The Caribbean is becoming more sensitised to the impact of climate change and the need for the Region to enhance its resilience, given its level of vulnerability to natural disasters and climate events.

At the same time, the world is moving rapidly to develop technologies and adapt new business approaches that protect and preserve the environment, and effectively seek to limit the intensity and pace of climate change.

In the Region, there is also renewed emphasis on strengthening the capacity of the Caribbean to promote cleantech businesses and develop entrepreneurs who focus on clean technology. One such organisation with this as its mandate is the Caribbean Climate Innovation Centre (CCIC).

Headed by Jamaican engineer Carlington Burrell, the CCIC has been helping small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Caribbean to develop “locally appropriate technologies and solutions for climate challenges affecting the region”.

CCIC, a collaboration between the Caribbean Industrial Research Institute (CARIRI) in Trinidad and Tobago and the Scientific Research Council (SRC), was established in 2014 and has successfully executed other projects that stimulate economic activity and employment in the green economy.

One of its most ambitious projects, which is in the early stages of execution, is being funded jointly by the Caribbean Development Bank’s (CDB) which is contributing  US$ 204,655, and the Inter-American Development Bank which is providing US$141,000 towards the initiative.

The three-year project comprises seven components, and targets cleantech entrepreneurs in Barbados, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago, supporting up to 150 businesses owners develop their business plans and access funding.

The incubator project also aims to assist cleantech entrepreneurs develop their ideas for innovative products and services that respond to climate change challenges in critical areas such as renewable energy, energy efficiency, water, transportation, food and agriculture and industrial technology.

One of the other important benefits for project participants is their exposure to the linkages which CCIC has established through its participation in the global network of Climate Launchpad (CLP).

CLP is the world’s largest green business ideas competition platform that trains and supports entrepreneurs and innovators to develop businesses that address climate solutions.

By the end of the project which was approved in later 2021, the cleantech entrepreneurs will be exposed to coaching, mentoring and other accelerator support. Moreover, participants will be equipped to develop their business plans, secured funding for the launch of their businesses, and are ready to present cleantech products and services that are appealing to the market.