What happens when young minds are given the tools to dream big? At CARIRI’s annual Power Up competition, powered by bmobile, innovation took center stage as two young visionaries presented groundbreaking ideas to transform education and agriculture. This year’s competition, a highlight of CARIRI’s 2024 Virtual Innovation Nation Training Camp, reinforced the importance of nurturing creativity and problem-solving skills among the next generation.
bmobile, a longstanding partner of CARIRI’s innovation initiatives, played a pivotal role in ensuring the program’s success. “Empowering young people with the tools to innovate and create is an investment in the long-term progress of our society,” said Anjanie Ramesar-Soom of bmobile’s Corporate, Environmental, Social & Reputation Management team. “By supporting initiatives like CARIRI’s Innovation Camp, we’re not just fostering talent—we’re building a foundation for sustainable growth and transformative ideas that will shape Trinidad and Tobago’s future.”
Among the remarkable participants, two exceptional young minds emerged as champions. Kriston Davis, a 12-year-old from Fatima College, captured the judges’ attention with his ‘Standardized Electronic Textbooks System.’ His innovative platform not only aims to ease the financial burden on parents but also seeks to eliminate the need for heavy school bags by providing students with digital access to their textbooks.
“The stress of my mother searching for expensive textbooks inspired my idea,” Kriston shared. “This system is more affordable, and it also saves me from carrying a heavy bag every day. With one click, students can access all their books.” Expressing his surprise at the win, Kriston added, “I felt elated—I did not expect it.”
In the older age category, 17-year-old Jéiel Richardson of Barrackpore East Secondary School took the top spot with her ‘Agricultural Revolution of Smart Pots.’ Observing her father’s struggles in the garden, Jéiel created a smart technology solution that uses real-time data and alerts to optimize plant care and boost yields.
“Every time my father went outside, he faced challenges with the plants,” Jéiel explained. “I thought, ‘Why not monitor plant health from the comfort of your home using a mobile device?’ My innovation aims to change lives, especially for farmers like my dad.”
The Power Up competition, held at Cipriani College of Labour and Co-operative Studies, Valsayn, attracted praise from esteemed guests, including the Minister of Education, Dr. Nyan Gadsby-Dolly. She highlighted the importance of equipping young people with skills for the digital age. “Education is not just about certification; it’s about developing skills and abilities that extend beyond the classroom to create well-rounded individuals.”
CARIRI’s CEO, Hans-Erich Schulz, also commended the students for their ingenuity and determination. “At CARIRI, innovation is not just a buzzword—it’s the spark that ignites transformation and the engine that drives economic growth,” he stated. “Your work has the potential to shape industries, improve lives, and inspire future generations.”
This year’s Virtual Innovation Nation Training Camp engaged over 3,500 students, teaching them valuable skills in coding, engineering, and business development. bmobile’s support was instrumental in providing resources that empowered students to think creatively and design real-world solutions.
By backing initiatives like the Power Up competition, bmobile demonstrates its commitment to education, innovation, and youth development—helping to build a brighter future for Trinidad and Tobago.