2025 Innovation Challenge “a testament to the talents, determination of Guyanese youth” – PM

– says Challenge proves Guyana has both brilliance, bravery to lead

Prime Minister (PM), Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips addressed participants at the closing ceremony of the 2025 Innovation Challenge on Sunday at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) where he emphasised Government’s commitment to fostering innovation, youth empowerment, and national development through technology.
The fifth edition of the Innovation Challenge, hosted by the Industry and Innovation Unit (IIU) of the Office of the PM attracted young innovators from Regions Three, Four, and Six.
They were challenged to design a comprehensive digital solution to support Health, Safety, Security, and Environment (HSSE) reporting and oversight.
PM Phillips hailed the initiative as a testament to the talents and determination of Guyanese youth in a post on his social media page Sunday.
He noted that this year’s theme was particularly significant, given the vital role HSSE plays in supporting sustainable development and ethical governance across industries.
Over the course of three days, participants developed creative, user-driven approaches to tackling HSSE challenges by leveraging technology and community-focused design. The PM described their efforts as a demonstration of resilience, collaboration and civic responsibility.
“Why is this significant? Because HSSE goes beyond just workplace requirements—it is a public good. It is a foundation for sustainable growth, safe development, and ethical governance,” he explained, while acknowledging that many reporting and enforcement systems still require upgrades to meet global standards.
PM Phillips further praised the competitors for their courage and creativity in responding to this year’s challenge, adding: “This is what innovation looks like when youths are included and empowered in decision-making. The Innovation Challenge is built on the belief that young people should not be on the margins of national development, but at its centre.”

Reiterating the Government’s commitment to the country’s digital transformation, PM Phillips outlined several initiatives aimed at strengthening information and communications technology (ICT) education. These include the creation of more than 25 smart classrooms, the expansion of broadband internet access, and support for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programmes, as well as community-based learning hubs.
He emphasised that these efforts are essential to developing a digitally fluent society capable of competing on the global stage.
“We are truly building the digital transformation required to make us a modern, technology-driven nation.”
The PM extended appreciation to SBM Offshore Guyana for its continued sponsorship of the programme and urged other private sector stakeholders to partner with the Government in similar ventures. “Innovation must be inclusive, yes—but it must also be collaborative, and you have shown what meaningful collaboration looks like.”
He also called for greater private sector involvement, which, he explained, could accelerate progress and help “future-proof” the nation.
Addressing the participants directly, PM Phillips commended their contributions, encouraging them to view the experience as a launchpad for future impact. “To the participants—you have done more than compete. You have contributed. You have sparked ideas that may one day save lives. You have reminded us all that innovation is about people. Keep building, learning and challenging the status quo.”
Likewise, he recognised the mentors, judges, and organisers whose guidance and efforts helped make the event a success and encouraged all stakeholders to continue collaborating to harness Guyana’s immense potential.
“Innovation is not a moment—it is a mindset. And, the 2025 Innovation Challenge has proven that Guyana has both the brilliance and the bravery to lead.”