AI, digital economy innovation fellowships to catalyse solutions for future growth

Supernova Lab, which serves as the National Research and Development Programme under the Ministry of Innovation, Industry, Science and Technology (MIST) continues its rolling Innovation Fellowships programme with two more streams: the Local AI Systems Fellowship and the Digital Economy Fellowship.

The fellowships come on the heels of Supernova Lab’s innovation in urban-design-themed challenge in partnership with Adjaye and Associates launched in April 2025, which saw entries from 30+ countries, and its Heritage themed fellowships in August 2025, which garnered interest from as far as Ghana. The Lab’s current call reflects a deepening national commitment to advancing technology-driven solutions while positioning Barbados as a serious participant in the global innovation landscape. 

Designed to harness local ingenuity and align with national priorities, the fellowships will support research and applied projects in the modification or creation of artificial intelligence tailored to domestic needs, alongside initiatives that accelerate digital economy growth. Areas of focus include fintech development, digital infrastructure, data-driven services, and emerging commercial technologies that can strengthen economic resilience and competitiveness. 

This phase of the fellowship programme underscores the importance of strategic partnerships in cultivating a sustainable innovation economy. The Local AI Systems Fellowship will be supported by the R.O.A.D programme, the largest digitisation effort to preserve historical records in the island, and African artificial intelligence firm, Amini. While the Digital Economy Fellowship partners with FutureAfrica, a venture capitalist firm focussed on bold technology-driven solutions, and the Barbados Investment and Development Corporation (BIDC). 

Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Jonathan Reid, emphasised that collaboration remains central to the country’s ambitions.

“Our research has shown us that the impact of innovation is much greater when people innovate in collaboration rather than isolation. Strategic partnerships allow us to combine expertise, expand opportunity, and accelerate progress in ways that would otherwise take decades. Through meaningful collaboration with regional and international partners, Barbados is building an innovation environment that is ambitious, connected, and ready for the future,” Reid said.

Adding that R&D is a fundamental pillar of the country’s reindustrialisation strategy, Reid spoke to the role of the ministry in promoting innovation.

“As agreed at the Cabinet level, we are transforming to be a hub for the creators, innovators and builders of the world’s highest valued knowledge products. This plays to our strengths of deep investment in advanced education as well as a mature and well regarded international business sector. Barbados is already a corporate home and headquarters for many international companies; we intend to fully leverage this and also position us to be the home of their research, product development and IP. In doing so, we will credit a new and high earning pillar of economic activity and work opportunities for Barbadians”. 

Foreign investment is expected to play a complementary role in boosting local capacity. Global development research has consistently shown that countries which actively support national innovation initiatives experience stronger productivity growth, higher rates of entrepreneurship, and greater economic diversification. In addition to funding, international capital provides technical knowledge, market access, and networks that enable SIDS to scale ideas more rapidly. For Barbados, such engagement signals confidence while opening pathways for local innovators to compete beyond geographic constraints. 

Indeed, analysts have long noted that countries with coordinated national innovation strategies are better positioned to withstand economic shocks and capture emerging industries. With deliberate investment in talent, research, and commercialisation, Barbados is increasingly viewed as capable of competing within the global innovation industry. Programmes such as the Innovation Fellowships demonstrate how targeted support can unlock high-value sectors while nurturing homegrown expertise. 

For Supernova Lab, the continued evolution of the fellowship programme is both strategic and aspirational. Executive Director, Je-Meila Moseley, described the current continuation as part of a longer trajectory. “Each fellowship builds on the last, creating momentum that extends far beyond a single cohort. We are cultivating a pipeline of thinkers and builders who are prepared to solve real problems and imagine new possibilities for Barbados. There is a quiet but undeniable energy emerging from this work, and it signals that our innovation future is not distant. It is already taking shape.” 

Since its inception, the Supernova Labs’ Fellowships have served as a catalyst for high-impact ideas & supporting innovators as they move concepts from theory into practical application. The addition of the Local AI Systems Fellowship and the Digital Economy Fellowship marks another step in a deliberate effort to construct an ecosystem which supports local talent, activates partnerships and pushes the boundaries of what’s possible. 

As Barbados continues to invest in its innovation architecture, initiatives like these provide the opportunity for all members of society to participate and share their ideas on Barbados’ future. With sustained support, strategic alliances, and a shared vision for progress, Supernova Lab and by extension the various fellowships help make this a possibility. For more information on the fellowships or to apply visit linktr.ee/supernovalab.ai or www.supernovalab.ai