Barbados is intensifying its technological advancement strategy through Supernova Lab, the National R&D Programme operating under the Ministry of Innovation, Industry, Science and Technology (MIST). The organization has unveiled two specialized fellowship streams—the Local AI Systems Fellowship and the Digital Economy Fellowship—marking a significant expansion of its ongoing effort to position the island as a competitive hub for innovation.
These initiatives build on recent successful programs, including an urban-design challenge with Adjaye and Associates in April 2025 that attracted global participation, and a Heritage-themed fellowship in August that drew international interest from nations such as Ghana. The new fellowships are strategically crafted to leverage local talent and address national priorities by supporting research and applied projects in AI customization and digital economy growth. Key focus areas include fintech, digital infrastructure, data services, and emerging commercial technologies aimed at enhancing economic resilience.
Strategic partnerships form the backbone of this endeavor. The Local AI Systems Fellowship is supported by the R.O.A.D programme—a major digitization project preserving the island’s historical records—and Amini, an African AI firm. The Digital Economy Fellowship collaborates with FutureAfrica, a venture capital firm focused on bold tech solutions, and the Barbados Investment and Development Corporation (BIDC).
Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Jonathan Reid, emphasized the critical role of collaboration: “Our research confirms that innovation thrives through partnership, not isolation. By uniting expertise and expanding opportunities, we accelerate progress that would otherwise take decades.” Reid also highlighted the role of R&D in Barbados’ reindustrialization strategy, noting the nation’s ambition to become a global hub for knowledge products, research, and intellectual property development.
Foreign investment is expected to complement local efforts, providing not only funding but also technical knowledge, market access, and scaling opportunities for small island developing states (SIDS). Analysts note that coordinated national innovation strategies like Barbados’ improve resilience to economic shocks and enable entry into emerging industries.
Je-Meila Moseley, Executive Director of Supernova Lab, described the fellowships as part of a longer-term vision: “Each cohort builds momentum, cultivating a pipeline of problem-solvers ready to shape Barbados’ future. There’s a palpable energy emerging—our innovation future is already here.”
Since its inception, the Supernova Fellowship program has served as a catalyst for high-impact innovation, helping transform concepts into real-world applications. The new AI and digital economy tracks represent a deliberate step toward building a self-sustaining ecosystem that nurtures local talent, activates international partnerships, and expands the boundaries of technological possibility.
As Barbados continues to develop its innovation infrastructure, these programs offer an inclusive platform for societal participation in shaping the nation’s technological trajectory.