Locations
UNDP Accelerator Lab in Trinidad and Tobago, serving Guyana, Suriname, Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten
UNDP Accelerator Labs: Re-imagining development for the 21st century
The speed, dynamics and complexity of today’s social, economic and environmental problems are fundamentally different from previous eras in history. Many of these challenges call for governments and multilateral agencies to do development differently. The Accelerator Lab is the UNDP’s answer to this call. Together with partners, the Lab analyzes challenges within the local context to identify connections and patterns in search of new avenues of work to act effectively in addressing wicked development challenges.
Building on local innovations
The Lab works with local actors to identify innovative, grassroots solutions and validate their potential to accelerate development. Solutions come in many different forms, from a farmer discovering a new way to prevent floods to a nonprofit developing an AI solution to preemptively address the needs of migrants. The Accelerator Lab plays in all of these spaces.
The Lab harnesses the potential of collective intelligence, real time data and people’s energy to respond to rapidly evolving challenges that impact development.
Building on these locally sourced solutions, the lab rapidly tests and iterates new ideas to learn which work, which can grow, and which don’t, bringing experimentation to the core of our work.
Global Network to increase impact
The Trinidad and Tobago Accelerator Lab is part of a global network of 92 Labs which operate in 116 countries, where each Lab learns from the rest. Labs explore multiple solutions in parallel, and design experiments that rapidly teach us whether solutions can work and grow in weeks or months, rather than years.
The Accelerator Lab build on UNDP’s partnerships with governments to scale solutions. Together with partners, we learn which solutions can positively impact how development is delivered. We also explore policy frameworks that are needed to drive development acceleration and identify portfolios of grassroots solutions that can spin off into larger ventures.
Global Network
The Green Economy
An important focus for the Accelerator Lab is building national wealth through the green economy - the collective of businesses whose core activities preserve, protect or enhance biodiversity and our natural environment. We forge connections between grassroots innovators, small eco businesses, the private sector and government to learn together. Collectively, we explore new ways for people to sustain themselves and their communities without depleting the resources available for our future generations.
Hydroponic Grow Garden
NEWS AND STORIES
Green Innovation Challenge
1. EcoWash - Pioneering Sustainable Car Care in the Caribbean
EcoWash is an innovative, eco-friendly mobile car wash solution that was launched in 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Founded by Mr. Dareem Jeffery, the business promotes sustainable auto care by using a custom-made cart built from recycled plastic and a minimal-water spray system requiring only two litres per wash, thereby eliminating the need for traditional water-intensive methods. EcoWash uses only biodegradable cleaning agents that are safe for the environment and contribute to sustainable car care practices.
UNDP’s support was instrumental in launching EcoWash and enabling its expansion into new communities. Our support included training in innovative thinking, providing the resources for redesigning the portable cart from recycled materials and supporting the SDG-focused employment of youth and women, who are often the sole breadwinners of their households, while also encouraging environmentally responsible business practices.
Since inception, EcoWash has experienced significant growth, establishing operations in multiple locations across Trinidad and Tobago, expanding into Guyana and Jamaica, and farther afield in Ghana, Togo, Benin, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Mali. The venture has also gained international recognition, earning several prestigious awards, including 1st Place at the Creative Young Entrepreneur Award in Switzerland, the Global Innovation Challenge 2024, and Top Water Innovator 2023.
EcoWash founder Mr. Dareem Jeffery with Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, Mr. Amery Brown, and UNDP Assistant Resident Representative Mrs. Sharifa Ali-Abdullah.
2. Silage from Fish Waste - Reducing Marine Pollution Through Sustainable Agriculture
La Creación de Dios, led by entrepreneur Lisa Perez, implemented an innovative and sustainable solution to marine pollution and agricultural decline by transforming discarded fish waste from local markets into nutrient-rich silage, compost and fish feed. With the support provided by the UNDP Accelerator Lab, this innovative project was successfully launched to promote circular economy practices in Trinidad and Tobago.
Fisherfolk often dispose of fish parts and entrails into the sea or on land, unaware of the harmful environmental consequences. This project addresses the issue by collecting fish waste from markets in secure, sanitary bins, then processing the material into environmentally friendly agricultural products. These fish waste-based products are not only environmentally friendly but also help to regenerate soil health, promote healthier plant growth, and contribute to higher crop yields.
By reducing marine pollution and supporting sustainable farming methods, Silage from fish waste offers a practical, eco-conscious alternative that protects ecosystems while boosting food production. It also demonstrated the potential of eco-innovation to support more sustainable and regenerative farming practices. UNDP’s support played a key role in launching this initiative, empowering a female entrepreneur and promoting green innovation for impact.
Lisa Perez, founder of La Creación de Dios, in her garden
3. Rainforest Agricultural Consultancy (Prison Agriculture)
With support from the UNDP, Rainforest Agricultural Consultancy, led by Ms. Rayanna Boodram, implemented a transformative project aimed at empowering incarcerated women in Trinidad and Tobago through climate-smart agriculture. The initiative introduced high-tech, sustainable farming techniques into the women’s prison system, with the goal of reducing recidivism and promoting rehabilitation, resilience, and reintegration.
The project addressed key challenges in the local agriculture sector, such as labour shortages and limited technological advancement, by establishing a hydroponic greenhouse and an indoor, controlled-environment farming system within the prison. These systems not only produced crops with limited use of harmful herbicides and pesticides but also reduced water usage, making them environmentally sustainable and cost-effective.
In addition to hands-on training in modern agricultural practices, the initiative provided inmates with entrepreneurial skills to support future self-employment opportunities upon release. By merging technology-driven farming with social rehabilitation, the project created a pathway for women to rebuild their lives through food sustainability and eco-conscious innovation. UNDP’s support was instrumental in launching this initiative, which showcased how inclusive, sustainable development can empower vulnerable groups while advancing climate action and food security.
Prison Service launches of "Grow Room" at the Women's Prison
4. Solaponix - Solar-Powered Hydroponic for Sustainable Food Production
Solaponix is a clean energy-powered agricultural system that integrates solar technology with hydroponic farming to promote sustainable, high-yield crop production. By harnessing renewable solar energy, the system reduces reliance on non-renewable resources and minimizes land usage, making it an ideal solution for enhancing food security in space-constrained or resource-limited environments.
This innovative approach to agriculture supports climate-smart practices by using less water, avoiding harmful chemicals, and operating independently of traditional power grids. Through the use of solar-powered hydroponics, Solaponix offers a resilient, eco-friendly model for farming that aligns with national efforts to promote green energy and sustainable development. Solaponix was launched to advance clean energy solutions in agriculture and support the transition to more sustainable food systems in Trinidad and Tobago.
Solarponix team at the Claxton Bay Secondary School
Peace Innovation Challenge
1. El Puente - Bridging cultures through creative arts
Supported by the UNDP Accelerator Lab's Peace Innovation Challenge 2022, El Puente was a creative arts-based initiative aimed at reducing xenophobia and fostering intercultural understanding between Venezuelan migrants and Trinbagonian youth in the community of Belmont. The project identified the burroquite (or little donkey) and moko jumbie stilt walker as cultural artifacts common to both Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela, and used them to create inroads for intercultural understanding. Through a series of interactive community workshops, these sessions created safe, inclusive spaces where youth could explore their cultural identities, learn from one another, and collaborate creatively. The project culminated with a presentation of a traditional carnival band in 2023.
Through UNDP's support, El Puente contributed to strengthening social cohesion and promoting peaceful coexistence in a diverse and evolving community landscape.
El Puente BurroKids Design Team
2. Girls say "Yes!" - Empowering Girls Through Sport and Mentorship
Girls Say “Yes!”, by the Ryu Dan Empowerment Foundation, was a youth-centered initiative designed to empower vulnerable girls in at-risk communities by using sport and sport-based mentorship as tools for personal growth and peacebuilding. The initiative created safe spaces where participants could build psychological resilience, learn life skills, and foster meaningful peer connections.
Through structured activities focused on teamwork, leadership, and conflict resolution, the initiative promoted social cohesion and provided a supportive environment for positive networking. By combining sport with mentorship, Girls Say “Yes!” helped participants navigate challenges and build the confidence needed to thrive in their communities. With the support of the UNDP Accelerator Lab, through the Peace Innovation Challenge 2022, the initiative contributed to broader efforts to preventing violence and promoting inclusive community development through youth empowerment.
Girls Say Yes Participants Visit to the UN House
Tobago Innovation Challenge
1. Riversdale Dairy and Agriculture Ltd, Goat Cheese Initiative - Cultivating Community Through Sustainable Agriculture
UNDP Accelerator Lab partnered with Riversdale Dairy and Agriculture Limited to explore the potential for artisanal goat cheese as a vehicle for sustainable livelihood and environmentally sustainable business in the rural community of Castara. Led by Tobago native, Mr. Kareem Duncan, the initiative was designed to establish a sustainable goat cheese production facility while introducing an educational programme at the primary school level to promote agricultural awareness and an appreciation of innovation.
This educational element helped instill a culture of self-reliance, food security, and innovation among the next generation of agricultural leaders.
With grant funding and technical support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the initiative contributed meaningfully to rural development and stands as a model for youth engagement and sustainable agriculture in Trinidad and Tobago.
The Accelerator Lab team alongside Mr. Kareem Duncan, founder of Riversdale Dairy and Ari Eco Estate Ltd, showcasing freshly made local goat cheese.
2. Tobago Youth Cycling Project - Promoting Wellness and Environment Awareness Through Sport
Youth Cycling Tobago, founded by Mr. Samuel Quamina, is a health and environment-focused initiative that encourages sustainable youth development through cycling. The project aimed to promote wellness, eco-tourism, and community pride by offering young people a positive, socially cohesive and active alternative to sedentary lifestyles.
Central to the initiative was a two-week cycling camp held for youth from the Shivan Road Police Youth Club. During the camp, participants learned the fundamentals of cycling, road safety, physical fitness, and environmental responsibility while enjoying the natural beauty of Tobago. By blending sport, education, and community engagement, Youth Cycling Tobago supported healthier lifestyles and fostered discipline, teamwork, and environmental stewardship among young people.
UNDP supported with project conceptualization, the procurement of the bicycles, preparation of the cycling training site and the preparation of the training curriculum. The project partner was the Shivan Road Police Youth Club.
Youth participants from the Shivan Road Police Youth Club during the two-week Youth Cycling Tobago camp, promoting fitness and environmental awareness.
Read more about the Accelerator Labs:
Learning smarter; a global hunt for solutions to 'frontier challenges'
Accelerator Labs: the challenge of engaging the mothership
What are the new skills we need in development?
Contact and Focal Points
| Name | Position | Email Address |
| Mr. Alan Cooper | Head of Solutions Mapping | alan.cooper@undp.org |
| Mr. Stefan Affonso | Head of Experimentation | stefan.affonso1@undp.org |
| Mr. Keron Allayne | Head of Exploration | keron.allayne@undp.org |
| Mr. Kwesi Maxwell Hamilton | Programme/Communications Assistant | kwesi.hamilton@undp.org |