bmobile, Huawei join forces with UWI for world class innovation lab

TT has received yet another notch in its belt and is one step closer to becoming a technologically developed nation, thanks to a tripartite agreement between The University of the West Indies (UWI) St Augustine Campus, bmobile and Huawei for a state-of-the-art innovation lab.

The bmobile-UWI Innovation Lab powered by Huawei was officially launched at UWI on September 26. The lab, which is the first of its kind in the English-speaking Caribbean, is ultimately designed to accelerate the digital competence and capabilities of TT.

Housed in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at The UWI, the world-class laboratory is set to propel academic research, and facilitate testing and development of new and innovative tech-based products and services; towards commercialisation of unique intellectual property. It will also serve as a training ground for students and ICT professionals to hone their skills.

When complete, the bmobile-UWI Innovation Lab powered by Huawei, will be outfitted with a full range of equipment from ICT giant, Huawei, and configured to resemble the network. It is therefore fertile ground for research in areas such as mobile and fixed networks, optical transmission, IP networks, core and IT.

At the launch, TSTT CEO Dr Ronald Walcott noted that lab marked a significant achievement for both education and technology in TT. “In order to ensure that technological developments remain relevant in this ever-changing digital landscape, we must pursue strategic collaborations and partnerships to support technology advancements, as a means to ensure that we take full advantage of the current dynamism which can redound to economic success.  Indeed, there is sufficient evidence gleaned from numerous studies that there is a direct correlation between ICT development, including high-speed broadband penetration, and economic growth,” shared Walcott.

Walcott added that the lab is intended to be a beacon of ingenious creativity that can possibly lead to the creation of next-level products, services and prototypes. It will also provide an opportunity for creative minds and tech-savvy individuals to fulfil their destiny by providing the impetus and fertile environment for innovative development.

The establishment of the lab also aligns seamlessly with UWI’s mission to advance learning, create knowledge and foster innovation for the positive transformation of the Caribbean and the wider world. Pro vice-chancellor and campus principal, Professor Brian Copeland stated, “Preparing for and adapting to the increasingly digital present and future will determine the rate at which our region benefits from the opportunities that digital transformation will inevitably present for sustainable development. Therefore, the establishment of an Innovation Laboratory is an investment in our collective future. And this partnership with TSTT and Huawei is a historical one as, together, we drive that critical innovation and digital transformation.” Copeland thanked TSTT and Huawei for the collaboration which helps the Campus realise its Mission Trinidad and Tobago.

Jeff Jin, CEO of Huawei TT, emphasised the importance of industry-university partnerships while cementing Huawei’s unwavering commitment to Trinidad and Tobago. Jin stated, “Huawei believes that Trinidad and Tobago is perfectly poised to become the centre of innovation in the Caribbean region. Huawei attaches great importance to development in technology and research in TT and the wider region. Therefore, for this innovation lab, we will provide over 100 pieces of industry-leading equipment that will deepen collaboration with the university, enterprise and industry leaders in carrying out research and development in new technologies, like AI and cloud computing, to help accelerate the digital transformation of TT.”

The bmobile-UWI Innovation Lab powered by Huawei is a milestone for both education and technology and supports TT’s national ICT plan. It will play a key role in contributing to the research needed to ensure that TT is technologically attractive and competitive on the world stage.

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