The recently concluded Frontiers of Research in Caribbean Science and Technology (FORECAST) Conference, hosted at the University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech, Jamaica) from August 14-16, 2024, brought together some of the most brilliant minds in Caribbean science and technology. A highlight of the conference was the 3rd Grand Innovation Challenge (GIC), which was open to high school and tertiary students across the Caribbean. Participants competed to develop groundbreaking solutions aligned with the theme, “Resilience and Transformation: Innovating Connected Caribbean Communities.”

Grand Innovation Challenge 2024 Winners

This year’s winning team, Innovatech from The University of the West Indies (The UWI), Mona, captivated the judges with their revolutionary Piezosmart Mats—an energy-harnessing technology that converts pedestrian and vehicular traffic vibrations into electricity. Their innovative approach, which integrates piezoelectric materials within rubber mats to generate power, presents a scalable and sustainable solution to the Caribbean’s growing energy needs. The judges were particularly impressed by the project’s potential for real-time traffic monitoring and smart city applications. Team Members: Somesh Sharma, Orville Daley, Dominic Collins, Andrew Smart, Tahmia Vincent; Mentor: Dr. Savanna Lloyd.

Grand Innovation Challenge 2024 Participants and  Projects

The competition featured an impressive array of innovations tackling critical challenges in waste management, water security, renewable energy, agriculture, and accessibility for the visually impaired.

• 1st Place and People's Choice Award – Innovatech (The UWI, Mona) | Piezosmart Mats: A revolutionary energy solution leveraging piezoelectric materials to convert mechanical stress into electricity, supporting smart city development and sustainability initiatives. Team Members: Somesh Sharma, Orville Daley, Dominic Collins, Andrew Smart, Tahmia Vincent.

•  2nd Place and Best High School – Sonar Footwear (Marcus Garvey Technical High School, Jamaica): A sonar-based navigation system for the visually impaired, integrating a sensor system with LED indicators to enhance spatial awareness and promote accessibility and independence. Team Members: Bereek Thomas, Rajay Chin, Djaune Brown, Ramone Wildman.

•  3rd Place – Eliminetic Solutions (UTech, Jamaica) | Advanced Recycling Infrastructure: An initiative aimed at transforming Jamaica’s waste management sector by repurposing plastic, rubber, and electronic waste into valuable materials such as flooring solutions and reinforced asphalt. Team Members: Anthony James, Kharece Lloyd.

 Other Notable Innovations

• Island Gearheads (The UWI, Mona) | Microbial Fuel Cell Wastewater Treatment – An innovative system integrating microbial fuel cells within a closed botanical environment to produce clean water while generating electricity, addressing the region’s wastewater and energy challenges. Team Members: Orville Daley, Taeija-Lee Hall-Watts, Kimie Chan
•  BWSS (Trinidad) | Solar-Powered Rainwater Harvesting System – A sustainable solution for water security, providing clean and accessible water to communities. Team Members: Amanda Mohammed, Akeil Imtiaz Mohammed, Amrita Nandlal, Damion Samlal-Singh
•  Three Little Pigs (UTech, Jamaica) | Modular Hydration Delivery Device (MHDD) – A device enhancing soil water retention to combat drought and food insecurity, featuring moisture sensors and a controlled release system. Team Members: Nimah Foster (Team Leader), Amoy Campbell, Javan Sutherland.

 A Platform for Change

The FORECAST 2024 Grand Innovation Challenge reaffirmed the Caribbean’s immense potential for scientific and technological advancement. By fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and government, the conference continues to serve as a catalyst for sustainable innovation across the region.

As The University of the West Indies (The UWI), University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech, Jamaica), University of Guyana, and University of Trinidad and Tobago strengthen their partnerships, the next FORECAST Conference promises even greater strides in research, development, and innovation.

Congratulations to all participants!

 The Origin of FORECAST

The Frontiers of Research in Caribbean Science and Technology (FORECAST) Conference was established under a 2020 Memorandum of Understanding between the University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech, Jamaica) and The University of the West Indies (UWI). The biennial conference aims to strengthen scientific research and innovation in Jamaica and the wider Caribbean. The inaugural FORECAST Conference 2022, hosted virtually by UWI, successfully provided a platform for cutting-edge discussions, research presentations, and industry collaborations. The 2024 edition, hosted by UTech, Jamaica, expanded its partnerships to include The University of Guyana and The University of Trinidad and Tobago, further solidifying its role as a premier regional research event.

Click here to view  the GIC Awards Ceremony.

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