From DIA laboratories new creative and sustainable solutions to address social challenges in Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago and the Dominican Republic

In the heart of the Caribbean, a quiet revolution is taking shape thanks to the “DIA Urban Labs for Youth Innovation,” an initiative promoted by the Trust for the Americas in Washington with the support of the Citi Foundation.
These labs, operating in countries such as Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and the Dominican Republic, offer young people between the ages of 16 and 29 training in emerging technologies, entrepreneurship, and access to resources to transform innovative ideas into concrete solutions for their communities.
The goal is clear: to democratize innovation, making it accessible also to young people from vulnerable backgrounds.
Through mentorship programs, brainstorming sessions, and seed funding competitions, participants are guided through the journey of turning a simple intuition into a sustainable entrepreneurial project.

Tangible impacts and many success stories

The results achieved so far are significant. In Jamaica, over 4.700 young people have been trained or sensitized, with 285 innovative projects developed and 208 funded through “Pitch Tank” competitions.
In Trinidad and Tobago, 776 youth received training, 300 projects were developed and 60 received funding.
In the Dominican Republic, the program involved the communities of Baní, Bonao and La Vega, providing access to advanced technologies and training in digital and entrepreneurial skills.
Individual stories testify to the impact of these programs. For example, Candice Gordon, founder of Shevielle Naturals, has turned her passion for wellness into a business that promotes natural personal care products, contributing to the well-being of her hometown and region.

Linda Eddleman: “Trust and Entrepreneurship”

Linda Eddleman, CEO of the Trust for the Americas, emphasizes the importance of these laboratories:

“These programs not only provide technical skills, but also instill confidence and entrepreneurship in young people, which are essential to the progress of their communities.”

The combination of technical training, financial support and mentorship creates a fertile environment for social innovation, stimulating solutions that respond to local needs.

Towards an expansion towards Latin America

With the success achieved in the Caribbean, the ambition is to expand the DIA Urban Labs model to other regions of Latin America. The goal is to create a network of young innovators capable of addressing social challenges with creativity and determination.
In an era of growing inequality, initiatives like these demonstrate that, with the right resources and support, young people can be agents of change, building a more equitable and sustainable future for their communities.

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