The UNDP TT Accelerator Lab held the Green Innovation Lab Finals virtually on Thursday 24 June 2021. There was an overwhelming response of over 100 applicants to the Challenge, which were shortlisted into 15 semi-finalists. It was an exciting two hours that featured a shark tank style competition where each of the 5 finalists- Rayanna Boodram, Ancel Bhagwandeen, Shenelle Hills-Fife, Dareem Jeffrey, and Lisa Perez - pitched their innovative solutions to a panel of judges that included Randi Davis, Resident Representative for the UNDP in Trinidad and Tobago, Tamsin Clayton, Deputy British High Commissioner to Trinidad and Tobago, Joanne Deoraj, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Planning and Development, and Waltnel Sosa, Head of the ScaleUpTT Accelerator. 

After an engaging two hours, the winners were announced, in no particular order: Shenelle Hills-Fife, with De Jeunesse Sargassum Seaweed Scrubs, Dareem Jeffrey, with Ecowash Waterless Car Washes and Lisa Perez, with Fish Waste Composting. In addition, there was a ‘People’s Choice’ segment where viewers had the opportunity to vote for a winner from the remaining 10 semi-finalists, the winner being Babita Dubay, of My Beach, My Water. Resident Representative Randi Davis was so impressed by all the finalists though that she offered consolation prizes to the two finalists who did not win. Special thanks goes to our partner, Cariri for their support in this initiative. 

The winners will now continue their exciting journey with the UNDP. This will include receiving financial support to build prototypes, develop unique products through innovation and receive mentorship to enhance business skills. Their future is indeed very bright!

Click here to check out the pitches from all 15 semi-finalists.