News and Events

CARIRI and CANTO Sign MOU

The Caribbean Industrial Research Institute (CARIRI) and CANTO signed a memorandum of understanding on Wednesday 3rd September 2014 to work together to strengthen the region’s ability to develop, promote and commercialise mobile applications.

Both institutions have a shared interest in increasing awareness regarding global and regional internet related challenges and governance; the promotion of regional mobile app development; the building of regional technical expertise through mentoring and training; and the sharing of knowledge and data on best practices to assist in the development ofmobile apps programming.  It is against this backdrop that the MOU commits the two institutions to sharing knowledge and expertise related to mobile application development in Trinidad and Tobago as well as across the region. 

CEO of CARIRI, Mr Liaquat Ali Shah and Secretary General of CANTO, Ms Regenie Fraser were both on hand to sign the MOU for this new and innovative relationship which will benefit the region significantly. 

At Freeport, CARIRI has the Centre for Enterprise Development which houses its own mCentre.  The mCentre is a mobile applications lab which offers testing services to app developers to ensure that their apps are optimised and ready for commercialisation.  CANTO has successfully held a mobile app competition for the last 3 years called iCreate and with this partnership, can now take the developers forward to reach their full commercialisation potential.

CARIRI and CANTO are making leaps and bounds in driving innovation and creating a space for people with mobile app ideas to develop them.  CARIRI has been recognized as the leader in the field of consultancy, innovation and testing for over 44 years, while CANTO is recognized as the leading trade association of the ICT sector for shaping information and communication in the Caribbean.  This is the perfect time for a partnership such as this as Trinidad and Tobago and the region gear up to start making inroads into the competitive world of mobile apps. 

 

CARIRI-CED Conducts App Development Workshop

The Caribbean Industrial Research Institute (CARIRI) hosted its first ever App Club event “From Mind to Market” in August 2014 at The Centre for Enterprise Development (CED) compound located at Innovation Avenue, Freeport.

The event, which was open exclusively to members of CARIRI’s new App Club, featured a wide range of presenters who encouraged the attendees to pursue their app idea and app development goals.

Ashley Mitchell, Managing Director of Enterprise Hub Limited, kicked off the programme with a riveting discussion on promoting your mobile app.  He drew on his international experience as he intrigued the audience with how they should look at the market.

Shaun Gianetti is considered to be the biggest “Appreneur” in Trinidad as he has 44 applications in the iTunes Appstore, 4 in GooglePlay and 4 in Amazon.com, and 25 games in development.  He educated the audience on the feasibility and profitability of “gaming” apps which is the hottest app segment right now. His valuable tips of the trade ranged from where to get background music for your app to how much to charge for it. His parting advice was, “Don’t expect a million dollars with your first app!! Give yourself time to get it wrong before you emotionally invest in your app.  Your first app might not make you a million dollars and neither will the second, but keep growing and developing and never give up because you never know which app will make you profitable. “

Marc Buekenhout of Digicel, one of our partners emphasized how big apps are right now. He elaborated on how Digicel is committed to supporting the app industry by preloading apps onto Digicel smart phones, mass messaging of the latest news to handsets and also prioritizing which apps to showcase.

Vinni Jones from Microsoft Trinidad and Tobago wrapped up the event by showcasing ways in which Microsoft can aid and promote app ideas and development.

The app club was launched in June of 2014, with the sole purpose of supporting and developing an app community where existing and potential mobile app developers can exchange ideas and collaborate on innovative solutions. CED and CARIRI are making leaps and bounds in driving innovation and creating a space for people with ideas to develop them.

CARIRI and The Uganda Industrial Research Institute (UIRI) Sign MOU

The Caribbean Industrial Research Institute (CARIRI) and The Uganda Industrial Research Institute (UIRI) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which would encourage and promote co-operation in technology/technology-related and management development areas which will benefit both Trinidad and Tobago and Uganda. 

CEO of CARIRI, Mr Liaquat Ali Shah and Executive Director of UIRI, Professor Dr Charles Kwesiga were both present at the UWI Campus head office of CARIRI to sign the MOU.

CARIRI and UIRI are both long standing members of the World Association of Industrial and Technological Research Organizations (WAITRO).  It was through this link that both Institutes found common ground in their goals and objectives and decided to formalize their partnership. 

This partnership will see a strengthening of ties between the two countries as there will be the exchange of technical information, sharing of expertise, joint execution of projects and will see a  greater opportunity for technical and scientific cooperation.

Both organizations are important contributors to the socio-economic development of their respective countries and both are desirous of working together for the mutual benefit and growth and development of, their countries.  It was a natural fit, therefore, for both organizations to share their technologies, knowledge and processes with each other. 

With the support of its Board, CARIRI pursued this relationship since it recognized the critical importance of research, development and innovation to the country's economic survival and growth, and has taken up the mantle to lead the charge in the creation of an innovation-driven economy.  It is with this in mind that CARIRI now has the Centre for Enterprise Development (CED) at Freeport, a state of the art facility which is helping to build innovative strength and capacity and is quickly being recognized as a centre for innovation.

CARIRI and CED are in a unique position to contribute to the overall development of the nation and are committed to ensuring that the right partnerships are formed to further economic and social growth.

Technology in Fermented Foods Based on Soy

During the period June 23rd to July 4th 2014, Ms. Rhea Koylass (Technologist - Food & General Microbiology) and Ms. Amanda Lalla (Technologist - Food Technology), attended a training program in Bandung, Indonesia titled "Technology in Fermented Foods Based on Soy". Special attention was given to the manufacture of Tempe from Soybeans since Tempe is not commonly produced in Trinidad.

This two week training programme was hosted by the Indonesian Institute of Sciences - LIPI (Lembaga Ilmu Pengetahuan Indonesia) and facilitated by Dr. Sri Pudjiraharti, Dr. Sri Pritani, Ms. Yetti Iskandar and Ms. Thelma Budiwati at the Research Center for Chemistry in Bandung.

The training took the form of formal lectures, practical laboratory work and field trips to various Tempe factories in and around Bandung and Bogor, Indonesia. The three main tempe producing facilities visited during the training were:

1) A cottage industry;

2) A small scale tempe factory; and

3) A large scale (state of the art) tempe factory.

 

Some of the topics covered during the course of the training include:

  • Solid Substrate Fermentation for Tempe Production and Nutrition Aspect;
  • Tempe Making Process;
  • Quality Assurance of Tempe Products; and
  • Food Safety of Soy/Tempe Products.


Certificates of completion were awarded after successful completion of the two week training.

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