The Ministry of Tertiary Education and Skills Training (MTEST) is advancing its drive to build a future-ready, innovative, and entrepreneurial workforce by establishing the Immortelle Intelligence Laboratory at The University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT).
The initiative directly supports MTEST’s focus on equipping citizens with emerging and industry-relevant skills, strengthening entrepreneurship and ensuring that Trinidad and Tobago’s tertiary education and training system responds to the changing needs of businesses and the economy.
Through the Laboratory, UTT will deliver practical AI training, technical support and specialised resources to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), emerging AI talent and underserved communities. At least 10 MSMEs will be supported in implementing AI solutions, 75 individuals will receive AI certification, and 50 residents of rural communities will benefit from digital and AI literacy training.
The three-year initiative is funded by IDB Lab — the innovation laboratory of the Inter-American Development Bank Group — through its European Union-funded CARIBEquity Facility, with a technical cooperation grant of US$300,000. UTT will provide US$298,532 in counterpart funding, bringing the total project value to US$598,532.
The initiative will also connect trained AI talent with employers, support women-led businesses and help MSMEs use AI to improve productivity, decision-making and competitiveness. Minister of Tertiary Education and Skills Training, Senator Professor Emeritus the Honourable Prakash Persad, said the initiative reflects the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring that tertiary education and skills training remain responsive to emerging technologies and the changing needs of the economy.
“Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing the way we work, do business and compete globally. Our responsibility is to ensure that the people of Trinidad and Tobago are equipped not simply to adapt to these changes, but to take advantage of the opportunities they create. Through initiatives such as the Immortelle Intelligence Laboratory, we are strengthening the connection between tertiary education, industry and entrepreneurship, while providing our citizens and businesses with practical, industry-relevant skills that can drive innovation, productivity and economic growth.”
For MTEST, the Immortelle Intelligence Laboratory demonstrates the Ministry’s leadership in transforming tertiary education and skills training into a catalyst for innovation, entrepreneurship and economic development. It also strengthens UTT’s role as an engine of enterprise and applied innovation, connecting education more directly with industry and emerging technologies.
By investing in AI capability through its tertiary education ecosystem, MTEST is helping to ensure that Trinidad and Tobago develops the local talent, entrepreneurial capacity and technical expertise needed to participate meaningfully in an AI-driven global economy, while creating opportunities for home-grown solutions to national challenges.
MTEST extends its appreciation to Dr. Nadine Sangster and the Mechanical, Manufacturing and Entrepreneurship Unit of UTT for their leadership and commitment to developing this important national capability. The Ministry also recognises IDB Lab for its significant investment and valued partnership in advancing innovation, entrepreneurship and the responsible adoption of AI in Trinidad and Tobago. Appreciation is also extended to the European Union for its support through the CARIBEquity Facility, which has helped make this initiative possible.