MIST announces groundbreaking collaboration with leading research institute 

As Barbados marked National Technology Day, the Ministry of  Innovation, Industry, Science and Technology (MIST) on Monday announced a major international research partnership with biomedical research organisation, BioMed X, reinforcing the country’s  commitment to innovation-led development and future-ready skills. 

At the centre of this effort is the official launch of BioMed X Barbados, a new life sciences research initiative established through a partnership between the Government of Barbados and the BioMed X Institute of Germany, with support from the European Commission’s PharmaNext  Programme. The initiative positions Barbados at the forefront of cutting-edge biomedical research focused on cardiometabolic diseases affecting people of African descent. 

“As we recognise National Technology Day, I couldn’t be happier to announce the launch of one of the many pathways through which MIST is making in-roads in the global arena,” said Senator Jonathan Reid, Minister responsible for Innovation, Industry, Science and  Technology. “Through strategic partnerships, investment in talent, and early exposure for our  young people, Barbados is steadily building a science and technology ecosystem that is globally connected and locally transformative.” 

Speaking on the official launch, BioMed X Barbados CEO Leisel Juman was similarly  enthusiastic. “BioMed X Barbados reflects what’s possible when government, industry,  academia, and international partners align behind a shared ambition,” Juman stated. “This launch is a deliberate move to build the critical mass Barbados needs to compete in high-value global industries. BioMed X Barbados creates a pipeline from discovery to commercialisation — developing elite talent, generating globally relevant IP, and moving solutions into international markets. We’re scaling what Barbados has been building — positioning the country as a serious  creator and market contender.” 

Advancing life sciences through global collaboration 

BioMed X Barbados will operate as a subsidiary of BioMed X Germany and will anchor advanced biomedical research within the Caribbean. The initial phase of the project involves a  two-year pilot study in Barbados, which will see an open call to local and global researchers to work on cutting-edge research as it relates to individuals of African descent. Using artificial intelligence, genomics, proteomics and advanced data analytics, this research will aim to improve treatment efficacy and safety for populations historically underrepresented in clinical  research.

“As of 2021, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) account for around 80 per cent of all deaths in  Barbados, placing a significant strain on our national healthcare systems while costing us between $375 and $825 million annually — nearly ten per cent of our GDP,” stated Reid. “By leveraging cutting-edge science and international research networks, this project represents a strategic shift toward data-driven, precision medicine solutions. It is applied science and technology in action  that will not only benefit Barbadians, but have significant impact globally.” 

“This partnership demonstrates how small states can lead in big ideas,” he went on. “By  combining AI, molecular science and Barbados’ commitment to innovation, we are laying the  groundwork for more inclusive and effective healthcare solutions.” 

“We were attracted to Barbados by its strong political leadership and strategic agenda towards establishing itself as a major life science innovation hub,” added Dr Christian Tidona, Founder and CEO of BioMed X. “For BioMed X, Barbados is an ideal place to study cardiometabolic diseases and to develop health solutions for patients of African descent.” 

Additionally, as part of its programming, BioMed X Barbados will be hosting an open global recruitment call for early stage post-doctoral graduates to participate in a week-long bootcamp in Barbados. The bootcamp will see teams of post-doctoral graduates with experience in data science and cardiometabolic disease compete under the mentorship of industry professionals for a spot in the global ecosystem. 

“This bootcamp is designed to help create an entry point for early stage post-doc graduates into translational research, bridging the gap between academia and industry by having successful applicants be given the opportunity to work with top pharmaceutical and tech companies,” stated Reid. “And it is just another example of the many ways we are establishing Barbados as a global hub for science and innovation.” 

The initiative is supported by funding to the tune of €1.4 million through the PharmaNext Project, which seeks to strengthen health resilience, research capacity, and pharmaceutical  innovation across the EU, Latin America and the Caribbean.  (BGIS)