IDB launches Caribbean innovation project

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has launched the Pivot Movement to harness the most innovative ideas for Caribbean development and create a plan for the future of the region. The Pivot Movement includes a crowdsourcing contest and an event.

Pivot Search is the crowdsourcing platform to receive new development ideas. It runs from September 2 to September 18, with a US$5,000 cash prize.

Along with partners Caribbean Climate-Smart Accelerator (CCSA), Singularity University and Destination Experience, the IDB will also host the Pivot Event, a virtual conference, between October 15 and 30.

In a statement Thursday, the IDB’s Caribbean Country Department (CCB) general manager Therese Turner-Jones said the project is a vehicle for Caribbean transformation, driven by ideas. "It gives anyone anywhere the opportunity to help shape the future of our region. We are creating an innovative space where pioneering minds will discuss moonshot ideas to drive a more resilient and secure future for all Caribbean people.”

The Pivot Search, which precedes the event, is a call for ideas from members of the public. Three ideas will be selected for the prize and will also secure a place at the conference. The ideas in the areas of electromobility, digital transformation and re-imaging tourism can be submitted online.

Racquel Moses, CCSA CEO said her organisation was delighted to partner with the project. “In the Caribbean, we battle with the disastrous impacts of climate change. Innovation is urgently needed to build our resilience.”

Singularity University, out of Santa Clara, California, specialises in moonshot thinking – ideas that otherwise seem impossible to achieve – and will facilitate sessions over the five days of the conference, where thought leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs will be invited to plan a vision for the Caribbean in the next decade.

The organisation will explore three moonshot ideas under each of the three themes for a total of nine ideas, three of which will come from the Pivot search winners, who will be given the chance to attend the conference. There will also be an event at the conference to plan for the nine moonshot ideas and a roadmap to access funding. For information on attending the conference and for further details about how to submit ideas for the Pivot Search visit the website www.caribbeanpivot.com.