CANTO Launches Second Edition of the Innovation Challenge, Empowering Caribbean Youth in ICT
CANTO is excited to announce the launch of the second edition of the CANTO Innovation Challenge 2025, a ground-breaking competition designed to inspire young Caribbean innovators to develop transformative ICT solutions.
The CANTO Innovation Challenge is an annual competition aimed at encouraging young Caribbean minds to create innovative and practical ICT solutions that address regional challenges. This initiative provides a platform for participants to showcase their technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and creativity, while contributing to the advancement of the Caribbean’s digital ecosystem. By fostering innovation and collaboration, the challenge empowers youth to drive technological and social transformation across the region.
Success of the 2024 Challenge
The 2024 CANTO Innovation Challenge, which concluded in October 2024, featured 10 talented finalist teams from Trinidad & Tobago, Barbados, Suriname, and Jamaica. The grand prize was awarded to Team Greentify from Suriname for their ground-breaking project, A.R.T. (Automated Recycling Technology).
A.R.T. is a smart recycling system designed to combat environmental pollution by efficiently sorting and disposing of cans and bottles using advanced technology. The system’s innovative design and user-friendly interface were praised for their ability to promote sustainability and mitigate issues such as littering and flooding caused by improper waste management. By fostering environmental consciousness and encouraging recycling within communities, Team Greentify’s solution exemplifies the power of ICT in driving meaningful social and environmental change.
“The success of last year’s challenge, particularly with projects like A.R.T., reinforces the need for innovative solutions in the Caribbean,” said Teresa Wankin, Secretary General of CANTO. “We are excited to see what the next generation of young innovators will bring to the table in 2025.”
The Challenge Format
The CANTO Innovation Challenge 2025 will once again take participants through a two-phase competition:
- Part 1 – The Problem Exploration Challenge:
Participants will research and analyze a significant ICT-related issue within the Caribbean, laying the groundwork for creative problem-solving. - Part 2 – The Solution Development Challenge:
Selected teams will build functional prototypes based on their research, demonstrating how their innovation can create real-world impact.
Submissions Now Open!
Young innovators across the Caribbean are invited to submit their proposals and compete for exciting prizes, including a $2000 USD cash prize, a mentorship program with industry experts, and a trip for two (2) team members to CANTO Connect 2026 (location to be announced).
To learn more and apply, visit Here.
The CANTO Innovation Challenge would not be possible without the support of our valued partners. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Ekiva, who served as the official sponsor of the 2024 challenge. Their support helped us provide young innovators with opportunities to showcase their talents and drive impactful change across the region.
About CANTO
CANTO is the leading association for ICT professionals in the Caribbean, dedicated to driving innovation, collaboration, and excellence. Through initiatives like the Innovation Challenge, CANTO empowers young minds to spearhead digital transformation and sustainable development across the region.