Prime Minister Mark Phillips issued a challenge on Sunday at the closing ceremony of the sixth edition of the Innovation Challenge.
The sixth edition was held at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre. The theme was “Transitioning through Innovation.” The initiative is organised by the Office of the Prime Minister through its Industry and Innovation Unit.
High‑speed internet is now available at more than 3,800 public locations across Guyana. Internet services have been extended to all 253 hinterland, remote and rural communities through government buildings and public spaces.
97 per cent of schools are connected to high‑speed internet. 92 per cent of health facilities are connected. All fire stations are connected.
Between 2021 and 2026, close to $1.8 billion was invested in ICT hubs across hinterland communities. More than 3,000 persons from 200 communities received training. Approximately 75 per cent of the trainees were women.
Prime Minister Phillips said a digital economy can only be strong if its people have the skills to participate and its systems have security, emphasising cybersecurity, data protection, resilient infrastructure and responsible governance.
According to the Acting Head of State, the 2026 Innovation Challenge introduced a refreshed format with greater emphasis on problem analysis, research, design thinking, rapid prototyping, collaboration, user testing, responsible use of artificial intelligence and realistic implementation planning.
For the first time, the competition included a Junior Category.
Prime Minister Phillips recognised SBM Offshore Guyana for its continued partnership with the Innovation Challenge.
Prime Minister Phillips urged teams to think beyond the competition, saying their prototypes could become pilots, start‑ups, public‑interest solutions or services reaching regional and international markets.
