Microsoft Innovation Centre (MIC) in Trinidad and Tobago signals our commitment to providing resources and technology that help spur economic development and create opportunities for Latin America and the Caribbean,” said Barry Ridgway, vice president of Sales Marketing and Services Group, Microsoft Latin America.
“We are confident that through our partnership, the nexus of entrepreneurship and technology will boost local economic development and help the centre become a Caribbean-wide hub for technological innovation. Ultimately, this will empower its people and the region, helping it becomes a more prosperous place to live and work.”
Microsoft already has more than 100 MICs in 80 countries worldwide. As in the various countries where MICs operate, the local centre will provide world-class resources and support for students, IT professionals, academic researchers, entrepreneurs and start-ups, accelerating the creation of new companies, jobs and growth of the local software ecosystem. The MIC will contribute to the diversification of the T&T economy and strengthening of small and medium enterprises that exist in related industries.
Frances Correia, country manager Microsoft T&T, Eastern and Southern Caribbean, Latam New Markets, said the Centre would engage the local population in innovation and help diversify the economy. “With reserves of oil and gas in Trinidad and Tobago expected to be exhausted by 2025–30, there needs to be greater economic diversification to help boost productivity and living standards, create jobs, and reduce the fiscal and external risks associated with the heavy reliance on oil revenues,” Correia said.
“The Microsoft Innovation Centre will provide the knowledge-sharing and training required for start-ups, and even to sustain existing businesses, through its facilities.” The centre, which will be operated by Microsoft and its community partner, Cariri, will offer users programmes and services designed to develop their skills as well as foster innovation and collaboration.
“The services provided at the Microsoft-Cariri Innovation Centre are designed to boost ICT technology development and foster the growth of sustainable local software economies through skills and professional training, industry partnerships and innovation,” said Cariri CEO Liaquat Ali Shah.
“Cariri is cognisant of the critical importance of networks in the innovation process and is open to working with key stakeholders in public sector organisations, universities, private sector companies, research and technology organisations, both local and foreign, and regional and international organisations, to advance the national innovation agenda.” Scheduled to open in August, the centre will be a stand-alone facility located in the Cariri Centre for Enterprise Development in Freeport.