The Caribbean Climate Innovation Center (CCIC), a project of the World Bank and its global entrepreneurship program infoDev, has announced the 11 winners of its first regional proof of concept (PoC) competition. The countries represented in the selection are Antigua and Barbuda, Belize, Dominica, Jamaica, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, and Trinidad and Tobago.

Proposals include projects on biofuels from microalgae cultivation, wastewater treatment; solar-powered desalination systems for rural communities; alternative animal feed in farms; bio-fertilizers, alternative soil conditioners and fuel briquettes (from castor oil waste); renewable energy in Pedro Banks; an H2-Flex hydrogen hybrid project; fiber optic solar indoor lighting; recycling expansion; and sustainable agri-business paper products.

The successful applicants will receive grants of up to US$50,000 to develop, test, and commercialize innovative, locally relevant climate technology solutions.

Officially closed on April 20, the PoC has received more than 300 applications from 14 countries, including territories within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). Entrepreneurs were asked to submit proposals for innovative products, services, or business models in sustainable agribusiness, water management and recycling, solar energy, energy efficiency, and resource use sectors.

“This overwhelming response is very encouraging for the future of the CCIC and its activities,” said Everton Hanson, chief executive officer of the Caribbean CIC. “The process was very competitive and even the unsuccessful applicants submitted interesting ideas that show great potential.”

The 11 winning proposals represent seven Caribbean countries: Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia and Belize. Particularly noteworthy is also the high engagement achieved among women, with four winning concepts submitted by female applicants. [. . .]

For a list of the projects and more information, see http://caribbeanclimateblog.com/2014/07/15/world-bank-awards-11-caribbean-entrepreneurs-more-than-us400000-in-climate-grants/