The Caribbean Industrial Research Institute (CARIRI) launched the Creative Tech Lab
Trinidad
& Tobago (CTL TT). This initiative, powered by Banj, aims to connect creatives
and developers
and stimulate innovation and creativity that will lead them to the creation of
digital products
dedicated to offer new online experiences of the Trinidad & Tobago carnival.
Carnival is one of the key pillars of Trinidad and Tobago’s economy. It is estimated
that the
2016 total carnival visitor expenditure was approximately 51 million USD.
Unfortunately, the
COVID-19 pandemic is expected to have a severe impact on this industry. The Prime
Minister of
T&T recently announced that carnival 2021 has been canceled. It is with this
challenge in mind
that the Creative Tech Lab will focus on the challenge of making online Carnival
experiences
available all year long to foster the digital economy while respecting restrictions
due to COVID-
19.
The Creative Tech Lab Trinidad & Tobago (CTL TT) is seeking software developers
interested
in forming teams in collaboration with creatives to create solutions that could help
offering a set
of fun and sustainable TT carnival experiences available online all year long.
The general public is invited to submit their inputs to CTL TT by completing a
survey to help the
participants of the Lab better understand how to shape online experiences for an
online version
of the Trinidad and Tobago Carnival.
AUDIENCE
Developers:
Anyone who has experiences in software development in fields including
Blockchain, enhanced Reality, Virtual Reality, Artificial Intelligence and Data
Science.
Age or gender does not matter. Youths and women are encouraged to apply.
Creatives:
A shortlist of 20 creatives selected by Cariri, IDB and Banj that consists of
highest-
level influencers that represent the current carnival, creative and tech ecosystem
in Trinidad and
Tobago that committed to being available and to contribute to the challenge and
support the
results that will come out of it. These creatives are champions that will be
piloting the creation of
the first series of Virtual TT Carnival products to the world by serving as
speakers, judges,
trainers and mentors to help guide the work of the developers during the Creative
Tech Lab.
General Audience: Anyone
interested in filing a 3 minute survey to provide insights into TT
carnival that can help better frame the products that will come out of the CTL TT.
SURVEY ON TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO CARNIVAL
METHODOLOGY
The Creative Tech Lab TT will be held from March 22nd, 2021 to June 30th, 2021
online
starting with an official launch with the creatives and developers. The purpose is
to start the
process of creating teams of developers and to continue to inspire them on potential
products
they could focus on creating. First, the developers and creatives and influencers
will be in one
room together, then distributed into rounds of Zoom Rooms with smaller numbers of
people for
more direct ways to connect and share.
After the networking day, a set of online live training sessions will be presented
by selected
experts or the Creative Dream team to make sure every participant and the public is
equipped
with the right set of technical tools and knowledge to engage in building successful
businesses in
the creative world leveraging technology to take the TT carnival online.
Participation is based on interest but each participant is required to attend at
least 4 workshops.
After 2 days of online training, selected technologists will have 48 hours to submit
their project
ideas and team list with 3 people to continue engaging with the program. The 5 most
endorsed
teams will be selected for the build days (Prototype construction) Mid May 2021 and
will end
with a closing event in June 2021 during which the teams will share their prototypes
with the
public. These prototypes will then be made available on the CTL TT website that will
become a
platform for the general public to come enjoy unique experiences of the TT carnival
online.
APPLICATION
DEADLINE
The deadline for submitting applications and/or to fill the survey is April 15th, 2021 at 11:59
PM (AST)
PRIZES
The Creative Tech Lab Trinidad & Tobago is not a competition betweens
participants but aims
for collaboration, visibility and the creation of solutions that can elevate the TT
Carnival
experience online. This initiative will allow participants to :
Enrich the creative industry in Trinidad and Tobago, while exploring the
application of
new technologies;
Leverage the workshops to gain in knowledge and advise to properly conceptualize
and
evaluate their creative ideas while gaining visibility on the local and
international market;
Create meaningful connections with champion creatives and other developers with
the
common motivation to advance the carnival industry in Trinidad and Tobago
Ability to be available online and in person when needed during the month of
April to work with
technologists and participate in all activities of the Workshop program.
Must be passionate about the idea of taking the TT Carnival online and be
willing to provide
some of their time and network to support the projects that will come out of the
Lab beyond
the timeframe of the workshop.
Must be passionate in supporting the creation of a virtual carnival experience
for Trinidad and
Tobago
Must fill out the application form which requires:
Online link(s) to previous projects you created or worked on
Online link to personal website or CV outlining your work
A Statement of Interest and ideas on how to contribute to elevate the
carnival experience of
TT by taking it online.
At least two years of experience in software development
Must have experience working with languages such as Java, PHP, Python, R
or Ruby
Technologists should apply as individuals.
Age or gender does not matter. Youths and women are encouraged to apply!
The Caribbean
Industrial Research Institute (CARIRI) is a widely recognized centre of
excellence owned by the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. They are
dedicated to the industrial and economic development of the region by becoming a
national and
regional focal point for technology and innovation while playing a leadership role
in providing
value added technological solutions to the manufacturing and service sectors as well
as public
sector entities, designed to enhance efficiency, competitiveness and viability,
foster new business
creation, improve the quality of life and promote sustainable economic development.
CARIRI
houses multimillion dollar, modern laboratories with state-of-the-art equipment and
highly
trained specialist professionals, technologists, technicians, consultants and
researchers and have
thus been able to provide solutions to Caribbean industries, businesses and small
entrepreneurs,
while making great strides in keeping the environment safe.
BANJ is a
coworking space, entrepreneurship hub and business accelerator powered by Google
in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. It's the go-to place for networking and growing tech
startups. Banj
strengthens the entrepreneurial ecosystem of the capital by connecting and offering
modern
workspaces capable of stimulating creativity and creating results-oriented
conditions to
entrepreneurs from all social backgrounds wishing to increase their visibility and
take their
entrepreneurial journey to the next level. Banj offers a set of quality events,
acceleration and
business innovation programs to accelerate learning and exchanges in Haiti and with
the rest of
the world through local and international partnerships.
Partners
CTLTT
Organized by CARIRI powered by Banj
in partnership with Loop TT, Trini Jungle Juice, TTT, IDB Lab, Facebook, Syntax Studio