Trinidad and Tobago, July 2026
The Caribbean Industrial Research Institute (CARIRI) recently hosted a successful multi-day mission by I-NOVA Technopole of Guadeloupe, reinforcing a shared commitment to fostering regional innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic integration across the Caribbean.
The visit formed part of the ongoing collaboration established through the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between CARIRI and I-NOVA Technopole in 2025. The partnership aims to strengthen innovation ecosystems throughout the region by promoting knowledge exchange, supporting entrepreneurship, facilitating business development, and creating new opportunities for regional enterprises.
Showcasing Caribbean Innovation at TIC 2026
The first component of the mission saw CARIRI partnering with I-NOVA Technopole at the Trade and Investment Convention (TIC) 2026, held from 9–11 July at the Center of Excellence, Macoya.Through a shared exhibition space at Booth #68, the partnership showcased three innovative Guadeloupean enterprises to the Trinidad and Tobago market:
Papa Rouyo Distillery is an award-winning boutique agricultural rum distillery established in 2021 in Guadeloupe. Inspired by the legacy of Charles Albert Ruscade, affectionately known as "Papa Rouyo," the micro-distillery produces premium white and aged agricultural rums using sugarcane cultivated on its own estate in Basse-Terre. Combining traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation, Papa Rouyo has quickly earned recognition for its distinctive spirits, including its flagship white rum Le Rejeton and its oak-aged expressions. The company also produces gourmet craft beer, reflecting its commitment to innovation within the Caribbean beverage industry.
Cap Créole, founded in 1996, is the leading seafood processor in Guadeloupe and Martinique and has built a reputation for delivering premium smoked seafood products throughout the French Caribbean. Working closely with local fishermen, the company sources a significant portion of its raw materials from Guadeloupe and Martinique, ensuring traceability, quality, and support for local fishing communities. Its range of traditionally smoked marlin, kingfish, tuna, sea bream, sailfish, and ready-to-eat seafood delicacies combines authentic Caribbean flavors with modern food processing techniques, enabling successful distribution across supermarkets, gourmet retailers, hotels, and restaurants.
Representing Guadeloupe's rich culinary heritage, Renée Restaurants, through its production arm, showcased Chocolat Renée, a premium ready-to-drink chocolate beverage inspired by a cherished family recipe that has delighted customers since the Renée brand was established in 1963. Blending cocoa, sweetened condensed milk, and traditional Caribbean spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and citrus zest, the beverage captures the authentic taste of Guadeloupe in a convenient long-life format. By transforming a beloved artisanal recipe into an export-ready product suitable for retail, hospitality, and foodservice markets, their product demonstrates how Caribbean traditions can be successfully adapted for international consumers while preserving their cultural identity.
The exhibition provided an opportunity for local businesses, investors, and consumers to discover the unique products and entrepreneurial talent emerging from Guadeloupe while highlighting the importance of regional collaboration in building a more connected Caribbean innovation ecosystem.
Strengthening Diplomatic and Business Connections
As part of the official mission, the I-NOVA delegation also paid a courtesy visit to the Embassy of the French Republic in Trinidad and Tobago, where they were welcomed by His Excellency Guillaume Pierre, Ambassador of the French Republic.
The visit provided an opportunity to strengthen diplomatic ties while fostering dialogue on regional economic cooperation between Guadeloupe and Trinidad and Tobago. During the engagement, the delegation met with locally established businesses, some of which are owned by individuals of French descent. This visit created a valuable opportunity to exchange experiences, explore commercial partnerships, and identify avenues for increased collaboration between French Caribbean enterprises and the Trinidad and Tobago business community.
The Embassy visit underscored the important role of diplomatic partnerships in supporting regional entrepreneurship, trade, and investment, while reinforcing the shared commitment of France and Trinidad and Tobago to advancing economic cooperation and innovation across the Caribbean.
Creating Pathways for Regional Market Access
A key objective of the visit was the implementation of I-NOVA's Soft Landing Program, a structured initiative designed to support innovative agri-food enterprises as they explore expansion opportunities within the Caribbean Single Market.
As part of the program, I-NOVA accompanied three innovative entrepreneurs from Guadeloupe who are actively seeking distribution partnerships, market entry opportunities, and commercial collaborations in Trinidad and Tobago.
During their visit, the delegation participated in a series of high-level business meetings with several leading organizations from the Food and Beverage Sector, Manufacturing Sector, Major Retail and Distribution companies, Hotels and Specialty Gourmet stores.
Additional visits included The Cake Lab Trinidad, where the entrepreneurs provided samples to the owner and staff for feedback on taste, texture, and potential for entry into the local market.
They also visited Caribbean Collections, where discussions centered on locally manufactured products and opportunities for regional collaboration.
Exploring Innovation, Research and Manufacturing Opportunities
Recognizing the importance of research and innovation in driving sustainable economic development, the delegation also visited several of Trinidad and Tobago's leading innovation and research institutions.
At CARIRI, the delegation was welcomed to its Centre for Enterprise Development, where they explored the Institute's business incubation and enterprise support services before touring the Food Processing Centre to examine potential production capabilities available to regional entrepreneurs seeking to scale their businesses.
The visit concluded with a meeting at CARIRI's Head Office with Chief Executive Officer Hans-Erich Schulz, where discussions focused on expanding regional partnerships, supporting innovation-driven enterprises, and identifying future collaborative initiatives between Trinidad and Tobago and Guadeloupe.
The group toured the Cocoa Research Centre, gaining valuable insight into Trinidad and Tobago's internationally recognized cocoa research, fine-flavor cocoa industry, and ongoing work in agricultural innovation.
The delegation also toured the House of Angostura, where they met with Chief Executive Officer Ian Forbes and gained insight into one of Trinidad and Tobago's most internationally recognized brands.
Experiencing Trinidad and Tobago's Tourism and Culture
Beyond business engagements, the delegation was given the opportunity to experience Trinidad and Tobago's rich natural and cultural attractions.
The program included visits to the Caroni Bird Sanctuary, where delegates experienced the country's unique biodiversity, as well as an evening turtle-watching excursion at Las Cuevas Beach. The group also toured a brewery in Pasea, providing further appreciation for Trinidad and Tobago's vibrant food and beverage industry and cultural heritage.
Building a Stronger Caribbean Innovation Ecosystem
The mission reflects the growing importance of regional partnerships in driving innovation-led economic development throughout the Caribbean.
Through initiatives such as the Trade and Investment Convention partnership and the Soft Landing Program, CARIRI and I-NOVA Technopole are creating practical pathways for entrepreneurs, start-ups, and SMEs to access new markets, build strategic partnerships, and accelerate business growth across the region.
By connecting innovative enterprises with research institutions, manufacturers, distributors, investors, and support organizations, both institutions continue to strengthen the Caribbean's innovation ecosystem while advancing greater regional cooperation and sustainable economic growth.
About CARIRI
The Caribbean Industrial Research Institute (CARIRI) is Trinidad and Tobago's premier research and technology organization, providing technical services, research, innovation support, business development, and technology solutions that enhance industry competitiveness and contribute to national and regional development.
About I-NOVA Technopole
I-NOVA Technopole is Guadeloupe's innovation agency dedicated to supporting entrepreneurship, technology development, business acceleration, and international collaboration. Through strategic partnerships and innovation programs, I-NOVA fosters sustainable economic development and strengthens the Caribbean innovation ecosystem.
