In simple terms, the word ‘innovation’ is defined as a new idea, method or device. It is also the process of translating an idea or invention into a good or service that creates value or for which customers will pay. Further, to be called an innovation, an idea must be replicable at an economical cost and must satisfy a specific need.
Innovation involves deliberate application of information, imagination and initiative in deriving greater or different values from resources, and includes all processes by which new ideas are generated and converted into useful products.
In business, innovation often results when ideas are applied by the company in order to further satisfy the needs and expectations of the customers.
Like its rich pristine landscape, Guyana h
as rich human and natural resources piping with creative juices. The next step is the materialization of those ideas which will inevitably position our populace – especially the youth – in the right direction.
In recognition of the high level of unemployment among Guyana’s youth, and the need to further youth development, the Ministry of Education is embarking on a Youth Innovation Project (YIPoG) which was launched on May 22, 2017 at the Umana Yana.
The project will address in- and out-of-school youths, and is intended to harness the hidden innovative spirit among young people by providing timely and affordable interventions and funding to implement their pioneering ideas.
The project will support existing initiatives such as the Youth Entrepreneurship and Skills Training Programme (YEST), the Volunteerism Support Platform (VSP), and the President’s Youth Award Programme Republic of Guyana (PYARG).
The Competition
The Tertiary Institution and Community Technical Innovation Challenge or TICTIC calls for responses/action by youths/groups/schools to societal issues. The purpose of this contest is the recognition and support of the production of outstanding project proposals and initiatives in the 10 Administrative Regions of Guyana.
Participants
Persons from all 10 Administrative Regions, including Georgetown, in the 16-35 age range and who are not attending a primary or secondary school are eligible to participate. Applicants are encouraged to come up with creative ideas and fundable project proposals that would qualify them to access training and seed funding. Teams of up to 10 persons will be tasked to design and build a STEAM initiative under the mentorship of their teachers.
STEAM refers to activities based on science, technology, engineering, agriculture, anthropology, archeology, architecture, the arts, mathematics and spirituality.
They will also be expected to use STEAMs to propose innovative solutions for identified problems and compete against other teams in the community and country-wide.
Important dates:-
Deadline: July 14
Feedback from Selection Committee:
July 1 – August 31
Announcement of winning projects:
September 1
Production of prototype:
September – November
Evaluation: December 1-15
Categories for the Winners
1. Most Relevant to Sustainable Communities
2. Most Creative and Innovative
3. Best Plan and Project Design
4. Best use of STEAMS
5. Best Presentation
(Article taken from the Guyana Inc. Magazine Issue 27)