Bahamian innovators served on a judging panel for Demo Day, at Draper University’s highly competitive Hero Training in Silicon Valley last week. Sixty innovators from around the world pitched their ideas to a panel of experts, selecting individuals for seed funding and other support from Draper University.
The judging panel included Kanoo Innovation Hub (HUB) Co-Founder Davinia Bain, Arrowlynk Ventures President Travis Miller – two experienced Bahamian innovators – along with prominent Silicon Valley venture capitalists Tim Draper, Founder of Draper University and Draper University CEO Asra Nadeem.
“We had a front-row seat to some of the most investment-worthy innovative ideas being developed by entrepreneurs, and it motivated us, even more, to ensure Bahamian and Caribbean innovators have the opportunity to access this global investment network,” said Bain, who is no stranger to business innovation and capital markets.
The top five ideas from Demo Day included a process for measuring longevity; technology for the early recognition of cancer and other diseases; technology to help convert sign language to sound and text for inclusion; new pre-fabricated construction techniques; and AI for architectural vision boards.
The Kanoo Innovation Hub (HUB), which launched last month, announced its partnership with Draper University for a first-of-its-kind innovation accelerator targeted at Caribbean founders, developers and corporate innovators. Seventy-nine applicants from over nine Caribbean countries and the Diaspora have applied so far, for the first stage of the program. Bahamians and other Caribbean innovations can still apply, as the application deadline was extended to November 21.
“The HUB aims to export Caribbean ingenuity by finding, funding and fostering Caribbean innovators with next-generation solutions. We are encouraging anyone with an innovative idea looking for the attention and support of a global investment network to apply for the program,” said Bain.
Successful applicants who advance through to the three stages of this progressive program will also have the opportunity to visit Draper University during its intensive, immersive five-week Hero Training program. There, innovators from around the globe hone their entrepreneurial skills, gain exposure to industry experts and network with other like-minded entrepreneurs who share a vision of changing the world.
Writer: Noelle Nicolls
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