Innovators can still apply for 2018 national awards
JAMAICAN INNOVATORS have one last chance to apply for the 2018 National Innovation Awards, as the extended deadline comes to an end tomorrow.
Categories for entrants include Agriculture; Food and Agro-processing; Education and Popularisation of Science, Technology and Innovation; Energy; Cybersecurity; Entertainment Products; Environmental Sustainability; Health and Safety; Youth Innovator; Engineering; and Manufacturing.
Executive Director of the Scientific Research (SRC), Dr Cliff Riley said that “we are looking for persons with innovative ideas and prototypes, things that can have an impact at a community level, a national level or internationally”.
“Any solution to a particular problem, or improving on something that is already being utilised, is an innovation,” Dr Riley explained.
He highlighted that the awards, which have been around for a number of years, initially began with the SRC as a way of recognising innovators in Jamaica and in an effort to champion the cause of innovation driving the economy.
“We have to recognise excellence when we see it, and we have to celebrate persons who have an impact on how we perform and operate nationally,” he said.
Dr Riley noted that, to date, there have been 77 applications from nine different categories for this year’s awards.
He indicated that the shortlisting process will begin in the second week of June, followed by interviews and discussions with the selected candidates.